Photography On Location: The Laundromat

Check out my online course all about light metering for film photography: www.nickcarverphoto.com/metering
Your contributions make these videos happen! www.nickcarverphoto.com/contr...
Well, ladies and gentleman, this "Photography On Location" video certainly takes the record for the longest production time yet. It was a doozy!
In this outing I finally create a photo that I've envisioned for years. A local laundromat in Laguna Beach, California always caught my eye when I drove past. It's got character, it's got style, it's got vibes, and it was just begging to be photographed on 6x17 at dawn.
With my trusty Shen-Hao TFC 617-A and a couple rolls of Kodak Portra 160 film, I set out to make something nice. Something that captured this lovely building in all its glory. There were no shortage of challenges, but I sure as heckfire wasn't going to give up on it. This building deserved to be photographed properly.
As most photoshoots go, things didn't come together perfectly in every way. Timing was tricky, the weather wasn't always cooperative, and there were plenty of variables completely outside my control. But hey, that's photography for ya. If things went perfectly every time, photography would be pretty boring. Am I right or am I right? Or am I right?
And quick side note: I recently released an online course all about manual metering for film photography. The course includes 10 in-the-field demonstrations. This very laundromat happens to be the subject of one of the live metering demonstrations. If you're interested in checking out the course, visit www.nickcarverphoto.com/metering
Okay, campers, enjoy the video and thanks for watching!
Website: www.nickcarverphotography.com
Instagram: / nickcarver
Metering course: www.nickcarverphoto.com/metering

[@DriversSide]

If you ever want to know the definition of motivation, it’s waiting 5 1/2 months to photograph a laundromat at dawn haha great video!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Motivation. Psychosis. Take your pick.

[@desertmav8632]

Nick Carver for what it’s worth I’d have moved my car for ya, just sayin...

[@kishascape]

“People will be less likely to be doing their laundry at 5am” *me with insomnia* 🤭

[@spete7]

I have been binge watching this entire “photography on location” series here and it’s quickly become my all time favourite photography content on KZbin. Please keep doing these man they’re amazing!!!

[@Rashoop]

I lived in Laguna Beach for six years. One summer... the sun never came out. We called it The Endless Bummer. Great shots though. Nice to see my old stomping ground!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Haha! The Endless Bummer. That's good. We've had that this summer too. The marine layer just won't quit even into August.

[@fangxusun1723]

Wow, finally back on track? Have been waiting to see videos like this. More please!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Now that the online course I've been working on is finally complete, yeah I'm back at it. Thanks!

[@bitchplz]

@@nickcarverphoto Good to hear! Do more film tests and 4x5 please. Always interesting to watch!

[@MrK67017]

"The Laundromat?"...YES!!! There's a building in Delaware, very non-descript, that's been calling my name. I drove past it last night all lit up, and I stopped for a photo but didn't have a wide enough lens. Needless to say, I'll be back tonight. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@AndreasLarzon]

YEEEESSSSSSS... now I'm Happy.!! After a hard day at work, I see aA new Nick Carver "on location" episode. Now I'm going to Chill and enjoy.

[@nickcarverphoto]

These are the kinds of comments I love to see. Thank you!

[@joeallam]

Had this video in my recommendations and thoroughly enjoyed it! I've recently been eager to find more photography channels on KZbin for my own inspiration and you've tapped a different vibe to others I've seen - thanks!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you very much!

[@masterrickknight]

Always enjoy your input on scouting and planning a shoot on location. It just goes to show the dedication it takes to pull-off a somewhat simple shoot that isn't always simple. And you're right that if it was easy it would certainly be boring. You are one of the few content providers that really inspires me to refine and enhance my photography skills. Thank you for sharing another great video.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thanks a lot for the feedback. I'm glad to know that showing all the lead-up to creating a photo like this is interesting to some folks.

[@jam06477]

Thank you for putting these awesome videos together! You have a great sense of humor, technical ability, clear reasoning, and great video talents. Looking forward to more content in the future.

[@cowboygareth]

I was never a fan of landscape type photography. I never really understood the point of it, and always thought it's too simple and boring. Man did your videos COMPLETELY change my mind!! I'm not sure I'll ever go into large format photography myself but now I can't respect landscape photographers more and rush to your vids everytime there's a notification...You're a pure artist man. The care that went into the production, the detailed thought processes, the humor, the pictures..oh man the pictures. Everything is perfection. Pure art experience. I literally feel like I went through the whole thing myself watching your videos. If I had to stick to one photography channel yours would be it. Never stop creating bro.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Dang man thank you for this. Makes the hard work feel worth it. Made my day.

