BGWG #4: Limiting Your Gear & Diplomático Rum

[@mattdayphoto]

Dude, you pitching the device that goes on vacation for you sounds straight up like an SNL skit. Hahaha. Loved this video, man. Also, I've received a message today asking if we were legitimately related. We need to do a video together.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Matt Day number one comment I get on my videos: “woah I thought you were Matt Day LOLOL” I always want to reply: “Oh that stone cold fox? That Adonis from Chillicothe? Yeah I guess we do look pretty similar.” But dude hell yeah we should definitely do a vid together. Hopefully the universe won’t implode if we get in the same room together.

[@talleyrand9442]

You guys are the best.

[@j.fotosnz]

what the ..eh er who are...um ok who exactly is the replica in this possible duet :-) Anyway subscribed immediately Matt and will get to watching as soon as we have finished this drink with Nick (been a long wait and we're thirsty)

[@mattdayphoto]

Nick Carver Hahaha, you’re the man.

[@mattdayphoto]

Jason Thomas Hey thanks, man!

[@tonyhayes9827]

Hi Nick. Behind the glass with a glass - breath of fresh air. Never apologize to anyone for being yourself.

[@nicklarsenjazz]

I'm a jazz musician who does film photography as a hobby to help my creativity when I'm a little burned out on music, and EVERYTHING you're saying about limiting your gear as a means to reaching full creative potential goes hand in hand with everything jazz improvisors are all about. If you try and utilize everything you know and use every trick up your sleeve, your performance is going to end up being a sloppy mess with no clear direction. But, as soon as you limit yourself, you develop ideas intelligently and creatively, and I find it beautiful how well that translates to both art mediums.

[@Garyjonesphotos]

Good topic and the rum looks good too! I think one of the bonuses of getting out with limited gear is that in pushing against the boundaries of your imagination to create a shot, you become more involved in the composition of it. Losing yourself in the creation of a good image is what makes photography so satisfying.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Gary Jones Fine Art Photography well said.

[@Jessehermansonphotography]

Those pictures of your wedding were so good. I love the look of film

[@JDubyafoto]

Aaaarrr! Rum! When I shot weddings, I used one camera (Hasselblad), one lens (80mm f/2.8) & one speedlight on a Jones bracket. The most images I ever produced at a wedding was around 400 & that was a Greek wedding where the reception lasted days. It really simplified things so I could concentrate on getting the important images & any extras a bride or groom might request. I shot over 1,000 weddings in a five year period and never had a complaint about not shooting enough. Photography equipment is nothing but tools. Use the right tool for the right job with as few options as possible so you don't get distracted. Good to see you back! Congratulations on the nuptials! I'll sip some rum to celebrate.

[@nickcarverphoto]

John Wilkinson a Greek wedding...you are a braver man than I. Thanks for the kind words!

[@774duke]

Noticed this rum at a tax free shop on a cruise ship and remembered your video. Had to pick up my first ever rum and I do not regret it. Cheers!

[@joturchetphotography1968]

Oh my goodness Mr Carver sir, you nailed it for me today with the "limit your tools and you're not overwhelmed with options". I thank you.

[@VedantaDhobley]

It doesn't even seem like it's replacing your gear, it's replacing the photographer. I understand your pain, it is pretty absurd. With the gear, it seems as if more gear makes you think "what photo can I take with my 4th camera?" whereas with limited gear one thinks "what can I use my camera to capture?", and like you said, a process with limited gear seems to lend itself to more creativity. Also, congratulations! I'm very happy for you and for your wife, I wish both a long wonderful life together :)

[@nickcarverphoto]

Vedanta Dhobley thank you very much! And well-put.

[@janneolsson4438]

I loved this video. And I really think You're spot on regarding the "limit your tools" thing. I do believe that when you go out with a full camera bag and see something you want to shoot, you seldom end up with original pics because you're able to do the Standard choice of lens, shootin that pic exactly the same way most others would - "by the book". The pics you bring home after a walk with that odd lens are more unique because not many would use that old helios 44 lens to shoot frogs or that 85/1,2 wide open for floating seagrass in harsh sun. When you have to adapt and change the way you work because you didn't bring "The Standard Equipment" - thats the moment you get creative. Necessity is the mother of invention.

