Photography On Location: The Pumpkin Patch in Anza-Borrego Desert

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In this on-location video I venture to a unique geological formation called The Pumpkin Patch in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park of Southern California. This remote area is dotted with alien-like orbs of sandstone that form underground before being exposed through soil erosion. Once exposed, these concretions are shaped by the wind into the smooth pumpkin-sized "boulders".
Never having visited this site before, I wasn't quite sure what to expect, so I brought plenty of camera gear just in case. I had a full Mamiya RZ67 set up with 50mm, 110mm, 180mm, and 360mm lenses on board. I ended up using my 6x6 square-format back for the Mamiya RZ67 because I've been addicted to shooting square compositions lately.
With me I also had my Shen Hao TFC 617-A 6x17 panoramic camera in hopes that I would find a good panoramic composition. But alas, no inspiration struck in that regard.
I ended up shooting a single roll of Ilford Delta 100 film pushed 1 stop and using a red filter. Pushing the film one stop and using the red filter both increased contrast in the resulting pictures. In hindsight, I think I may have gone overboard on the contrast, but it worked out well for a few of the shots. Pushing film like this results in much darker shadows and brighter highlights, but as you'll see in some of the photos, the shadows went far too dark.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is an off-roader's dream. There are plenty of fun obstacles and moguls to drive your 4x4 over. Thanks to my 2016 Toyota 4Runner, I was able to navigate these obstacles with ease (and fun).
Be sure to check out my blog post for this video (www.nickcarverphotography.com...) to see the photo featured in this video at much higher resolution and to read more about the techniques behind this shot.
Please visit my website for more videos, tips, how-to's, online photography courses, and more! Follow me on Facebook and Twitter and please give this video a thumbs up!
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[@Raevenswood]

for future reference the "mud pit rule" only applies when there is at least one other truck with you :D

[@Tbonyandsteak]

Someone somewhere are watching this in a truck

[@andrethibault1410]

not only are the vids awesome and informative.....your hilarious!!! keep up the vids!!!!

[@DonnaMacauley]

I never thought I'd find videos about photography that my husband would enjoy. His eyes glaze over and roll into the back of his head whenever I talk about photography. He does, however, perk up with 4x4 talk. He's very much an avid off-roader. You have successfully combined both in videos that entertain two very different passions.

[@kishascape]

Your husband is a doosh

[@graffsk8er]

- “I don’t think I brought enough water.” * 2 minutes later * - “mud patch, you know the rule!” 😂😂

[@firemusic82]

"..RZ 67? More like RZ 66" If it weren't for little comments like that, your videos just wouldn't be the same. Your photography can easily speak for itself with 0 commentary from you. But your sense of humor really adds to your videos. You're not a photo snob. And that's very much appreciated!

[@FrankWalsh]

Funniest photography video on the inter webs! The first 7 minutes were pure genius :-) Watching you swat at the Pterodactyl was priceless.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Frank Walsh haha - thank you!

[@g_young_h]

Glad to see another one from you, Nick!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you, sir!

[@EricBryan]

Nice, you got a new 4Runner! I need to get out there just for the offroad fun. That part with the bug chasing you was quite possibly your finest video work yet!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Eric Bryan haha yeah that bug stole the show. And yeah I got a 2017 4Runner! I miss my old one, but the maintenance was getting to be too much. Love my new one.

[@JB-dm5cp]

12:30 Venus and the moon close together always make for a beautiful sight :-)

[@pumpkinmeerkat3692]

rz66 is timeless. never change

[@theundefinedphotographer]

Just found your channel and have been marathoning your videos over the past two days. Not only am I learning a TON about photography, but I'm learning a lot about the quirks of camping and off-roading as well. Fun stuff! Thanks for such great content.

[@Raevenswood]

"More like RZ66". Dork! :) JK... love your stuff man. I shot a bunch of the super bloom last spring out there. It was amazing around Butterfield canyon... everything from flowers to ocotillos to barrel cacti was in bloom. Keep up the solid work!

