Nick, my feelings about your on locations videos can’t be more different than yours. I’m a long time viewer and amateur photographer who likes to shoot a lot of the same things you do, only in Philadelphia. Watching you take a messy location and through framing, skill, and persistence turn it into a piece of art - that’s the magic trick. Showing this doesn’t take away from the work itself, it elevates it. On a personal level, there are shots that I’ve taken that I love all the more because I can walk by them on any given day and they look like nothing special, but I know that in the right conditions they create something impactful. I love how you show this process which gives a glimpse into the magic of photography.
Very sad to hear that. These videos were art by themselves. The liquor store photo would mean less to me without the video. It's the struggle to create meaningful art in a chaotic world that was depicted there. It's a great loss for me.
It depends on how one “connects” with the image… either via 1) surreal detachment from reality where it’s mystique is central the power of the image or 2) intimate connection with the scene, as in “it is familiar, I’ve been there, I’ve seen that, connected with it through the artist or making the art”. I find great value honestly in both, and mostly the later… so many landscape scenes just don’t connect with me unless I’ve “been there” or have a goal to “visit there”. Ultimately those scenes can be better or worse than the photo and many people can imitate and reimagine the shot from “the same tripod holes of Edward Weston or Ansel Adams”, though often it’s the creative subtle influence and “art” that makes the connection or makes the image stand out beyond anyone else going there and taking a “snapshot”. In a way the BTS videos add more value to me, as a kind of NFT or official provenance providing proof when/where/how the photo was taken by the artist… and that has deeply valuable meaning to me… a strong connection to its creation, the art of its inception, and the intent or thoughts of artist themselves… beyond the sterile and solo “piece of art within the frame”🖼️ produced for others to consume and appreciate on its own without additional context.
For me, the photo becomes even more valuable / artistic, because I see how much thought, time and work went into it. When I see a "perfect" photo, I sometimes think "with such a great subject, it's easy, anyone can do that". The thought is of course wrong and just an excuse why my own photos are not "good enough". I learned from your on location videos that besides a good subject you also need dedication, timing and an eye for composition.
I think you are right in some things, i am a very young photographer and a big part of the on location videos is like a course of how to shoot and how to be an artist, but i think that the photos are more valuable in some ways when you know the effort and thoughts that was put in to them but they lose a lot of there magic which I think is very valuable for nick.
Good comment. Wanted to say the same. For me, with your on location video, I can more appreciate the work. It is not destroing the work, because I suddenly notice that you indeed took this photo in a real world and that the things shown on the photo are reality.
Don't worry about the detachment from reality. If you hang on to your photos long enough thy become historical documents. I am 85 and have photos taken in the 1950's and that is just what they are, detached from today's reality.
I’ve seen extraordinary films of renowned painters at work making their paintings. Pablo Picasso comes to mind. Watching a paintings creation makes it that much more extraordinary. For me, your wonderful images are not diminished a bit by watching them being created in the real world. That contrast makes them even more interesting. 36:20
That's also a very good point. Nobody complained about the Beatles' documentary Get Back, quite the opposite, being able to watch them create Let It Be (the record) is freaking awesome.
I think part of the reason I like your on location videos is that you sir are apart from reality and you yourself contrast with the modern landscape. It's not everyday you come across a man shooting a view camera in the middle of suburbia in 2023. Anyway, congrats on 100k! I look forward to the future of the channel. I hope we can still get some nature on locations!
Congrats on 100k, Nick. I love your channel. In regards to your "dilemma and decision/on location videos" talk... I think your thoughts are exclusive to TH-camrs and people who make videos about taking photos. I think the same things. I want my work to speak for itself, be something to be proud of when I'm old, etc., but when I hear you say it, I don't even think about those things at all. Your work does speak for itself, and you should be proud of it. I respect you and the photos even more because I see the work that you did to get it, but I also personally can't help but think when I show in my own videos how I got a portrait, I'm devaluing it in some way. It's like I'm bringing my photography and experiences down to the same artistic level as the "Charlie bit my finger" video. But I think they can both exist in some way, and they don't need to be connected in any way. TH-cam is huge, and there are different avenues and roads to go down. You've certainly made your own and I don't think anything you do devalues or takes away from your photos. I get it though if it makes you question things or makes you unhappy in anyway. You have to do what is right for you. Anyway, sorry for rambling and take this with a grain of salt because I say those things and then think the opposite because I'm a stupid TH-cam photographer. Cheers.