[@GaryWain]

Glad to see you back, great video as always. First the Rum is great and I have, even though its 10:30 AM in the UK I have just ordered a bottle to be delivered home after watching you enjoy that glass :-). As for the rest, I know people that would buy that device, they have no interest in photography outside of taking pictures of their family and vacations and want them to look "OK" I personally don't get it but at least it helps the rest of us stand out. Lastly after I came to photography ( I am not, nor ever will be a pro) after may years break I used just an OM1 with a 35mm F2.8 and a 50mm F1.4 for just over a year, both the limitation of the lenses and the fact I was shooting just film helped me get me back my photog groove. Again thanks for the content and congrats on the wedding.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Gary Wain that’s a good morning order. I think you’ll enjoy it. And thank you for the kind words!

[@pauljenkin297]

Firstly - congratulations. I hope you'll have a long, happy, healthy and prosperous time together. As for photography, less can be more. Having shot various systems (film and digital) since 1974, I've occasionally succumbed to "kitchen sink-itis" and tried to cover EVERY possible eventuality. Once or twice, it's worked in my favour as I've had a backup that I'd have struggled without, if I'd gone minimalist. However, for me at least, having the experience to know what you'll *need* and having a "plan B" (when you're doing something serious) is essential. Your wedding photographer certainly did an excellent job - from the shots you showed in the video. I'm definitely going to check out that rum as I haven't seen it in the UK, yet....

[@nickcarverphoto]

Paul Jenkin thank you for the kind words! And I see what you’re saying - I’ve had the extra gear pay off on occasion. Still trying to decide if those payoffs outweigh the times I’m paralyzed with too many choices.

[@simek_art]

Hi, I'm taking pictures because I like the process of photography. The experience of the moment and environment around. And when I take a photo, it's a reward for the paged time in the photo. Nice video. Thank you. And congratulations.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Jan Šimek amen to that. And thank you.

[@marshallsokoloff]

I shot with only an XT-2 and a 23mm lens, and traveled the world that way for 2 years. Best thing ever.

[@nickcarverphoto]

m sok ballsy and very respectable move. That’s awesome.

[@nose821]

Gracias por promocionar el ron Venezolano. Thank you for promoting Venezuelan rum. We are in such a distress right now and watch this feels good. I am a proud Venezuelan as you can see. Thank you.

[@nickcarverphoto]

nose821 mucho gusto! Terribly sorry to hear about what’s been going on Venezuela. I hope the good people of your country will see brighter days soon.

[@1972Russianwolf]

device turns your $3000 DSLR into a point and shoot.

[@bthemedia]

👏😃😆 such a good video - and I’m only a few minutes in! Congrats on the wedding and thanks for sharing all the updates!

[@nickcarverphoto]

bwvids thank you! 👍🏼

[@yabbadabbajr]

Nick, this video is a complete triumph of what it means to 'shoot the shit with a friend'. Congrats in every way, man.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Cesar Yabor that’s exactly the vibe I’m after with these videos. Glad you enjoy it!

[@morepork281]

Firstly, congrats!! I'm sure I'm not the only one that's missed your content while you've been busy with life 😀 Limiting your gear.......Man, I learnt this the hard way. I have some of the most amazing equipment anyone could want but......way too many choices, way too much time spent thinking about equipment. The more gear I acquired, the less I shot and even though I knew it, I still couldn't stop myself. Simply put, my best images were made when I had one rangefinder and a couple of lenses.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Jason Howe thank you sir! And yeah it seems we all learn the lesson the hard way at some point.

[@henricspeng6732]

Totally agree. I appreciate when I just got into photography, I was too poor to get into any system as a student. Instead I got a Fuji X100S, and that little fixed prime really push me so much trying to think out of the box. Now I've learned and used film and digital, all the formats, but that period is unforgettable for sure.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Henrics Peng that’s awesome. I think especially when you’re first getting into photography, having one camera with a fixed focal length lens really forces the creativity to come alive.