[@Qigate]

Glad to see you are posting again. Love your videos and the journeys.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Mike Morgan thank you very much!

[@dennismckee9710]

I really enjoy your videos. I like the fact that you include your “mistakes.” I especially like the road trips. I feel like I’m there with you. Keep it up!

[@nasterkub]

Loved the video. I watched and finally got out to the Pumpkin Patch. At the time of this comment, you have about 89k views. I'm pretty sure all 89k of your viewers came out the same day I did. There were so many people, some of the "pumpkins" were smushed and some were vandalized. In case anyone was under the impression that this place was an empty remote site for you to soak in the serenity. It's not.

[@MrJFMH]

Finally you're back again!!!✌️thanks for the vidéo!!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Jean-François Hermite thanks for watching!

[@Nat.ImagesLarge.F.Photographer]

Extraordinary camera,it has only one problem:after first use you can no longer leave it, impossible,marvelous!!!

[@Giurescua]

Glad too see you are back! Hope to see more videos soon

[@nickcarverphoto]

Andrei Giurescu definitely! Thank you!

[@markmuller3086]

Glad you could get away and have fun Nick. I was nervous for you in that 2nd pond! Anza Borrego is beautiful. I miss it. Thanks for a fun video

[@nickcarverphoto]

Mark Muller thanks for watching, Mark! I was nervous for me too...

[@danielm.edwards1977]

I like your means of spontaneity and adventure on a whim. I went out there yesterday. Gorgeous light and clouds/rain and rainbow.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you. This time of year is beautiful out there.

[@blhdjphotography8134]

What a lovely video as usual. Your high contrasts shots remind me back in the day when Western movies night scenes were shot in daylight using different techniques and filters.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Blhdj Photography thank you! And oh yeah I know exactly what you're talking about. They do have that look.

[@raavionline]

Glad to see you are back. I was waiting forever to see a new video from you.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Amar Raavi thank you my friend

[@matthewdecker4884]

Thank you for another awesome video. I really love your on location series.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Matthew Decker thank you very much! It's encouraging to know people actually like them.

[@jerryrichards8172]

Love the fact you can find your peace and fun out there.

[@resonanceZ1]

Another great video, left me with a smile on my face. Thank you!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Stephen Wilson glad to hear that! Thanks a lot

[@skunkfromcamden]

Awesome! Inspiring series. Keep the videos coming. Cheers from Portugal!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Rui Miranda thank you! Will do!

[@farouk6564]

inspiring as always Nick! thank you for sharing.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you!

[@chriseyrewalker]

I really enjoyed the flow and images in this one Nick. Totally agree about the 4x4 law!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Chris Eyre-Walker thanks! Yeah, never turn down a good mud pit.

[@bogrunberger]

My two favorite KZbinrs! Chris and Nick, I love your videos!

[@pauline3735]

Great video! Thoroughly enjoyed it 👍🏼

[@SammySantiagoIrizarry]

Great video Nick.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Sammy Santiago thank you!

[@kimmurphy5032]

Great video, Nick! Great bit of humor in this and really enjoyed the high contrast photos.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Kim Murphy thanks, Kim!

[@Garyjonesphotos]

Excellent video Nick.... with some good humor too! Really liked the B/W square images and what that red filter does. Keep putting out the inspiration!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Gary Jones Fine Art Photography thanks, Gary! Will do

[@mfiorentino]

Great to see a new video from you!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Massimo Fiorentino thank you!

[@daniel_s_photo]

Great come back. Really nice video.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Daniel Santos thank you!

[@itsmdnt]

You’re the best. please keep making these

[@danieldegennaro5606]

Had fun! Thanks.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Daniel DeGennaro thanks for watching!

[@afernbrant]

Fellow 617 shooter from Sweden that really enjoys your content. Please do more of these!

[@nickcarverphoto]

afernbrant thank you! I definitely plan to do more. Thanks for the encouragement. It helps.

[@mlcovarr]

Thanks for the new video, I hope to see more!

[@nickcarverphoto]

MattCoPhoto thank you for the encouragement!