Sure guys, I understand why you think that your art suffers in a way when you make it more "naked" by sharing the whole process (it crossed my mind as a viewer, as well as the fact that filming all that on your own also distracts you and you may miss an opportunity or an idea because of it). On the other hand, you may consider those videos a form of artistry as well, in a documentary form. There is value in it, but only you know what matters to you most. I'm actually amazed at your capacity to manage to do both at the same time, especially in urban setting. In the end, there are ways to promote your photography on TH-cam without "on location" format; I'd enjoy hearing the story behind a photo without actually seeing a video. In any case, I'm not worried as a viewer, I've enjoyed this video very much and I feel as if I just had a great conversation and exchange of thought (although it was actually a monologue, but it didn't feel that way). Cheers!
Your dilemma is completely understandable and I think you’re making the right move. Your explanation makes perfect sense so just carry on being honest with yourself and follow your instinct. You can’t go wrong that way. Looking forward to more videos. By the way, I’ve tried to contribute a few times but have never been able to because of some silly international pay wall restrictions or something that I don’t understand but I’ll try again later.
Dang - those handful of videos are arguably some of my favorite content across all of TH-cam and have watched them multiple times. Totally respect your decision and will continue to subscribe and watch, just want you to know how much of an impact your TH-cam work has on your audience. It is truly a wonderful channel and we can tell how much you care.
Hey - you gotta do what you gotta do - but I'll miss those urban on location videos. They were educational from a number of perspectives - not just "peak behind the curtain" thrills but just the approach to how to frame a subject, how to evaluate the light, everything you describe that goes into the final image. But hey - now it will be up to us to figure out "what would Nick do here" when we're taking photos. Good luck as always - and thanks for the video. Cheers.
The magic to me is that you are able to provide that detachment in the image KNOWING how hard it was to manage! When I now look at the image, I"m not thinking (nor can I even remember!) about the specifics surrounding the location - I just appreciate the effort, and the resulting piece of art, that you created. So perhaps you'll reconsider!! Always enjoy you. Cheers.
I definitely have some thoughts on this. For myself, on location videos are only part of the reason I watch your videos. I really appreciate hearing your thoughts on the art and philosophy of photography, especially considering that I don't like every photo you put out (nor do I think one should be so sycophantic). I like that you are creating the types of work that speak to you, and that's an incredibly important thing for you to do. And since you don't rely on this for an income, your process and happiness far outweigh views. That being said, I learn quite a bit from any photographer's on location videos, and it's precisely for the reasons you identified: what's not in the photo is more important than what is. Seeing a photographer's process has shown me how to be a better photographer myself, and seeing one of your images created from such a mundane setting is part of the magic of the image making process. I am thankful you are still making these videos in nature so we don't lose out on that altogether. Congrats on the 100k, and continue to make the type of work or (gag) content that speaks to you!
I started watching your channel years ago, around 2017. I'm not a photographer and have no intention of becoming one, however, I am an artist. Painter/Printmaker. Just know that your videos are appreciated by people who enjoy watching an artist talk about his process. Don't stop and congrats on your milestone.
This is a shame to hear. For me personally, none of the 4K video footage or items "outside of the rectangle" diminish what I get from these photographs. Despite seeing all of that prior to the final shot, when I do see it and as a child of the '70s and '80s, your photographs instantly transports me back to what I saw as my daily surroundings. It is almost like being transported back to that time. I can visualize the people, cars, fashion, music, etc. of that time. It holds true when I revisit your photographs or videos months-years later. I will still look forward to the environmental on location videos, but I will miss these. I admire the way you can take a snapshot of "now" and make me feel like I am looking at "then."