[@AldermanFredCDavis]

Not sure how I missed this video. I see a video from Nick Carver and I'm ON it like a fat kid on chocolate cake. Salute to you and your lovely bride. Happy to hear that you had an awesome wedding photographer..............and especially happy that he shot you two on film.

[@ChritsianBucic]

Nice to see you back again. I am totally agree, essential tool and go to the essence of the creativity.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Christian Bucic thank you!

[@samiissa7668]

limiting your tools to boost your creativity is absolutely correct and you can see that clearly in your Paris and London trip photos with the Xpro 2 .. you took some amazing photos there

[@nickcarverphoto]

sami issa thank you very much!

[@andrewwilkin1923]

Congratulations on your wedding and thanks for a great video. Used to shoot weddings in the 1980's and early ninety's on 120, less is more.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Andrew Wilkin thank you!

[@theanswer_19]

I was editing my pictures yesterday with a glass Diplomático. My favorite rumn, by far. Awesome video and congratulations for the marriage Nick!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Luis Barragan that’ll ease the pain of a long editing sesh. And thank you!

[@gortatpiotr]

I totally agree with your opinion about that device. Buying that is equal to stop exploring the world of photography. Cheers!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Piotr Gortat amen! And thank you!

[@DesimaVEBO]

¡Venezuela en la casa papá! Big fan of your work here and that diplomático is what made me and my girlfriend have great moments.

[@mahmoodal-zadjail6758]

I am so happy you are back doing videos!!!!!!!!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Me too! 👍🏼

[@lohikarhu734]

Arsenal....you said it... kind of turns you, and your gear, into an average-of-everybody point and shoot. As for the one-tool idea... i have done that, a lot, and it's a super thing to do, when you are not out to shoot for money ;-) btw, i liked the old T-90 Program mode that allowed you to quickly modify the shutter/aperture 'balance' on the fly, so you get a lot of the choices that you have in manual mode, just letting the camera do the metering calculation, but exposure shift was also just a button-push away. Your comments about knowing what 'settings' you want, in second, based on a lot of experience, really rang a bell, too; after some years shooting Velvia 50, you really have to be spot-on, to get the image exposure placed where you want it in that small range, but you can do that in just seconds, with experience and passion... an enjoyable video!

[@arcana1973]

I recently took a vacation to Phillipsburg in St. Martin. I lathered myself up in sunblock so I wouldn't get burnt to a crisp. However I failed to put sunblock in one spot and it made life horrible for the duration of my trip: my belly button. Who knew that the sun would focus on that one spot to torture me. Couldn't laugh, couldn't bend over or I would be in pain. It's fun to laugh at now, but when you have a full on belly laugh with a burnt out belly button it's so painful. While in Phillipsburg I took a rum tour to a small local distillery: Tooper's Rhum. Small little distillery that's located in a warehouse, and "handcrafted". I brought home a few bottles. Great rum to sip over a few ice cubes. In fact I poured myself a glass of the "Banana, Cinnamon, Vanilla"' flavor to sip along while watching your video in solidarity. Anyway....I agree with limiting gear. For me it's due to not being able to afford much, so I make do with what I have. For me photography is a hobby and a chance to be creative. I also agree with your assessment on the stupidest piece of gear. One of the things I love best about doing photography is LEARNING. Learning about settings, composition, lighting, etcetera. How the hell can you evolve as a photographer when you're taking away all the valuable lessons of "failure" by using that piece of gear. My photos may not always be the best but they are mine. There's a sense of pride and achievement when you do your own work. Thanks for this video and all that you do. Not only a do you inspire, you entertain me as well. Cheers.

[@conmilonas8329]

I like who you become after a few sips of rum. Best rant I've seen in a while! Totally agree with you Nick.

