Photography On Location: The Lawnmower Shop

If you’d like to send a few bucks my way so I can keep the fridge stocked (and keep these videos free of mid-roll advertisements), check out either of the following links:
- nickcarverphot...
- nickcarverphot...
And check out my online courses!
- Master Manual Metering for Film Photography: www.nickcarver...
- Large Format Photography: www.nickcarver...
Shop prints at www.nickcarver...
Hey you ever feel like you’re a complete hack of a photographer and all your work is eye poison and you’ll one day die never having made the meaningful photographs you always hoped to? Me neither. I was just curious asking for a friend. But in the year 2022 what is a photographer to do when he’s struggling in a quagmire of his own criticisms, pity, and self-doubt?
Make a KZbin video about it, of course! Why pay for therapy when you can just put your deepest, darkest insecurities on the internet and invite everyone to comment on them? Sounds like a grand idea!
Yep. That’s what this video is about. Me hating my photography and struggling to get over that feeling. Because I do get over it…eventually. I just go through these phases sometimes where I hate my entire body of work and I’m convinced I’m just a big ol’ hack of a photographer that will never create a single photograph that matters. Oh shit, I just had a thought. Maybe the times when I feel good about my photography…maybe THOSE are the phases. And when I hate my work and think I’m a hack…that’s when I’m seeing reality for what it is! Oh dear God…
Oh yeah this video is also about taking a photo of a lawnmower shop using 6x17 Kodak Portra film on my large format Shen-Hao TFC 617-A camera. So, you know, there’s some photography nestled in there between my ramblings about mental health. Yeah good times. Analog photography, large format cameras, and the vague dread of life. That’s a cocktail everyone can enjoy.
So…enjoy!
Website: www.nickcarver...
Instagram: / nickcarver

[@MarioVastola]

It's friday and I've spent the day editing photos for some clients. I'm living alone as I've left my girlfriend. I poured myself two Moscow mules already. And a new nick carver video??? What are you telling me universe, are things finally turning my way?

[@billpickle2875]

Good on you.

[@pmartinez358]

Homie….we got you

[@nathonruehl]

Amen

[@davidellinsworth22]

Wow dude.... you needed that shit off your chest didn't you?

[@ConstantinSPurcea]

I stopped caring if my work is sell-able or meaningful (to others) and I just photograph things because I love them. I go on treks to places I'd love to see and capture them in the process. If anyone's out there to appreciate the photos, then good. Otherwise, I'm happy I've been through that experience and it has built me into what I am. That's kinda my thought process for creating "meaningful" work.

[@AldermanFredCDavis]

I watch A LOT of KZbin. A LOT however, I have only typed this about ONE other KZbinr, "You (Nick Carver) come across as an extremely likeable person. I am subscribed to the channel, and automatically "like" each video. I happen to be 'into' photography, but I would also watch your videos if you just sat on a sofa and talked about your day." ALWAYS look forward to seeing your videos.

[@iKeto_gal]

Perhaps one day you may take us with you on a Seascape on Location with you down by the water? I know there's a video with you on top of the beach on an overlook, is it possible to take one down on the rocks for the waves/rocks type picture?

[@hostynphoto]

To me your work is not about the single image. It's about the body of work your making of a particular kind of building. As a European, the selection of buildings you make are interesting in itself. We don't have those types of structures here. And your choice of compositions and light help to define your style. As long as it inspires you, don't doubt it. Just go for it.

[@filmpjesman1]

Absolutely agree, that's why I still hope that someday he releases a monolith of his work, it's so captivating

[@TCizauskas]

22:27 "If you're thinking, 'Why not just switch the sky out in Photoshop?', get the hell out of my office."

[@Philip_Klein]

The hat suits insanely well, been working in fashion for quite some time and i can tell you it definitely adds to your personality

[@coastalartistlivingonislan8395]

We all go through a creative rut. Take a vacation!

[@AmpedGaming404]

It's a sunny and cool Friday. I get to leave the office early. A Nick Carver video awaits when I get home. Pure Bliss

[@davidlogsdon7767]

I think that artists, as all humans, are continually evolving. As a result, the "meaningful body of work" that we strive for is based on our definition of "meaning" at the moment of creation. The challenge is finding meaning in that creation later on when we may longer hold the beliefs and convictions that motivated the work originally.

[@zeballos5757]

I was feeling the same about my thousands of pictures. Digital. I recently went on a road trip to some heritage and old towns, took about 500, got home, and can’t get into them. So weird, because some of them are exactly what I was going for. Best thing to do in these cases is just to step back and focus on something else in my world, until I start to miss my photography again.