[@harperstathletics]

just came here from Thomas Heaton's channel... glad I did. Great photo stuff, good production, humor, subscribed.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you!

[@danielecarbonaro1661]

@@nickcarverphoto me too. great content. genuine and original

[@ifgenia]

Me too! Also subscribed, great content. Makes me want to shoot more!!

[@ucevrim]

Never did I ever watch a youtube video that somewhere along I forgot it was a youtube video. This is trully amazing work, I loved every bit of it.

[@nazsimons]

Man, it´s just like if Chandler Bing was a photographer. High ISO, High Sarcasm.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Could I BE anymore Chandler?

[@RossJukesPhotography]

Oh boy!!! I haven’t even watched a second and I know this is going to be good! ❤️

[@RossJukesPhotography]

Not disappointed, awesome image.... am I allowed to say it has a ‘Gregory Crewsdon’ feel???

[@nikyazikov6853]

@@RossJukesPhotography completely agree

[@aaronoverstreet1436]

@@RossJukesPhotography Yah man, was thinking the same.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Dude I'd be glad to be breathing the same air as Gregory Crewsdon. I take the reference as a huge compliment.

[@jeffkim6729]

Hi Nick...just discovered your videos. Thanks for sharing. Rarely is videos available on KZbin of this caliber and quality. Thanks for the "masterclass".

[@claytonmiller6710]

Yes!! Pour another glass of your favorite carmel colored bev and pull up a chair! More adventures with Nick.

[@nickcarverphoto]

I'm going to include that in the instructions on how to watch my videos. Perfect.

[@NJ1810]

corona times, sitting at home, not supposed to go outside. I'm rewatching all Nick Carver episodes. Thank you, Nick!

[@michaelcarrithers6811]

What I especially liked here -- and in all your work, for that matter -- is the sense of a process in which the instantaneous act of photography is the fruit of a slow and reflective growth over months or longer. It's what makes what in description sounds minor and everyday, like a shot of a laundromat or liquor store, into a major and unusual evocation of a much larger world, both within the frame and in the resonance from the history and experience of those places and the people who inhabit them. No wonder you never get tired of photography, as you said in one of your videos: there's always something brewing. Thank you hugely!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Couldn't have said it better myself. Thank you very much!

[@trippwilsonphoto]

Nick, while I completely agree and empathize with your reasoning and choice to discontinue this series for these types of photos, I would just like to say that I'm grateful you've left the old videos up. This is one I constantly come back to for inspiration.

[@pedromilana]

Love the videos! I've been learning a lot from your tutorials and have noticed a huge difference. Thank you!

[@nickcarverphoto]

That's awesome, my friend, thank you.

[@natekong3596]

Tom Heaton brought me here and you sir earned a subscriber. Fantastic stuff.

[@TomKaszuba]

One word. Incredible. Another word. Talent. Another word. Gorgeous. Final words. Worth it.

[@simonbarnes7124]

There’s something I wanted to say about shooting film. Watching you looking at your negs through a loupe made me think of my film days. I miss not having that negative, the pleasure I’d get from examining it before the first print was made. The physicality of that piece of film. Then there was slide film. Oh boy, me, a light box and a 6x6 transparency. Pure addiction.

[@nickcarverphoto]

1,000%. Examining negatives on a light table is one of my favorite aspects of shooting film. The satisfaction I get from that tangible interaction with my photos is like nothing else.

[@lenabalakumarsubbarayan]

One of the most entertaining videos I have watched. Your sense of humor + your photography style is a rare blend out there. I just wish more people realize what a great content creator you are and join here. Hoping to see many more videos and photographs from you.

[@9000tastebuds]

4:40 That genuinely made me laugh man, maybe it's just something relatable to me 😂

[@richardbeasley9084]

Good to see Nick getting the love he deserves. What a boss with the craft.

[@clickred]

I also like the way the hedge in the first photo is not trimmed and adds to the character of the picture. Lots of pluses in the first to make up for the lack of the mist. You have a winner here.