Congratulations on the milestone Nick! For me, I find showing the location in your videos actually creates an even bigger detachment from reality. When I see the mundane scene and then beauty you find in the exposure, it actually makes the photo feel even more surreal. Not to mention what I learn from seeing your process. I’ll keep watching the channel of course but those are my thoughts 😊
Hey Nick, longtime viewer here. Awesome to see you hit 100k! I completely respect your decision about not doing on location videos for certain types of photos. I think you make some good points. I would say though from my perspective, the real magic trick for me is seeing how you can create that almost surreal image out of something that feels so real. It's actually one of the things I found really inspiring early on in your videos. Like, man if he can see this potential in this location, then I'm probably passing by similar opportunities left and right! So it will be sad to see that go. But I appreciate the dedication to achieving that result, and can relate to wanting to feel more satisfied with the process. Wish you all the best, and can't wait for more desert stuff!
I love (d) the On Location videos so much. It is how I became a follower in the first place. To see you take an, on the face of it, mundane place and take it to the magnificent, was for me a masterclass in photography.
I understand the "revealing the secret behind the magic trick" analogy and I get why you feel that way but speaking for me personally, seeing those on location videos was like visiting The Magic Castle. It's being on location where magic happens. Nothing was spoiled for me. Its something that no other photographer is doing atleast that ive ever seen and I appreciated you bringing us on your journey. Definitely made me feel like im not alone out there, that other photographers have to problem solve as well. I respect your decision and im sticking with ya.
Sitting here in wet and dreary England watching the sleet travelling sideways in the gale give me one view of normal life. Your photographs show me an alien experience. The architecture, light and environment are all a joy to see because they are so different to my daily experience. Before I retired I also photographed architecture and the buildings you shoot have a look to me that is wonderful. As to your dilemma I am very happy to watch your videos to look at the photographs with you showing as much or as little process that you choose to show.
You're the artist need to do your thing. However, I think the majority of your audience are photographers and have a sense of the behind the scenes already. Personally I enjoy the process. I enjoy watching the progress and steps to achieve the vision. I'm a musician as well and I love watching someone's writing and recording process. I'm not a great film photographer and I watch to learn. You take what most people see as just an old building and show us how to make it a piece of art. Because of your channel I look at these buildings differently now. But I respect your decision and thank you for what I have learned.
btw, the whole cypress trees thing isn't by chance! for those who perhaps don't know: It is a tradition in Provence that landlords plant one cypress tree near the entrance to their properties to greet the traveller and welcome them for a drink. Two cypress trees mean the traveller is welcome for a drink and something to eat. Three cypress trees mean the traveller is welcome for full accommodation: a drink, something to eat and a bed for a good night’s rest! superb video, and yes I too am one of the 95% who would and will watch longer content!
Well, your thoughts and your decision about this dilemma is actually why I love your channel. I think you are one of those people who do not only think outside the box but share the whole story. That's what makes it great to me. It's not one of those youtube photography channels, where you can expect a new video in the same style every sunday (and there's nothing wrong with that, I do follow such channels too). But your approach is different. And I like it. Thanks for sharing.
Man I am so happy for you that you came to that realization! I think it is a big step forward for you as a photographer. With this being said, I know how much we as viewers will miss your thought process and peeking behind your process. Perhaps you can show us your work from time to time and at least explain to us your thoughts and feeling you have about those photos „detached from reality“. One last though, please make a book with the title „detached from reality“ - it would suit your series and I get a feeling it means a lot to you after seeing this revelation. All the best Nick and good light for you future projects.
Great video Nick! You are absolutely in your element with the blue collar buildings shoots and especially with your new “Dead Inside” series. That is a gallery show waiting to happen. High quality work. After your “Detachment from Sobriety” I mean “Reality” explanation, the images you showed, to my simple brain, are not so much a “detachment,” as it is a hyper focus on the reality of a moment. We are in fact attached to the scene. What’s important is the story in the composition, the mystery, the almost voyeuristic instant you’ve happened upon and decide to capture at that very point in time, to present. We now get to be there too. As much as I hate to know you won’t be doing the on location videos, it makes perfect sense. Keep up the great work man.