[@lrrowley]

@Tanner that has happened to me so many times. However, I often find that if I look at them maybe 6 months or a year later that I rediscover why I took those shots in the first place.

[@karolaneuer5506]

@@lrrowley Absolutely. Also going through really old stuff sometimes helps finding the overlooked gems.

[@zeballos5757]

@@lrrowley yeah, good idea, it’s good to step back I think. Good thing I don’t make a living from my photography 😆

[@arttyree4504]

The life of an artist (and photographers are artists), there ought to be a balanced tension between anxiety/dissatisfaction vs. pleasure and delight with one's own work. Both keep us moving forward.

[@DMDBSJD]

"Get the hell out of my office!" . . . priceless! 👍

[@BurningPandama]

Nick Carver is like a cool beer on a hot day. Also I though that the saying you would put on the inside of your hat was "When you're feeling down, take photos of old buildings straight on"

[@michaelhunter5000]

My hero. Love your work, behind and in front of the camera. Makes me smile.

[@stevenbudd3725]

You Tube is drowning in photography channels. A small handful are gold. Just a handful. Yours is one of them and you're the real deal.

[@charlesgough3528]

Damn, you nailed it. my Motto is, "Embrace the suck until it doesn't suck" Great upload man.

[@carlstoveland]

We all do brother. I appreciate your honesty. I’m lucky when the photo meltdown hits I paint and vice versa. I’ve been doing 4x5 all summer in South Florida. Adding some 6x17 in the swamps. Tough to get out and work in this heat, but I do it anyway. Keep plugging away.

[@draughonc]

You got the right attitude about sky replacement. Loved the way you put it.

[@bobsykes]

I love these field videos. Your sense of how things could look before actually seeing them is unique. Also, your completed backyard studio looks terrific!

[@sweetdavey]

Self doubt and striving for perfection (which of course is unattainable) is almost a guarantee for any truly creative personality. Knowing that thousands of people find your work inspiring and beautiful, and then trying to detach from your own work and see yourself as only one observer/opinion among the others might help, but yeah, it's not easy. Also, having a mindset that is completely opposite that of self-doubt is probably the best mark of a bad artist, so that should be some consolation:)

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

I don’t think I’ll ever shoot large format or the subjects you take. However, I am fascinated watching you work.

[@vincentlamoureux422]

Your story here will be familiar to most creative folks out there but you got the antidote with this new body of work! Thank you for sharing your thought process with us like no one else on YT!

[@kishascape]

I love the kind of dramatic pop that "burn off" lighting as you call it gets. Out in the desert during monsoon I see this repeatedly multiple times a day, sometimes even for prolonged periods. It's especially nice after a rain when it makes the warm tan-reddish tones of the soil and buildings more vibrant as well.

[@OccultDemonCassette]

I love photographing old structures. One thing I do is always make sure I write down the address and county where I took the photo. Much later in life I plan on giving a lot of those photos to the local libraries in the counties where those structures exist for historical archival purposes.

[@jsdhesmith2011]

You crack me up man. Don’t be so hard on yourself and quit kicking them pricks 😂

[@davidmullinphotography]

Every time I see a new Nick Carver video available, I feel like a kid about to open a Christmas present.

[@calvinchann1996]

Every picture you take forms part of your body of work. Whether it is any good, is another matter.

[@jimwlouavl]

I’d forgotten how fun your videos are to watch. Cool hat. Why do we photographers cringe at calling ourselves artists?

[@Eagle1349]

Kudos from an old school PJ and sports photographer, I will never have the patience you have !

[@maf421]

The light you are talking about what I call a perfect photo day. I take photos of heavy equipment ("big yellow bulldozers") for my job, and a harsh, high contrast sunny day is not what I want. I need diffused, soft shadows that reveal important details of equipment condition, yet bright enough to make colors look nice. Too cloudy is dreary, dark and mush, too sunny is hard black shadow areas. It isn't fancy art photography, but it is still a challenge, and pays the bills.

[@tadeusz11000]

Don’t beat yourself up so much, Nick. Yes, we all want a 10 out of 10 each time, but life’s not like that. Always aim for a 10, but don’t expect it every time. Be happy with a 7 or 8, and occasionally you will get a 10, but sometimes it will be a zero. Not so much a mental breakdown, but more a reset, rethink and rebirth. It’s a long journey friend and the road is often bumpy!

[@MichaelZieschang]

1) I love your honesty. Great video. Very inspiring to me. 2) The thing that distracts me most is the barber shop sign on the right. 3) Another line from a song's lyrics: Motörhead = The chase is better than the catch.

[@piezu.]

Always glad to see you post videos here. 👍 Best of luck with your work. Don't let the doubt get to you.