[@Seangalusha]

Couldn't agree with this more! DSLR and a 24-70 is still the best combo ever in my opinion lol

[@nikyazikov6853]

Completely agree with all your points. I think the reason that arsenal thing exists is to allow people to feel like phosphate rather than be one. I think you'll hate the Google clips camera thing for the same reason (look it up). That's part of the reason I, as an 18 year old, am switching to film. I think it will end up one of the last holdouts of real, creative and soulful photography in a world that wants to automate everything. Film feels more honest because it is. It is unadulterated artistic vision. After years of shooting digital, I don't think I'm going back - I'm building my own mini darkroom as well with my savings. Keep the videos coming. And congrats for getting married!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Nik Yazikov man google clips - a “smart” camera. Because why should the photographer be smart? But man that’s awesome you’re switching to film. So cool to see the younger crowd is still interested in it.

[@nikyazikov6853]

@@nickcarverphoto thank I think my generation (I'm 18, and can only really speak for the UK), is really finding something in film that we cannot get with digital. Which is promising for the future of photography I think. Algorithms will not defeat us.

[@EricWortman]

Similar to the concept of learning on a prime rather than a zoom. I've been finding that I lately carry a camera with a single prime to keep from having choice paralysis. Congrats as well!

[@wuzihuzi]

I think the limiting gear thing is ok to say when you're rich and have too much gear. For someone who has been stuck with the same D7200 + 50mm f1.8 for 5 years, it can be frustrating. Now I'm working more and buying more gear. I can now truly appreciate each piece for what it's for and what I need for each time I decide to shoot when I know what I'll be shooting. I think rather than saying limit your gear you should say, "learn what will make your shot today" and then that just becomes normal photography, not some exercise in artistic meditation.

[@as616]

Great video. I agree about too much stuff on a shoot. I was on a hilltop, camera on the tripod pointed to where the sunset light was going to hit the distant mountains in a few minutes. But while I waited for the light, I got focused on getting the perfect SX70 image of a nearby saguaro and darned near missed the important shot.

[@nickcarverphoto]

AndyB yeah I feel your pain. Been there.

[@bogrunberger]

Diplomatico is a good rum, and I'm glad you've been bitten of the rum fever. Now the next step has to be a bottle of Ron Quorhum 30 Aniversario. It's priced a bit above the diplomatico, but the quality is much better in my opinion. I'm not dissing the Diplomatico because I have that in my stash too and I really like it, but you just have to try the Quorhum and you will know what I'm talking about.

[@nickcarverphoto]

bogrunberger putting that bad boy on the list. Thanks for the recommendation.

[@janneolsson4438]

Lol I like the way you summarised Arsenal. And I completely agree, also about limiting your gear. Best photo moments were with just one lens.

[@AlanMorrisSF]

Great advice. I have been keeping it simple for over 60 years of taking pictures. Keep it simple is still good advice.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Alan Morris good simple advice for keeping it simple

[@mortenfrolund]

Great video! Congratulation with your wedding! I totally agree with your minimalist approach to gear - I get more confused by the many options, than I feel they help me. And yes, I agree, the fix-all device to photography is a sad development to creativity. And lastly: the rum is the one made me know that I like rum:)

[@nickcarverphoto]

Morten Frølund thank you! I think this rum has done the same for me. I never knew I liked sipping rum so much...

[@canturgan]

I'd buy the family occasion device.

[@Riverrockphotos]

Sign me up as well.

[@anthonypearson4056]

100% a winner

[@jdebultra]

Arsenal is a perfect analogy of the millenial and marketed towards them because they dont know how to think. Anything BUT put the work in. I am a bit of a gear head. I made tags with camera / lens / film combos and drop them in a bag. I pick one out and head on out for the project... personal, not paid stuff. Congrats, no reason ypu should be any happier then the rest of us...

[@nickcarverphoto]

jdebultra haha! Classic marriage joke. Love it.

[@Patsesson]

Yes the Boss is back! :) Great video and nice to see the online course has not been forgotten! :)

[@nickcarverphoto]

Patsesson thank you! Definitely not - it consumes me...

[@SackPephirom]

Congrats on the marriage!! Great video as aways! Ball busting for sure lol

[@nickcarverphoto]

Sack Pephirom thank you!