Hi Nick, truth be told we all like and appreciate your work. The artist and educator in you clashed. The most important is that you keep on growing. Thank you for the discontinued series that taught us a lot.
Nick, you are my favorite youtube photographer but I have to take a contrarian view to yours. Watching the creation of a piece of art only strengthens our bond to it. The Liquor store video is a masterpiece and watching you create the final image in your own style was a privilege. But in the end, you are the creator and you do what you think is best for you! 😊
I always enjoyed your on location videos. The thought process and techniques you used have been super influential to my photography as well as entertaining. I recently saw a gallery in South Korea dedicated to a 6x17 photographer, Kim Young Gap. Seeing that body of work on display all together in a space built for that purpose was incredibly moving. I hope you are able to find a way to show your 6x17 work in a way you are comfortable with because I'll miss it otherwise!
Nick, I love your on location videos, but I 100% understand and agree with your decision. It's exactly how I feel about my photography. Keep up the great work. The people who truly appreciate your photography will stick around and support you. You're awesome.
Man, I think you and your friend are at least partially wrong on this. There is 2 types of appreciation of anything. 1) without knowing how its made. No clue. Due to lack of education or interests. Its fine but it’s not as deep. Before I learned to play music instruments, I listened to music just as a whole, without giving much thought. 2) with understanding of what’s going on. After I learned to play guitar and drums, I can listen to each band member separately and visualize exactly what they are doing. I’m getting so much more joy from good music now, appreciating it on much more levels. I enjoy the piece as well as behind the scenes. Magic stays and even more magical to understand that the artist creates it from ordinary things. That is the detachment, that’s whats exciting. That’s why I love your videos so much, and other photographers videos where I can see the process of making great art. That is no less magical for me. I don’t want to ask you to do something you feel removes the magic, but will miss the urban on location videos. Those were for sure magical!
I think that feeling of detachment comes from the fact that those Gregory Crewdson and to some extent your photos looks like they were done in a studio, using fake props almost, that stop sign is borderline cartoonish and I love it. I doubt a photography on location about that photo would change that quality.
Hello Nick , your on location videos carry unique artistic value on its own separate to the artistic value of your pictures taken on those location. I love your on location videos and am watching them from Poland and Czech Republic. Watching your on location videos from desert or liquor store in cold winter or dark autumn days in Poland is carrying so much positive vibe and feelings. Me watching your on location vids is like almost being there myself. Great on location video's of yours are absolutely unique in the photography world. However if you feel u can't do the many more I understand and respect you following your heart. Your landscape pictures capture lot of emotions and your on location videos do not rob those pictures from their artistic value. I hope other of your viewers can also share here their options . Best regards from Prague, Czec Republic
This is really interesting. I absolutely love your urban photos. (Please make a book). Being from the uk makes all these pictures ‘remote’ from real life to me. I’ve tried to create the mood of these shots with uk buildings and I think because I know where they are and that they’re in my world they just don’t have the vide. Madly though to me your photos are enhanced by the video to see the effort that needs to go into taking them. The reasoning behind what’s in and what’s out. All that said they’re your photos and your legacy so I very much agree with you doing what you want and not showing the process. Great explanation video. 👍
So, I'll miss those videos, no doubt. However, one of the reasons I follow you is that you put out what feels like "genuine" content, not just click-bait; so I have to respect your wishes on this and accept it. Hope it works for you -- and that more landscape photography is in your near future.
Congratulations on the award Nick. I am senior enough to have my own photographs from the seventies and both they, and my memory of the photographer of that time, have gained a 'detachment' over the years. It is what the passage of time does. I think you should be proud of those behind the scenes videos and may see them differently in the future. We all learned from them. My personal hope is that a very occasional on-location vid will creep in at some point if only to document your progress. And if it doesn't, well, we still have the old ones to enjoy.