[@stuartbaines2843]

You answered your questions .... Perhaps your Best photograph yet 👌

[@martinswift6777]

Seems a lot of those who suffer for their photographic art need a dose of therapy from time to time; thanks for providing it! More power to you Nick.

[@trevorcrossley3054]

All your Videos flow like a poetic sentence, well done again.

[@ridealongwithrandy]

BTW, I'm a hat guy, I have many different hats for all occasions, I have an Indy fedora that I have worn for years, and one of those banana republic hats that I wear, get lots of compliments. And out in the desert where I travel a lot, no hat = fried brain! Also, a hat is an umbrella that you wear without holding it up with your hand while it's raining cats AND dogs.

[@CollectedLight1]

And the subtle but real addition to the composition by the several trees included. Nice!

[@wanderingambience799]

Your work is not crap! I love the photographs of stores and gas stations. In fact I get my Nick Carver on and embrace being that person standing outside a store waiting for that moment to get the shot. It is simple but it is so beautiful to me. Keep it up!

[@billysauerlandphotography8936]

DUDE!!! (I don't normally say that, UGH) I hear you, feel you and all the other phrases. I am right there with you, just keep on keeping on.

[@PhotoBug3042]

Good thought on creativity. Good thoughts on lighting. Nice hat. Another great post, friend.

[@BooyaJoe]

Ah....good 'Ole Harbor Blvd! Keep your head up. Really love your work.

[@theVAULT909]

Damn Nick. Was just watching this, having a little identity crisis (re: doing meaningful work). Your opening hit VERY close to home. "It's hard for the thee to kick against the prick." I needed to hear this right now-thank you very much. :* And would like to return the favour. When it comes to creative work: "You can't cheat time." Which, to me means: Only time can tell whether or not a piece of creative work 'transcends', or whatever you want to call it, to art. And that's really beyond the individual creating the actual work. I'm 100% sure that Vincent would fully agree.

[@GKhanKutar]

This hat is much much better looking than trucker hats Nick! So wear it more and don't worry ;)

[@ageary]

Perfect location , love that tree outside Franks

[@richardazar22]

Creative ruts are the pits, Nick. There are photos all around us, but sometimes we just can't see them. I think a lot of that stems from the fact that after awhile we feel we have photographed everything around us and can't find anything new. Take a breath, get a map, find the car keys and go scouting on a nice day to someplace you haven't been to. If you do this every now and then you should stay relatively busy with your photography.

[@andrewcanton3539]

You have no idea what this video means to me at this exact moment. I've been going through not just a creative rut, but an almost philosophical tear-my-hair-out type of struggle in regards to my identity as an artist. It all started about a month ago when I was going to submit a photo for a local State Fair fine art competition and there was a section in the submission for an "Artist's Statement" and I couldn't for the life of me put into words what my artist statement could be. I didn't think writing "I just like taking pictures of things I find interesting" to be very good. And I didn't want to write some phony pretentious bullshit that I often see artists make. But down the rabbit hole I went inside my own head. And so for the last month I've been questioning the quality and purpose of my work. It's truly been an awful experience. By the way, I took your online manual metering course and I can't say enough good things about it. It's a truly wonderful and enlightening course. I learned a lot and I can't thank you enough.

[@tompoynton]

Jeff Wall said it best for me: “I think I’m the kind of person who’s happy to participate in things but not unhappy to find a point of view where I can see things happening rather than jumping into the middle of them myself, even though I do that too, sometimes. I think that one of the main qualities is ‘observance’, and I guess that’s also a photographer’s nature, to be observant. Or any artist who has to deal with the world as it appears, and trying to deal with its appearance (is observant). And I feel also that picture-making of any kind... expresses something of an acceptance of the way things are. Not for everyone and not (in) the same way, but I’ve a feeling I’m sort of an accepting person in that I’m glad all these things have existed and have allowed me to see them, or (have) shown themselves to me. So you know, I think there are other elements that come into play, in terms of the activity of making, that also bring out other aspects of a person’s character, but those come behind, in a way, the sense of observing and liking the appearance of things. I love the appearance of a tree or a face or a sidewalk, I just like the way they look. I get enjoyment just from seeing them and seeing them maybe in this light and then in that light. (So) I think that’s pretty basic for me.”

[@ridealongwithrandy]

I have been in a quandary also, the price of gas has me staying home from my adventures. But I saved up a bunch of cash and am going out tomorrow to I don't know where. Just go out and see what turns up. Tomorrow is 2 films cams with different stock, and 2 different digi cams. Let's see what I get, and on the plus side, I get out of the house and get some hiking and walking out in the great outdoors! And the photos of the lawnmower shop are pretty cool. Cheers!