[@juancarlosguzman2827]

This is awesome. I am from Venezuela 🇻🇪 and I used to drink this rum all the time with my friend on weekends while playing Domino and just hanging out at someone’s home. Great content, I’ve been watching your videos for 3 days and learning about film photography. I got Intrepid 4x5 camera long time ago but I haven’t used it, feel overwhelmed, need to buy a lens and give it a try. Thanks for sharing these tips 👍

[@nickcarverphoto]

That sounds like damn good times. And that's cool you got an intrepid. I love what that company is doing to make 4x5 more accessible to people. I feel you on the overwhelm. Venturing into 4x5 was a lot for me to tackle. Made plenty of mistakes, but it's so much fun when things go well.

[@juancarlosguzman2827]

Nick Carver yeah man those were a good times. BTW do you recommend a place where I can buy some cheap lenses to start, beside B&H or eBay? I really appreciate the feedback awesome videos last night I have marathon watching your series of videos in Alabama hills, great stuff 👍

[@nickcarverphoto]

@@juancarlosguzman2827 Yeah I'd check out www.keh.com and www.catlabs.info. Some of the lenses will be super expensive no matter when you look, but if you can find like a Nikkor 150mm or something, they aren't too expensive.

[@juancarlosguzman2827]

Nick Carver awesome. Thanks for the feedback, I will check it out. BTW looking forward to take your class in how to use light meter, I would love to dive into film 👍

[@Laurynas166]

Awesome video man, it was a great way to start of the day and watch you talking about photography. Would love to see you make videos more often!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Laurynas166 thank you!

[@bifcake]

Hi Nick, first of all, allow me to lament a bit and tell you that there's nothing like marriage to kill a relationship. On a more serious note, when I learned photography back in the day (when I was your age, we didn't have lenses), every instructor that I have ever apprenticed or studied with insisted that I stick a 50mm or a 35mm on my camera and shoot. They really frowned upon having too many lenses. They felt that having too many lenses would confuse you if you didn't know what you were doing. As it happens, I think they were right. I had used a 50mm exclusively for years. It taught me so many things like how to use depth of field, perspective, distortion, exposure, and a slew of other things. Having shot with just a 50mm for years really made me understand what I need in terms of other lenses. I could be very selective with my lens purchases and each lens allowed me to do the things I couldn't with a 50mm. They each served very specific purposes. Back in the day when I shot weddings (when I was your age, we didn't have brides!), I shot them on film (which is all we had then) and all I used on my Mamiya 645 were the 80 and 55mm lenses. That's all I shot with and that's all I needed. I would come back with 200-250 pictures from a wedding and that was more than enough. You tried to make every frame count and you didn't want to sit there figuring out which shot was a slightly better one out of 5 or 10 of the same thing. You'd shoot 2 of each portrait (in case someone blinked) and that was it. No need to come back with a 1,000 shots. BTW, the absolute worst invention for photography is KZbin. There's so much garbage out there and all that anyone talks about is equipment. It's like a giant commercial. It's horrible. It makes beginners concentrate on the wrong thing and makes photography all about equipment, rather than the images. Most photography out there sucks as it is, but the percentage of what sucks increases exponentially with the advent of youtube, instagram and all the other "like" based platforms. So, there's my rant. Good video. I'll try to find the rum.

[@elderinmoi1571]

Congrats Nick. All the best for the two of you.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Elderin Moi thank you!

[@amplituhedron5582]

Nice to have you backc and congratulations!

[@nickcarverphoto]

amplituhedron thank you!

[@amplituhedron5582]

@@nickcarverphoto Just finished watching when you said a stupid device I was "is it the AI assistant"? Boom, it is. Dumbest thing ever, they will sell very well. And agree with you on limiting your options, been shooting with just one 23mm prime for a year and at times it can be frustrating, but when it works it blows you in a way that more options wouldn't and also teaches you to see scenes in advance, at least that has been that way in my personal experience.