Me too. I’ve just started re-filing and re-scanning slides and negatives from as far back as the 1970s and wish I had recorded at least something about each, let alone a video. Memories fade and twist and now some I remember well but others I love have no clue about when or why or what struck me before taking them. Sad…
Nick, as much as I love your urban on location videos, I completely understand and support you and discontinuing them. I actually find that your approach to rest of your photography what is almost the exact same, except without the focus on detachment from reality. I was lucky enough to receive some very nice wide angle Nikkors last year (I’m a 35mm shooter) and I’ve loved using them, but I find myself turning to my nifty fifty and my 200mm prime again and again. I think you’re right in saying that what you exclude is more important than what you include. Great work as always, I’m really loving dead inside series (I didn’t think I would) and congrats on 100k!
Your urban on location videos definitely have been the most fascinating part of your channel. As someone who really enjoys your channel as a viewer these videos will be missed a lot. However as a photographer I really get your decision and it is a great lesson and thought for me personally. It really shows very clearly your priority to known as a photographer and not a TH-camr. I recently stopped posting stories and photos on Instagram because it did not make any sense. I am doing photography as a creative pursuit and instagram is not adding anything to the process and in fact just taking away my time and confusing my mind. I have decided to give time to myself and focus on photography and not worry about who sees it and likes it. I will probably think about it later but instagram is definitely not the answer.
Thanks for keeping it real Nick. Cant say im not going to miss the on location videos but totally understand why you are going to stop making them. Looking forward to some more great honest content.
An alternative view: I can honestly say that I originally saw the Houston's Liquor photo separate from the on location-- and the photo stands on it's own. It's that good, and almost single-handedly convinced me to get back into film photography. And, this is your channel, so obviously, whatever you want to put on here, put on here, and whatever you don't want-- well, that should be obvious. But I have to disagree (respectfully) with your premise on detachment from reality-- knowing *how* that detachment was accomplished, by no means detracts from the photograph. Whether you filmed the "on location" shoot or not, YOU are aware of the surroundings of the liquor store, the donut store, or any of the other locations, and the effort you went into to create that final image. By your premise, this means you can never view the photo as "detached from reality", unless you have significantly more Old Fashioneds. 😂 Please don't assume that just because we didn't see the surrounding area, that we don't know it exists-- Houston's Liquor store is not 30 miles from nowhere on a dark desert highway-- I can look at it on google street view for cryin' out loud (And I have). What impresses me about your work is the final result. As an amateur photographer, seeing the process, and the work you went through to get that one magical image-- that's really cool, and THAT is why I enjoy your on location videos. Perhaps I'm old and cynical, but I know the "magic" behind good photography (and yours is *very* good) isn't magic-- it's hard work, skill, and a little bit of luck when all else fails. I can't help but feel, and perhaps this is harsh (not meant to be), that the real problem is, you don't want people to see how the magic trick is done. And that's OK too. But I do enjoy your videos, and I did watch until the end. 😉
I can understand why you should want to maintain the mystery of some photos. For me I enjoyed the process you went through and found it something that I might aspire to. I also find the banter/narration humerus which is why I started watching your TH-cam channel in the first place.
I'm sure the comment section will be filled with people saying "behind the scenes doesn't take anything away for me", and I get where they might be coming from, but deep down you know it does. And so do I. For the past three years I've been struggling to articulate what it is about my photos I truly love and why I'm resistant to show people any 'behind the scenes'. It's even at the point where I don't show some photos digitally. They are prints, framed by a window into another world. This video gave me an 'ah ha' moment after years of struggling and searching. It has put words to intangle thoughts and feelings. I better understand what I want and how to go about it. Mate I owe you a beer! You bloody legend
I just wanted to say that while you state that you never set out to be a TH-camr, etc, I still think you're one of the most important Photography TH-camrs we have. You've helped me and countless others. Getting into film has been a mix of terrifying and the most rewarding experiences of my life and any question or second-guess I've had, I've been able to find a solid answer for because of you. I would have probably given up on night photography had I not known what reciprocity factors were because admittedly, I ruined at least 3 rolls of Cinestill 800t. I just figured it was something I wouldn't be able to fix and one day, in binging your videos, I found out all about it. I do love your dedication to your craft and that your goal for the detachment from reality rings is your number one goal for most of your work but respectfully, your Tire Shop and Huston's Liquor photos are two of my favorite images of all time and the added reward of being able to be with your during that process was an immeasurable moment of influence on me and the style I am trying so hard to find and being able to hear your real-time thoughts about the scene in front of you as it played out was just as important to me as the final product.