[@philbraithwaite1316]

A Nick Carver video ..... must fix myself a beer.

[@Light_Camera_Story]

Thank you. Most refreshing thing I have watched since my father's departure.

[@branpod]

The whole side tangent about the hat is what I love about this channel. Your philosophy and way of thinking is just super interesting to listen to

[@jefferyargentine4453]

You make me so happy I am committed to film. Thanks.

[@joeyammar2723]

Great video with a great message that i desperately needed to hear 👏

[@PVDriveWest]

The best way to get cloud cover to clear up is to pack your equipment up and start walking your car. Works every time.

[@GG-yc3sp]

I realized that was a little misleading. It could be understood negatively, but I meant it as a compliment, I like the photo very much!

[@MSACoachMike]

I was going through your back-catalogue of videos and I actually prefer you with your signature hat that you introduced and then didn’t wear in this film.

[@larrylindell1027]

Thanks for the video. Appreciated your thoughts and showing me your process

[@billybolang7052]

the Master is back! 🔥🔥

[@LizRoyable]

Great composition, I like the paint stripe in road on lower right.

[@patrickvingo1268]

I totally get this creative dilemma. Have it too many times myself. Thank you for sharing the fear zone with us. Takes guts and generosity.

[@tompetersphotography]

A nice little insight into your mind Nick, fairplay for setting up on that road!

[@MattSchulze]

Like a true construction worker, checking himself in the mirror before he goes out to dig in the dirt. 😄

[@Simon-tc1nh]

Nick , I am a British travel photographer and have won a fair amount of international travel photography awards , yeah I know so what. But man I like your channel, shit I even bought a large format camera set up on the strength of your videos. But please stop beating yourself up and overthinking things! Your work is unique and beautiful. Simon UK.

[@RussellMcCollom]

enjoyed it as always Nick. A little "light" lesson to go with it as well.

[@analog_astronaut]

I know producing videos of this length and quality is not an easy task. Thanks for putting in that effort for our enjoyment.

[@accidentaljester]

This was great, Nick. Thanks for taking us along on another shoot. I think it absolutely contributes to a larger body of work. And your right, when you feel in restive just go out and take that next photo, but don’t forget to bring us along

[@Spacedude609]

The message of this video put into words something that i have been feeling about a lot of my work lately. gonna keep that saying inside your hat in mind in the future.

[@randallstewart175]

If it lightens your day to know, Ansel Adams sported a hat much like your new one during his photo excursions in the later 1940s and 50s. It regular appears with him in most of the photos of him from that period.

[@Barfslayer]

Glad to see a fellow lawnmower enthusiast on KZbin! I myself am a big fan of the John Deere S100.

[@stoef]

I know you said to not console you but in my eyes your work is reaching thousands of people to whom it does mean something. I really enjoy watching your videos, seeing the images get taken and the final results. To me and I assume many other viewers it is absolutely meaningful.

[@petermendelson5839]

How about the "Cozy Corners" sign in the background a little ways down the road - that looks like it could be an awesome subject! Thanks for another great video.

[@ReimannPembroke]

This was a really cool scene to photograph! That lawnmower shop has so much character and tells a cool story! Glad you took this photo even if you had to drag yourself over there to do it

[@ChristineWilsonPhotography]

We all feel like impostors at times, and is the work were doing any good ? Snippets of a point in time that is the meaning in your work, one day they will be gone but you captured it , that will last forever. We run around like crazy people through life , photographers and non photographers alike taking shots and travelling to iconic places , which is all great too , but let's not forget the everyday in our own back yard, which in my humble opinion captures the life and spirit of our times. Glad you hauled yourself out of your rut. Looking forward to the next video . How about a book of your shots ? Or is it too early ?

[@KellyB33333]

Thank You so much for posting this video. I have also struggled with similar thoughts and really appreciate that you are sharing your methods of perseverance with everyone. It will benefit many.

[@ohko3591]

que vivas por siempre amigo mío. me encantan tus videos. saludos desde Chile.

[@BrickBee]

Lots of content I enjoy on the porcelain throne but when Nick posts a video I choose to throw the video on the big screen comfortably sitting on the couch with a drink in hand. Cheers good sir! 🍻

Wonderful Friday. Sunshine, sports and then: a Nick Carver on location video pops up. Perfect Friday 🤘 Thanks so much, Nick 👏👏👏

[@Raevenswood]

When I feel like everything is shit it’s time to embrace William Eggleston style Democratic shooting. Just go shoot don’t think too much about if it fits with what you’ve already done or if it matches your vision for what your body of work should be. Then after you’ve done this for a while start organizing the images in contact sheets. If you have the means to print then print the contact sheets and cut the images out and then start juxtaposing images together until something clicks. Otherwise you can arrange things in a digital contact sheet similarly. You might find a whole new concept in the process. You don’t have to abandoned previous work you can come back to it with fresh eyes down the road. I think it helps at least for me to think of my photography in terms of a photo book rather than singular images.