[@benc200]

Really enjoyed this new one. The 6x6 joke/moment was the best! 🤣

[@nickcarverphoto]

Ben C thank you sir!

[@TerraMarique007]

I really enjoyed this video! Just the right amount of entertainment, instruction, and adventure.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Glad to hear it! Thank you!

[@fantomfoto]

Awesome shots! I need to head out there soon.

[@CamscootsMedia]

Great to see some more awesome content Nick! i always get the urge to break out the medium and large format again when i watch your stuff, keep it coming

[@nickcarverphoto]

CamscootsMedia I'm glad to hear that. We all gotta do our part to burn some film. Thanks a lot!

[@Synthalog]

Love to see you back man!

[@nickcarverphoto]

MindtheMix thank you!

[@andykeeble1]

Welcome back Nick, I've really missed your videos as have many others judging by the comments! We don't have deserts in the UK so this type of content makes for a refreshing and interesting change. Shame about the light leak affecting some images as those high contrast B&W photos are quite superb. Keep up with the great work mate and stay safe on your trips.🍀👍

[@nickcarverphoto]

Andy Keeble thank you very much! It's easy to take my local deserts for granted, but I am very lucky to have these kinds of places in my backyard. Glad to hear you enjoy seeing it from the U.K.

[@bogrunberger]

I had almost given up on you, Nick! So glad to see another video from you. I love them, and I hope you are well.

[@nickcarverphoto]

bogrunberger thank you very much!

[@Wurstin1234]

Great photography, really good vid, & your witty. 🤘🏻

[@dogasecco]

FINALLY A NEW VIDEO !!! HAHA! I love your videos man, please, keep going !

[@nickcarverphoto]

Douglas Santos thank you sir! This is the kind of encouragement I need to do more, so thank you!

[@safeharbor7]

Much enjoyed Nick, thumbs up...

[@nickcarverphoto]

safeharbor7 thank you very much!

[@SamFerrara]

I had to do a double take when I saw this on my Sub page. Glad to see a new video, Nick! You inspired me to pick up a 6x17!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Sam Ferrara haha! Figured I'd surprise you... thanks for watching!

[@SamFerrara]

Nick, can you elaborate on the images that have that stark-black sky? Was that done simply by pushing the film one stop and using a red filter? Which red filter? I didnt realize you could get that kind of black sky outside of infrared film!

[@adamtruelove9684]

Oh my God... This was 5 days ago!! I'm sooo late.... Always an utter joy to watch your new video Nick!! Thank you!!!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Adam Pamungkas haha! Better late than never. Thanks for watching!

[@terrywbreedlove]

Very fun Nick :)

[@nickcarverphoto]

terry breedlove thank you!

[@jaytolbert7538]

Needed a Nick Carver escape, so revisiting this video. Always entertaining.

[@ProctorsGamble]

Loved Borrego! Will be back.

[@phillcrocker1]

I just found you on the TUBE and am loving your videos. I have recently busted out the old Pentax K1000 and getting some shots in. Thanks for the inspo really love your work :)

[@esalo49]

Excellent video.

[@scs3drg]

your videos are ace please keep doing them

[@zelabar2001]

Fantastic video! Thank you for sharing

[@nickcarverphoto]

Ryan Mayfield thank you!

[@bikerworld2471]

Nick. I liked the video. You put a lot of effort on making it. It came out nice.

[@viniemato3158]

dude is hilarious and your picture are really good and inspiring man i love it man

[@PhotoNERDsUnite]

13:05 Bonus! Missed you man. Thought you were never coming back. Nice to see you a little loose too. Let's not wait 4 more months before the next vid.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Photonerds University haha - I wondered if anyone would watch long enough to catch it. And thank you very much. I too don't want it to be 4 months before the next one!

[@stephaneg]

Your videos are so awesome man! I am a French photographer and I spend so much time on KZbin trying to find inspiring film photography material. I've been doing it for years and your channel is by far my favorite. Behind you (but still great) are Matt Day and The Art of Photography. Thanks for this very inspiring work!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you very much! I'm flattered.