Hi Nick, first of all thank you for your videos and art work! Im a photographer from Germany and you inspire me a lot with your on location videos. Those videos are some of my favorite content on TH-cam. I really appreciate hearing your thoughts and philosophy of photography on location. Hopefully you will change your mind at some point and show us more of this magic creating art. I think seeing the location alsow is an importent part to see how you set your frame and detach your picture from reality! For me this is not distracting and your final picture stands alone after your work is done. Best wishes Lars
I'm shocked. But I also understood it's how you feel right now. The thoughts that came to my mind were already expressed by others in the comments. So I'll keep watching and hope at one point you will see this from a different angle. For one selfish reason: I love your on location videos.
Reading all of these very thoughtful and respectful comments, I'd like to add that I think many of us greatly value the urban on-location videos and learn a great deal from opportunity to see all that's involved in the process -- while being able to simultaneously detach ourselves from what we've just witnessed and re-see the photograph as it is -- our minds being able to exclude all of that peripheral knowledge and just take in that detached image.
Great video, Nick. Totally support your decision, to exclude the making of on location photos. What you do show, is still great inspiration, even for an old photographer , as myself. Keep the camping series coming. Thanks KB.
Glad you mentioned Ben Horne! I've learned so much from both of you, largely because of your on location photos and how in them you explain your thought processes around composition, light, and why some details get included and why others don't. I'll miss the on-location videos for many reasons, but I respect that you are doing what you need to do.
Congrats on the 100k my man. Been digging your content for a few years at this point and I couldn't be more proud of you. *Wipes away a tear* You're all grown up Nick!
As someone who makes TH-cam videos about photography, I completely understand your perspective on removing the reality of scenes and to a certain extent, the art of the process. There are a lot of times where I shoot video of my process and never show it. I think its hard to make it as a photographer in 2023 and onward and TH-cam helps present our work in an easy way but with far less meaning. I'm still stuck in the dilemma... Shout out for the There Will Be Blood reference. Cheers buddy
I whole-heartedly support your commitment and prioritization of photography over 'popular' video content. While, from my perspective, none of your work has been 'spoiled' by the on-location videos, if broadcasting those details affects the creative process and vision you've worked so hard to achieve, then those details are better left behind the scenes. Your video content is excellent, but I think many would agree that the driving factor in the quality of your video content is an extension of the quality of your photographic work and personal commitment to it. As your Instagram poll may have already suggested, there is a lot of value in your thoughts an commentary on photography. I will continue to support your content in any form, and BGWG is one of my favorites. If you stopped producing videos all together, the I guess I'd just have to save my contributions up for a print! (hope you're still selling prints in 5.833 years...) No matter what, thank you for every video and photograph you've released. I look forward to what's next regardless of format or frequency!
1. I want to watch what makes you excited to share! That excitement comes through and I love it. 2. What more do you have to show us? If we want to take Carver-esque photographs of spaces outside of time, you have shown the process many times. Sure, each photo is its own story, its own journey, and there's value in seeing the specifics, the individual challenges overcame. But we've seen enough of the first steps to get started down the path. You owe us nothing. 3. Thank you. (Even if I do like the burn, not the smoothness)
Hello again Nick. Your on location videos and talking about creation process also opensrd my heart and eyes of the soul more wide to my own taking pictures, It helped me to realize and get deeper into my own amateur photography work. Thanks to your on location Videos I realized what is my own photography about. I photograph emotions by capturing snapshots of landscapes in unique in whole universe fractures of the time which never repeat. Besides Nick You are an artist and artist master teacher. One does not make the other smaller. those compliment each other in your work. Take care
I truly believe in your last point on exclusion. Not only that it is important (from a viewers perspective), but that it also demonstrates your ability to be able to do so as a photographer. Shows that you are on a level to envision your outcome and be deliberate about it. I am in that point of my photography journey and I can tell it's not easy...