[@philipculbertson55]

Groovy Nick. I stumbled across the wabi-sabi concept six or seven years ago and embraced it completely. Made me a lot happier.

[@thomasstanley5227]

As always I enjoyed your video. I know I have experienced some of the thought patterns you expressed. Very encouraging. Have you considered taking a photo of the building down the street with the cool looking Taco sign. Looks interesting from where you were filming.

[@marcdeckard7064]

I like your final image. The colors are alive without being ostentatious and the composition is strong with a lot of variety of scale. The fact that you faced possible failure, produced an entertaining and inspiring video was another triumph. You have also given me license to wear my fedoras in public.

[@combrinckvanwyk3218]

Fastest I've ever clicked on a video!

[@petersmitham8273]

I’m an hour late!…..why didn’t someone tell me?!…😘🤣😂📸

[@jdsd771007]

It’s always a nice and happy surprise 😜

[@teenylank]

I feel the exact same way about my work right now. It reeeeeaaaalllllyyyy put me at ease to know that you also go through bouts of this feeling. Thank you so much for this.

[@simonbarnes7124]

You are a truck magnet. I'm glad it's not just me this happens to.

[@311djr]

As always, I enjoyed your video. The image was great and enjoyed you talking us through your 'slow' time. I think we all have had it. I'm fairly comfortable with my medium format, but I bought your photo class so you can teach me all about large format (for the 4x5 I'm trying to learn). Keep up the great work.

[@greatpix]

This location sure brings back memories. I grew up just a few blocks away on the other side of the SA River. I 'think' if you got into a time machine and went back to the '60'sor '70s you'd be a few blocks from the old Kono Hawaii restaurant. The old White Front store was not that long a walk or bike ride. All of Harbor, well the whole of OC, has changed so much since I grew up there in the '60s. Most of the land was still orange groves and farms.

[@ciaranpringle9082]

And the trees!

[@greglong2784]

My 2 cents. 1) hat is Cool! 2) photography is like flying an airplane, sometimes you just need to wait for another day!

[@coreyhodgson1238]

Thanks for being open about this Nick. I know I struggle with stuff that's similar and it's been fueling my depression. Just appreciate it, hope things get better soon for you.

[@jimlebiedz5723]

Love the new hat!

[@jaytolbert7538]

Yes! Always worth the wait for another NC episode. Your frustration and commentary gives us all very useful information as we pursue this photography thing. Especially like the 'replace sky' in Photoshop position. You document the actual, as-it-is world, not the 'created' one.

[@tshingtenglim965]

Don’t think, just do! It’s a very popular saying lately 😄

[@peoriavideosltd6822]

Looks like a real neat old neighborhood. That big boomerang sign with the star on it in the background looks cool too!

[@khalidhassani6173]

Yes, this is your sign to GRADUATE in photography with Nick

[@lawrencedgriffin]

54 seconds in and you are me. Sad it happens to others but glad I am not alone. Your work is great. That feeling it will pass, then it will happen again and again ahhhhhh.

[@greatpix]

I would get into those kinds of ruts and someone, probably one of my photo instructors at OCC, said that when that happens then switch to doing something else for awhile. If you're taking landscapes start photographing people, or babies, or pets, try macro or astro photography. The idea is similar to when you reach a plateau in exercise, you start working on a different set of muscles. I think what's good about this method is that you have to work on leaning new things and that in turn can lead to changing how you approach all photography. Usually it was when I was reviewing work I'd just done that I thought everything I shot was crap but I'd go back months or years later and surprise myself at how much better they'd gotten by sitting in a box or folder on my computer. In your case I wonder if taking a class on painting would work? I did a long long time ago and got especially interested in color theory and studying the composition techniques of the Masters and those helped me to improve my photography, even if I did paint as well as a 2-year old. I was good at sketching though.

[@mproyuclan]

Love your dedication and never doubt your portfolio. Really get so much out of the pictures of yours I have on my walls 👍👍 👍

[@coastalartistlivingonislan8395]

Ah Nick is back on honey! Video just dropped!!

[@suzannedesperey3130]

Love what you do, it's nice to see you back. I think that anybody who truly feels this way about their process, will experience what you're going through, it's all part of it, and it is why you're a great living artist. Hey, there's not too many of those.