[@joyfulcolouring7372]

Love your channel and content, 🤟 thanks pal

[@matt904sl]

awesome video Nick really enjoyed it 👍 👍

[@nickcarverphoto]

Matthew Lymer thank you very much!

[@Chalito5]

Great video. You make great content, keep it coming!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Stephen Gomez thank you sir. Will do!

[@ChadEveryday]

I cant stop watching your videos. Probably the most entertaining and fun photo channel on youtube

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you very much!

[@stephenlloydco]

I love these types of videos from you.

[@stephenlloydco]

Also a set of MaxTrax will help a lot of you are alone and get stuck in the mud or sand.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Stephen Lloyd thank you! Yeah I have some maxtrax strapped to the roof rack. Well, maxtrax knock-offs anyway.

[@hakeemadam955]

Just discovered your channel and your content is so refreshing!!! Love the comedy. Best on KZbin since the OG digital rev days

[@jensar10]

Please make more of this nice Kind of vids! Thank you!

[@duiliohelf]

Great video!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Duilio Helfenstens thank you!

[@darlantro]

The scene and editing at 5:00 is great. Thanks for all the efforts putting this together and sharing. Very inspiring.

[@nickcarverphoto]

this is a new youtube name thank you very much!

[@cestlefun17]

You are so friggin cool! :-P And I love my Mamiya RZ67 too! The 6x6 back is apparently very rare.

[@nickcarverphoto]

William Santagata thank you sir! Yeah they are hard to find. Especially ones that don't leak!

[@flipflopsLF]

Welcome back to KZbin after a short hiatus of well-deserved time off. You certainly look relaxed and having fun this day.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Stuart Kinkade thanks, Stuart! I really hope I can find the time to do these more often.

[@Mulnader]

I like that you show pictures at the same time as shutter clicks

[@rick_eeh]

thanks for the great another video Nick ! please keep doing this to make us believe that the world is out there !!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Ricky Wijaya Umar thank you! Will do!

[@rojoknight]

Work here in the Anza Borrego desert for 10 years as a phone company tech. Always something different everyday and GOD has never forsaken this or any other place.

[@Jessehermansonphotography]

Finally! Welcome back!!!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Jesse H thank you!

[@Jessehermansonphotography]

Are you located in SD or LA?

[@bbayek5573]

Great videos, man! Happy to subscribe! The bit at 5:48 made me laugh and reminded me of Johnny Depp scene from Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: "We can't stop here, this is bat country" :)

[@markharris5771]

First time I've seen one of your videos and really enjoyed it. I like honesty when things don't come out right, as well as the brilliant shots that do and I liked the heavy contrast. Also like your sense of humour, and the law is international as I always obeyed it here in the UK when I had my 4x4. Subscribed

[@nickcarverphoto]

Mark Harris thanks a lot, Mark! Good to know the rules of 4x4 apply internationally too - haha. I appreciate the comment and subscribe.

[@youbilly5849]

the sunset was amazing

[@_o__o_]

man you watched Ace Ventura too many times :D love your videos!

[@nickcarverphoto]

There's no such thing as too many times.

[@alexs.362]

I have an RZ also. If you want to fix that light leak in the 6x6 back it’s actually pretty easy. All you have to do is bring a Hasselblad with you too. I see space in the trunk for it.

[@spl4028]

That push combined with the red filter is killer!

[@partypie1977]

lost my shit at the 67 / 66 ..

[@nickcarverphoto]

partypie1977 haha. Photographer humor... I'm glad someone appreciates it.

[@TheAgeOfAnalog]

I saw it coming, but it was still hilarious.

[@Yuguy67]

Cool new vloging style - I like it - please do it some more ! =:)

[@nickcarverphoto]

Guy Hübsch thanks! Will do!

[@DrNaderAwad]

Nice video, thank you for uploading Nick. Pity about the few underexposed images I guess, but I barely ever shoot film so not really a full bottle on the complexities of nailing "the shot" using film. Very much looking forward to watching the rest of your videos!