Thanks for everything you do. I'm sad that you won't be producing the urban on location videos. I found it hugely educational seeing the effort that you went to scouting locations, composing meticulously and waiting for the perfect light / cars / bystanders / whatever. In a small way it has made me a better photographer. But that's just me being selfish and it's your art and your decision what you want to share with us. One humble suggestion. Please can you keep showing us the photos that you take even if they aren't attached to an on location video. For example the segment you did today about Dead Inside was great. I'd love to see more of that. One of my favourite parts of the on location videos isn't the on location part at all, but the segment afterwards where you talk about the images you took, explain your compositional choices and why you prefer one over another. It's that level of granular analysis that most other channels don't give you. Hopefully that can be preserved in some form as well even if we don't get to see you wearing the yellow safety vest as often in the future! Anyway - thanks again you rock.
Wow, what an amazing video Nick. First of all, I really enjoyed the format - In UK terms, "a fireside chat" - that worked so well. It was great to listen to your innermost thoughts, and the professional dilemma you have faced and been prepared to discuss so openly. Commendable, my friend. I totally sympathise with your dilemma and fully understand and appreciate your decision. I found it a very philosophical expose that really touched a chord with me in my seemingly never-ending search for my own "photographic style". Your thoughts on a need to detach from reality to make meaningful art will cause me to think very seriously about my approach going forward. For that alone I thank you. I look forward to continuing to view your work and indeed hear your thoughts as you go forward. Best wishes.
Thank you Nick. Good to spend quality time with you. Completely understand and respect your decision regarding the On Location Video verses the quality (alway wonderful) of the photo that results. I completely agree with the movie reference. However, I think that in reality this is more in your head than your audience, and the purchases / viewers of your photos. The beauty and timeless / detached nature of your photos will last much longer than any memory of the fine detail of the process that the video portrays. The photo will stand alone, but if we know what you did to achieve it, this enhances it, it doesn't detract from it. (easier for me to say, as your reality in California is rather different from England !!)
Hi, I fully understand where you are coming from. From your previous on location videos we, who have been following you for some time, know the care and dedication that you employ in the construction of your compositions. So, I feel that there is no need for you to go through all that technical stuff. Let us enjoy and interpret your images with the background knowledge of your methodology from previous videos. On the “Dead Inside” project, great idea and the images you showed in this video have really perked my interest. This is my first ever response to a video produced by you, or anyone else; just wanted to say that I am 100% behind you!
I 100% agree with you about "detachment from reality" work not needing videos. It makes total sense not to want everything behind the camera to be seen for that kind of subject. I'd be happy with just seeing on location videos in the subject. Your photos are awesome and inspiring! Keep them coming!
All good, Nick. Don't think about it too much. I appreciate you and what you bring to this chaotic world. I know I'll consume any video you put out. All that goofing around and having a good time making art. I wish you the best in whatever projects you do next - from custom cabinet lighting to printing your finest photos.
Fascinating video throughout. On your key point, I disagree. Your on location videos of the urban decay photos and detachment from reality photos in general do absolutely nothing to take away my enjoyment of the final works themselves. I love learning how artists work and their thought processes and philosophies, yet the second I look at their art, my mind shifts gears into a completely different mode. I was involved in the engineering aspects of music production for some time, a combination of extreme technological expertise and creativity similar to your approach to photography, and same thing - the minute you hit “play” on a track, I get lost in the emotional experience of the music. It takes mental effort to shift back into how something was done engineering wise. I think you’re really overthinking this and the on location videos don’t detract at all from the finished work. Regardless, total support for whatever is working for you to keep you loving the hobby. Also, I’m super excited that the Dead Inside book is still in progress. Cheers!