[@nickcarverphoto]

I hate ads. And I'd like to keep them to an absolute minimum on my videos. If you feel the same way, please consider making a small contribution at nickcarverphoto.com/contribute If you can't contribute, no problem. I'll continue making videos as often as I can. And from the bottom of my heart, thank you for viewing my channel.

[@Joshbaldophotography]

Thanks Nick! Appreciate the extra effort! Man I laughed so hard when you went back the third time! Thanks for being so flippin funny

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@430bbrooks]

The best on KZbin no question. 1. Nick Carver; 2. Evan Ranft; 3. Ben Horne . . . Then, everyone else.

[@nickcarverphoto]

That's some steep competition, so I appreciate even being included in the ranks with those guys. Thank you!

[@talleyrand9442]

Awesome. Really shows the craft that goes into getting that picture just right. Dedication and patience. I've got my own laundromat I need to get back to myself, lol . Thank you.

[@amartinjoe]

beautiful! I've always like the brushed aluminum look & stainless steel reflection that come off of those machines.

[@MartysWhiteSuit]

The building is so cool in those early shots you show. The colours and design are so retro. It has a style all its own.

[@accidentaljester]

The second photo Wasn't a failure. It made you realize that your first was that much better. Keep it up! Love your videos. Insightful and your enthusiasm shows through.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Amen to that. Even my worst photos don't feel like a waste because they make me appreciate the good ones even more. Thanks for the kind words and for watching.

[@omegamanz6]

I like full face front on pictures too, they just seem to have a place. Thanks to Thomas Heaton for point you out...cheers

[@ciaranpringle9082]

Hi Nick - greetings from Ireland. Another brilliant video. You are the main man when it comes to film photography on KZbin. I've also just worked through your video course on metering. It's an absolute masterclass - the last word on the subject. Keep up the great work. Ciarán

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you very much, my friend! Can't thank you enough for the kind words regarding the course.

[@VedantaDhobley]

Love your on location videos! Glad to see you back out and shooting :) Interesting to see how you chose to compose this scene where a centered shot would be disorienting, great photo.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you very much. Ah yes, disorienting. That's a perfect way to describe how I pictured that straight-on composition.

[@saxmangeoff]

Love it! Entertaining as always, and a great glimpse into the process of sizing up a location and figuring out how to make the photograph.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Couple thoughts: One, your videos are fantastic and your photography is fantastic; well done. Two, as someone who also makes videos here, people like you give me encouragement that not everything needs to be screamy and shouty and level 11 techno all the time. Just dropping a comment to let you know that your style is noticed, and appreciated, and encouraging for those of us still working on finding their style (albeit in a different space.) Cheers

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you very much. Means a lot. And I know what you're saying about the high-energy style. "WHAT'S UP GUYS?? IN THIS VIDEO I'M GOING TO TELL YOU WHY I SWITCHED FROM CANON TO NIKON!!" Not for me.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

@@nickcarverphoto 😅Exactly

[@papertiger982]

I love the Groundhog Day vibe of this video.

[@muatao9943]

Now that's dedication to one's craft and vision. Bravo!

[@jamesnorton7589]

Nick, i discovered your channel a week ago and it might be a best thing a found on youtube for a long time (questionable complement, but if you think about it, you are quite an outstanding creator on this platform, even among let's say "film photography" channels). Your videos are such a relief both for the eyes and soul, i just enjoy watching you work. I like that your on location videos are not a tutorial but a real process of you working with a resonable amount of information. And of course your pictures are great. I'm like opposite of american cause i'm russian, but i like american southwest aesthetics, and your photos bring this beauty to a next level

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you very much for the kind words. Love to hear that my videos can be enjoyed on the other side of the planet. I'll keep bringing those Southwest aesthetics to you out in Russia.

[@arcana1973]

Such dedication!

[@FlorianCueni]

Man, I just love your videos! Great dude with an awesome sense of humor, and an outstanding photographer too!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you!

[@Ricoimba]

Best photo series on KZbin.

[@nickcarverphoto]

I don't know about that, but I'm glad it's at least towards the top. Thank you!

[@Khrastal]

Great content as always, and that sense of humor, love it! I don't see anybody else could achieve both entertaining and professional at the same time. Really really appreciate your work Nick!