[@KerenWang]

I haven't seen your videos in couple of years and suddenly there yo are sitting, sipping alcohol. I like it. Have you ever thought of making this into a podcast? I feel like 30 min is something i'd rather listen to than watch.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Keren Wang the podcast idea is a good one. I’ve thought about it, but I can’t figure out how to handle situations where the topic is heavy with visuals, like when I talk about gear. But hearing you talk about a podcast is encouraging 🤔

[@paulmurphypudsey3304]

Just seen your you tube cast, congratulations on your wedding, I also have tool down attitude now, went around Leeds City centre with my GFX 100s with the 45mm only, truly liberating, not bad shot at that, have a good day

[@YMS137]

Congratulations! Great video. Waiting for the exposure course.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Yaacov Simon thank you! Made a bunch of progress on it today, my friend. It’s just around the corner 👍🏼

[@AZFrank4x4]

Yes, thank you, Arsenal....I first saw this on Facebook and I instantly wrote on their page, " Really.... an invention for people who are too lazy or inept to learn how to shot a photo. BTW congrats on the wedding.

[@jimsimon5706]

Oh Nick - got to agree with you that there's a gap in the market for sending devices out to do your life for you. One could stay at home, not see anyone or anything, stroking one's collection of unexposed film... Limiting tools is how I do it. Cheers, Jim.

[@Al_Bx]

Yes !!! Finally ! I swear to god I was thinking about it yesterday.

[@nickcarverphoto]

A Bx it was all you my friend 👍🏼

[@davidpearce2981]

Congratulations nick and your better half, as a ex red head (now grey) I know the pain of sunburn

[@nickcarverphoto]

David Pearce oh yeah that Irish/Scottish DNA is rough in the sunlight.

[@maxwellwellmax878]

Glad to see you back and Congrats on your wedding! Kudos on your Flawless Spanish too!.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Maxwell Wellmax thank you! I’ve been wanting to fully learn Spanish for years, but I always give up. Need to get back on it (and your comment is encouraging)!

[@Hermanwagen]

I loved your “rant” :) I had an epiphany some time ago & not everyone will agree (maybe not anyone) but to me digital & especially shit like that device are simply NOT photography at all, but image making. There is nothing wrong with digital & or automated image making but it’s just not photography. Love your channel, cheers.

[@vanvisualmedia2821]

Ben is the GOAT and one of the nicest people out there.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Van Visual Media dude’s a legend.

[@mistermadsen]

Nice phototalk Nick, now go out and shoot and give us an episode of "Photography on location". I love those vids...my favorite is The Liquor Store 📷 keep up the good work man, cheers 🍻

[@nickcarverphoto]

Terje Madsen got some ideas in the works on that front 👍🏼

[@mistermadsen]

@@nickcarverphoto Ohhh, that's great man, can't wait 👍

[@criostoirocuinn]

Last September I did a tour of the SW and in locations like Monument Valley and Antelope Canyon (photography tour) I ended up giving demonstrations on how best to use Manual settings to these people with camera's 4x the value of mine. I was still getting better images than them on my $800 crop sensor than those on the 5D MKiv's and Sony mirrorless models. I'm not boasting but I think these (dumb) products are aimed at those people, more money than sense/skill. I wouldn't worry about it, think the photographers will see through it. Congrats on the wedding (to both of you), would love to see your (on location) take on Arizona/Utah some day, a long weekend off work over the summer to unwind perhaps....

[@nickcarverphoto]

criostoirocuinn you’re absolutely right. I’ve met many of those types in camera clubs and classrooms.

[@Joshbaldophotography]

Good to see you again Nick!

[@nickcarverphoto]

joshjb30 thanks! 👍🏼

[@Richardsumilang]

Ah, saved this video for how I like to start my morning, with a nice hot espresso and some Nick Carver! Maybe next time I'll save this for a night with a bottle of something alcoholic haha

[@nickcarverphoto]

Richard Sumilang haha that’s awesome. Talking rum over breakfast makes me seem like a real alcoholic.

[@Richardsumilang]

@@nickcarverphoto I honestly thought you shot these videos in the late afternoon or evening! You just gave yourself away lol

[@colinbazzano]

I LOVED my contax g2! I bet he has the standard three lens set; 28mm, 45mm and 90mm! It’s perfect and I enjoyed it so much, I sold it all to help fund an m10 to slim down gear

[@tallaganda83]

The paralysis of choice, this is actually one of the reasons I shoot film. Pick a stock then find subjects that suit that "look" instead of the other way around.