[@karstenbirk5302]

Aaaa, here are the good Stuff about photo - no piano , no grey, but fun and very good pictures = great!

[@jojobarwick]

Welcome back.

[@nickcarverphoto]

jojo barwick thank you sir

[@Scubaman8]

Great video again Nick. Nice to see you back. You probably know this already given that you look like a pretty competent guy with the 4x4 and outdoor life but I have a little tip if you're low on water. When you're stopped for a while, get a cup and put it under the air conditioner under your car. The condensation will drip right into your cup and give you some precious cool water! Not a huge amount but every little helps! As a someone who spends a lot of time in the Australian Outback, I've learnt this lesson the hard way previously!

[@nickcarverphoto]

James Partridge oh damn that's a really good tip. I hope I'm never in such a dire situation, but I love little nuggets of life-saving information like that. Thanks!

[@Scubaman8]

You're welcome Nick! Given all the great tips and advice you've offered here on your channel, it's nice to be able to offer something back, even if it's only a small thing. I love your work and you have inspired me to try 6x17 panos on my Chamonix. Luckily it's a pretty simple modification to allow me to use the roll film backs. Do you have any advice for selecting a 6x17 back? I can use any so long as it's graflex mount, which fortunately seems to be most of them.

[@nickcarverphoto]

James Partridge the only one I've ever tried was the Shen Hao brand. It was a little light-leaky, but I think just about any of them are usable.

[@pabloriquelme7404]

pressed like before watch it :)

[@nickcarverphoto]

Pablo Riquelme haha - thanks man!

[@j.kimmel7569]

Keep making these videos Nick, they are really well done! Looks like you replaced your 4Runner since the last time we saw you driving around.

[@nickcarverphoto]

J. Kimmel thanks! I will definitely make more. Yes sir I sold my 2000 4runner to get this 2016 model. It was a tough decision though because I loved my 2000 4Runner.

[@davidrichards6718]

RZ's always leaked light. In the desert sun, no chance. Great video and some interesting pics

[@_d_o_n5614]

great!

[@AndrewGoodCamera]

That Cummins hat tho... Very nice

[@nickcarverphoto]

Modern Artist you know it.

[@bullshit_extreme]

i.imgur.com/Yec83jI.png

[@canturgan]

You could be a movie director, good photography, pacing, editing and music, not to mention funny and informative dialogue.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thank you very much! That's all rooted in my fear of people getting bored. Ha

[@dougmacdonald7660]

Hey Nick, cool Chanel. The only problem is I just binged watched the whole thing. I'm looking forward to more adventures and printing episodes. keep up the good work!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Doug MacDonald that's a great problem (for me, anyway)! Thanks for watching.

[@Kref3]

I never saw a man using the behemoth RZ for handheld shooting before. I do it quite often with my Hasselblad, but that is a dwarf compared to that machine. I am astonished that you manage to get really good, sharp images.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Thorsten Latz haha yeah it'll make the biceps burn. I try to keep that shutter speed real fast when I'm shooting handheld.

[@burn1nator]

man! i completely forgotten how good of an eye you have for composition and landscape photography. those where some great images, too bad because of the light leak. you need to make more videos. you really inspire me to do landscape photography, and I fucken hate landscape photography.

[@nickcarverphoto]

burn1nator thanks a lot man. I really appreciate it. And if I can inspire someone who hates landscapes to actually shoot some landscapes, I've done my job. Haha

[@shelbycarver4353]

Thank you for wearing sunscreen.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Shelby Dominique ha! You're welcome. I should get more soon. Which reminds me, do you need anything from target?

[@niallsheffield725]

I love the 11:18 shot, very otherworldly!

[@nickcarverphoto]

Niall Sheffield thank you! That ended up being my favorite from the trip too.

[@charlywedl5544]

Great video, thanks for showing. I think the slightly underexposed images fit the whole scenery of the location very well. However, I believe that I would have preferred color film for this location, or would have used it on top of that.