[@paulleonardsmith7861]

Just wanted to say I'm loving you videos . I'm catching up with older ones . I used to shoot 5x4 and 10x8 studio industrial photography , horseman , sinar , etc . Forgot how much we have lost with digital. Thanks for restoring an old photographers love of photobraphy

[@MWigforss]

Love your videos man! Great mix of technical stuff, vision and execution and a lot of humor! Made my day. Thanks

[@nickcarverphoto]

Glad to hear that. Thank you!

[@abduld]

FINALLY ANOTHER ONE LETS GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[@nickcarverphoto]

That's the kind of enthusiasm I like to see!

[@tompoynton]

Yeah! Great to see another location video!

[@murk.mp4760]

the way he scouts the place before doing the shoot is like watching a hitman planning his assasination.

[@joakimwijken]

When the third trip came in to mind! So good! Keep at it!

[@Paul-fm3cf]

First time seeing one of your videos and I absolutely loved it, from your presentation style to your working methods explanation and the brilliant photos. And the icing on the cake? No infuriating music soundtrack competing for attention with your commentary or distracting from watching the non commentary segments. Seems to be compulsory on videos these days, so to see yours without music is a breath of fresh air.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you very much. I'm trying to not do what everyone else is doing, so I appreciate that.

[@fredskates314]

love the attention to details

[@Lukay111]

absolutely love your videos. especially that they're not only 10minutes long. it's such a chill and entertaining thing to watch.

[@tonyvaldivia7300]

Your channel was suggested by KZbin from my past viewing. They got it right! I watched this episode and I looked at your web site and the Orange County pics. Now a subscriber and THANKS for the inspiration you've provided to me today!!!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you very much! And thanks to that KZbin algorithm - haha.

[@JamesKerwin]

Loved the style of this. And the added humour as well.

[@joshuafagans7534]

Love, love, love the on location videos. Hearing you talk through what you are looking for, what you get, frustrations, etc is so so helpful. Thanks!

[@joshuafagans7534]

Lol, btw love the shot!

[@nickcarverphoto]

@@joshuafagans7534 Thank you! Very glad to hear those aspects of the shoot are useful.

[@ChritsianBucic]

I like your patience in the details! It's always a good moment to watch the way you managed your composition.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you very much!

[@EricBryan]

Love the humor! I can relate to all those repeated trips to the same location. Part of the fun but so frustrating too. Glad you’re doing well!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Good to hear from you, Eric! And oh yeah I know you can relate. I can only imagine how much patience and persistence your 8x10 requires.

[@carlinschelstraete682]

Nick I just love the 3 visit photo op. For some reason it just makes total sense to me that you would visit this over and over. I also appreciate the absolute dedication to the Perfect Image. I'm sure it inspires many who watch

[@Amills50]

I love these on location videos so much

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you! 👍🏼

[@domtorque]

YES.

[@chrismcmullan8214]

so sick need more of these please!!

[@marcgibier6071]

good to match you back Nick.

[@xolracke]

I was searching for a symphony and one of your videos showed up. I am glad my curiosity made me watch it. This year in LA the haze land has made difficult to shot landscapes, not that there is any in the city. Awesome videos

[@nickcarverphoto]

I don't know how that KZbin algorithm works, but I'm glad it pointed you to my video. Thanks for watching!

[@esphilee]

Wow. Awesome.

[@skinnymcdibbens9698]

Love your attention to detail and patients, really sets you apart from other KZbin photographers. Keep it up!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thanks!

[@pettermagnusson9965]

This channel is without a doubt my favorite channel ever on KZbin. So freaking amazing and now that I’ve seen more or less all of them It feels like I might as well forget about KZbin. First bell enabled channel ever and boy am I looking forward to hear it ring

[@nickcarverphoto]

Man, thank you so much for the kind words. This is the reason I keep making videos.

[@deesainthi4414]

We need more of theseeeeee

[@sillysausage72]

4:59 lol! Great video once again.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you!

[@bigmamashouse5193]

Love your content man! It's great how much detail you put into the videos, and allow us to step into the critical mindset you have toward your work.

[@stephenmac5837]

Brilliant just brilliant

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you!

[@matskroehnert]

You had me at 6x17... those are some gorgeous pictures you took there!

[@RyanLunaPhotography]

LOL...now I'm thinking as I'm out shooting Woods Cove, Victoria Beach, 1000 Steps, Nick is photographing old buildings down the street. Nice vid Nick.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Ha! Damn straight.