[@nickcarverphoto]

tallaganda83 exactly. Sometimes just the sheer combination of edits I can do on the computer with a RAW file is overwhelming.

[@greglong2784]

Congratulations! A good wife companion is the best. Loved the video. Funny on the " photo app". Keep up the good work.

[@TonyWodarck]

Your wedding photos looked amazing! Loved hearing the BTS of it all.

[@farouk6564]

Congratulations Nick! You’re going to be a great dad.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Farouk thank you sir!

[@antoniotomas425]

Loved this one! You're so right on the one camera one lens thing! Some of my best shots ever were taken with such kit! That's why I love my rolleiflex! It forces me to see creativly. And you're take on arsenal? I couldn't agree with you more! But there are people for all sorts of things! Great vídeo Nick! Well done!

[@markkinsman5013]

Great video as always! 2 thumbs up on the Diplomatico. I’ve had the Anejo and the Mantuano varieties, your choice is next on the list.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Mark Kinsman thank you! I didn’t know about those varieties. Gonna have to try those someday.

[@dannyandews]

Great content and I appreciate the all in one take

[@nickcarverphoto]

Daniel Andrews thank you!

[@UltraClue]

Oh! I guess I already have Arsenal. Although on my camera it's just called Auto Mode.

[@nickcarverphoto]

UltraClue yeah but you don’t get to use your smartphone to control that one. Waaaay less sophisticated.

[@TobbeRocks]

I’m drinking the same from a 3liter bottle ( yeah you can buy it in a 3liter bottle) and watching a really sensible dude -Subscribes.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Good to know. I'll keep an eye out. Cheers, my friend. 🥃

[@only-stardust]

Always glad to see a new video from you Nick! Jeez that device sounds appallingly heinous... I hate to think of a beginner relying on something like that and the workings of their camera remaining an absolute mystery to them forever Also thanks for the drink recommendation, I just ordered a bottle of that since I've never given rum a proper chance, I keep just buying more Highland Park

[@nickcarverphoto]

Winston Broderick yeah that thing in the hands of a beginner... Sad to think what they’d miss out on.

[@benjaminaguilera8097]

I'm from Venezuela and this video earned the fastest click i've ever hit on a subscribe button

[@ApostolosNikolaidis1]

Hahahaaa! The part referring to this automated thing is so funny! Totally agree.

[@oliviermaes4837]

It'd be amazing if you could take the concept of BGWG and make it into a podcast. Everything you talk about in these videos don't really need anything visual and your voice is so nice to listen to that I think this could be a great idea!

[@garyz2674]

Great video, as always. I'm glad you found Diplomatico. It's always in stock in my cupboard. As far as your hypothetical Vacation App goes, it would have saved you from that wicked sunburn.... just saying.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Gary Zubick ha! That’s a fair argument. Let some dumb app get a sunburn for me.

[@stuartbaines2843]

😂 "Arse n nil" great tool . Agree with your sentiment just had a great time at a wedding shooting film 👌👾

[@jimwlouavl]

A hybrid approach to limiting your tools is having a number of cameras and lenses and taking one camera and one lens out at a time. If you get there and think a different tool would be better, go back. Btw, I’ve been catching up on the BGWG series from home in Louisville, Kentucky. I think you’d enjoy a trip here to tour distilleries, and you might enjoy photographing the small towns and rural sites where they are. Some of the older buildings might fit your aesthetic.

[@Fivetogoable]

Loving the BGWG series. This one had me in stitches, truly one of the funniest things I've seen on YT in a while. Maybe you didn't mean to be that funny, but the way you described the sunburn thing made me LMFAO. Thanks!

[@fantomfoto]

Totally agree about the Arsenal thing. Having said that I do love some of the Alpine Labs tools like Spark & Pulse but those are actual real remote camera tools that help with things like time-lapse and long exposure. But at the end of the day the photographer still decides the settings.

[@nickcarverphoto]

fantomfoto yeah I can see the value of time lapse functions and such. Those things are best done automatically anyway.

[@northeasternwildlifephotog4504]

If you have ever tried Bullet bourbon you will love Deadwood bourbon, same kind of taste, just not as harsh.

[@nickcarverphoto]

jrtomasella.photos never tried that one. Gonna have to add it to the list.

[@scovarrubias24]

This video inspired me to only take my wide angle to Joshua Tree to photograph the Milky Way! Welcome back!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Stephen Covarrubias nice! Have fun!

[@peoriavideosltd6822]

Looking forward to the exposure metering tutorial.... I even bought a Pentax spotmeter for it! I have a Gossen incident meter so using a spotmeter is a different mindset.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Peoria Videos Ltd glad to hear it! Made a bunch of progress on the course today. It’s just around the corner.

[@m00dawg]

Congrats Nick! Also haha pretty funny rant there going on (I too think that device is super dumb). Also good points on limiting gear, I've gotten into that trap before.

[@gregkent3748]

I’m with you on the Arsenal thing Nick! But for future inventions if they do finally make a car that drives me places while I sleep in the back seat...Let’s leave that one alone... I will want that..cheers!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Greg Kent yeah I think I’d get on board with that too

[@andrethibault1410]

alright don't worry I won't say it,Congrats Man!!!!! whoops, sorry.....hey glad to see you back ,been missing your humor!..Always another great video !! Limit your gear,Yes you couldn't have said it better!! Cheers!!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Andy Thibault haha! Thanks man!

[@edmontonian5270]

Hey congratulations on your wedding. More importantly tho, from one Dorkus to another, BIG congratulations on finding someone willing to put up with your nerdy ass ;-) I've had Diplomatico in my cabinet since I first tried it about four years ago. That stuff is like smooth, smooth candy. Great choice for today's show. Your vids are always the highlight of my day. Thanks for putting in the time and keep them coming!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Wade Poitras ha! Yeah I realized at some point along the way that if I can just find one woman to put up with my crap, I better seal the deal. Thank you for the kind words!

[@mattdavies5023]

A device that goes and has dinner with my family..... i'd be tempted sometimes! Recently I have been using my X Pro 2 and the 35, limiting gear is refreshing and challenging and reminds me of when I was first learning photography with an Olympus OM 1 and a 50mm. It's also a good way to develop a photographic style. Great video as always.

[@samiissa7668]

it's good to see you back man

[@nickcarverphoto]

sami issa thanks!

[@dankspangle]

Careful on that rum. It's an unforgiving hangover. I once shared a bottle of rum with a German on the beach at Nice. Slept on the beach. In the morning, a blazing hangover in the increasingly blazing sun. Ow.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Dank Spangle I got a headache just hearing that story. That sounds brutal!

[@waynewendel655]

You hit the nail on the head with this one.

[@tracphil]

My favorite sipping rum! I totally agree with your Arsenal assessment. I was WTF???

[@nickcarverphoto]

Tracy Phillips glad it wasn’t just me. When I saw the pledge total, I thought I must be missing something.

[@kcerezo4539]

Congrats! This is one of the most informative and meaningful contents.

[@nickcarverphoto]

K cerezo thank you!

[@BurlapandLight]

Seriously....I'd rather figure out my settings. Don't need something to do it for me. Where's the creativity? Thanks for the new photographer Ben. Outstanding wedding images.

[@mariustoma5656]

Nick, what a great video, usually I don't last more than 5 minutes on a 30 min video, I like the fact you are discussing more topics, congrats on the wedding, Arsenal is a gimmick and Ben Christensen rocks, cheers.

[@BrianLarmay]

I know your on location, but you should totally go with the "Masterpiece Theater" theme. Fireplace in the background, your new wife bringing you your " (congratulations btw) glass"..a retriever laying on the floor. And you have to have the classical music goin on too, as if you don't have enough on your plate.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Brian Larmay ha! I’ll definitely need a pipe to complete that picture. Would love to have that setup.

[@mark222b]

great rec on the rum... can't wait to try your other recommendations

[@Black_Jesus3005]

That’s a problem I have right now. I bring all my lenses in an bag. I always hum and haw when deciding what lens to use. Your wedding photographer is a badass