[@grantgauvreau2744]

Love this video. I don't mind waiting a long time for quality content, would love a new On Location video every few months, if possible. Thanks again for being such an inspiration!

[@foblivio]

Great video that really shows how much work is involved with taking pictures of buildings! Time of day, time of year, weather, obstructions, etc., all factor in. One of the best KZbin photo videos I’ve seen in a while. I just came back from a moderate hike a few days ago to capture a shot I’ve been visualizing for years. It came out almost perfectly except that the background skyline was backlit. I will have to wait till next summer to make it happen, as only very early (before 7:00am) will the sun strike the north-facing side of the buildings, weather cooperating, and assuming I don’t encounter hungry bears or cougars.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you! And good luck to you on that shot. Especially in regards to avoiding bears and cougars. I only had to worry about a different kind of cougar in this beach town.

[@CraigPrentisPhoto]

Thank you Nick. Another great video.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you very much

[@Goriza]

Really enjoy your every videos! Hope to see more soon😆😆😆

[@gui4j]

having watched quite a few of these you tube videos and check his images elsewhere , I took Nicks manual metering for film course online , and was very impressed , a very gifted knowledgeable photographer ,photography teacher and presenter ... his teaching method and explanations are interesting , fun and informative and I enjoyed the 7 hrs of classes over the 3 days I watched , were I was struggling with understanding, I grasped pretty quickly withs Nicks help , he also covered a lot of side topics on exposure and camera techniques which was interesting , helpful and beneficially ... I highly recommended his classes and the teaching for me was money well spent . if u want to improve or understand more about film exposure , film, and photography and composure you can do a lot worse than take his course ...

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thanks for this testimonial, Guy! I appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with the course!

[@gui4j]

@@nickcarverphoto no problem Nick, I got a lot out of the course, the bits I had picked up from the books fell into place watching your lessons , and film metering and exposure is something I have wanted to get better at for some time, your course is going to help me do that ... as I course goes , I think you nailed it , the only feedback I can offer is to say well done , you know your subject and you know how to teach it effectively .. it was a very professional well put together course .. I would not hesitate is taking others your do , should they cover areas I need to improve on .... lastly some of the tips and the extra bits, I thought really help make the course as good as it is ... :) wish you all the best

[@inseCT320i]

So much mood in this photo...amazing !!!

[@harrisarts]

Stumbled across your channel and all I can say is, Thank You. Love your photos and your style and personality. Keep up the great work.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank YOU

[@mikegindling4236]

Finally another inspiring video. Thanks

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thanks for watching!

[@shotsphoto]

Awesome!

[@nathanjohansen7169]

Hell yeah I enjoyed it! Your enthusiasm is contagious!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you!

[@as616]

I'm glad to see a new video. It was great. Thank you!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thanks for watching and for the kind words!

[@carlitodcreative]

Awesome!!

[@TheBrothersCompound]

Love your videos, I've been awake all night binge watching. Great content & great commentary.

[@HotarusLens]

Interesting bit of insight into the creative process. Thanks!

[@MiguelCardoso_mcphototours]

Hi Nick. Great stuff! I really enjoy your photos of these vintage buldings and your "on location" videos. I'm from Portugal, where I live, and although we don't have such buildings, you've inspired me to do something similar, the Portuguese version :), I hope you don't mind. Anyway, thank you so much for the inspiration and please, keep up the awesome work.

[@kondimuller5681]

Your humour is the best i ever saw on KZbin! Thank You for that.

[@AlexBuckMaurer]

Yes - just yes!!! 👌🏻

[@CatMilton1]

This video deserves to trend! Informative AND funny! What. A. Gem!

[@whirlwindAs]

Gosh I love your "photography on location" videos and this one was just perfect. Thank you! ~from France

[@ageary]

Loved this journey with you , its got it all . Thanks Nick.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thanks!

[@FabrizioZago]

Overall you're right, all the small details like the light on the side of the building and the laundry cart make the first shot looks better. Great panoramic photo, lovely mood.

[@TonyWodarck]

Your attention to detail is next level, and I love it.

[@lailai91119]

love it as always !

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thanks!

[@sinochopin]

I love it, that was a lot effort you put there.

[@martincutrone5816]

Enjoyed your "outing" Nick. Great work, and thanks for including a nice critique of your composition. Excellent learning opportunity for us when you share the reasons why you composed as you did, and why it worked or didn't work.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thanks!