Initially I was pretty bummed out about the on location videos, but now in my second time watching this, I think I now got it. And now I reaaaally want to see you talk about your "detached from reality" photo collections on the BGWG series or something similar. I cannot wait to see what you create in the future!
There's a sushi chef in southern Tasmania, Australia, and he's considered one of the best sushi chefs in the country. He has chosen to only sell sushi Friday to Sunday, 1130am - 300pm. He could open 7 days a week and make a motza, but he has chosen quality of life and quality of product, rather than indulging us mindless consumers, who can never be satisfied. That's credible, man. High five!
Awesome you mentioned Gregory. He is my absolute favourite, I started off watching this BGWG thinking “Man, I think Nick would really love Crewdson’s work. He is getting so much of the same atmospheres in single captures.” You’re producing some really excellent work dude!
Regarding your decision on the On Location’s, I completely agree on you points. Ultimately it is better for your images, even if I enjoyed viewing the videos immensely! I do hope you’ll find a different way to showcase these images here on TH-cam that won’t take away from your artistic intent.
Hi Nick, I must say that I completely understand the point of detachment from reality however seeing the process of creating detached reality is something that I find very interesting and also very amazing. I would compare it with creating the painting. I had privilege to watch some painters create their work and It was mind blowing how they creat something special out of nothing. I see your photography as similar. You create something special out of every day subject that people pass by without even stoping. Seeing how your brain filters unimportant things to create detached reality is I believe important and precious. Best regards and keep doing what’s make you happy.
An old fashioned is my go-to cocktail. I make mine with a good rye and homemade Demerara cinnamon syrup but will have to try that vanilla infusion to change it up. Completely understand your position on the urban on location videos. I appreciate and enjoy all your content!
Totally understand regarding the sense of detachment. What excites me is that you will perhaps have a new way of presenting these detached works to your audience, a new series maybe! Thanks for all the videos, awesome channel :)
In my opinion showing the mundane surrounding the "detached reality" makes your work even stronger. Without these on location videos most people would assume that you are just another photographer who goes to cool places to take cool photos. There are countless (especially new) photographers out there who feel that they can't take good photos because they live in boring areas and can't afford to travel and I'm sure that all these people can be really inspired by these on location videos. It goes without saying that I totally respect your view on the matter and that I can understand it, I just wanted to offer another perspective! P.S. sorry for my English
I agree with that. To me the videos makes the images stronger, they show just how hard it is to make the art. I really enjoy watching you explain your thought process while composing the images, teaches us a lot, precisely about the importance of exclusion. I remember laughing a lot at you complaining about tucks parking in front of the scene and feel this kind of things makes the images more special. I don’t think the videos undo the detachment you seek, on the contrary I feel the location videos makes the final images look almost like miracles. Love them! I do understand your reasoning, but have to say I’ll miss these on location videos and hope you reconsider. Please don’t take this badly. Cheers Nick!
Really enjoyed the longer video chat. If you had just stopped doing the on location videos I would have been disappointed but your rationale made a lot of sense and I fully support your decision. All the best.
I remember the first time you mentioned the Dead Inside project and I’ve always loved the concept and wasn’t sure if you are still perusing it, love your work so far and can’t wait to see the how it turns out!
This may qualify for the most ridiculously overdue 100k on TH-cam. It was well deserved a long time ago! Have loved your content Nick, a lot of which I have binge watched multiple times. You genuinely inspired me to start shooting film back in late 2019, and in 2023 I'm still loving shooting film. And yes, Portra 160 is my favourite stock. I've tried a lot of colour negatives, but Portra is king for me. Looking forward to future content. All the best from Wales
Congratulations Nick. Your thoughts on detachment, painting and why we love images instead of reality reminded me of the following quote by Ritchin: "It is not because it makes it more immediately "real" that we prefer the image, but because it makes it more unreal, an unreality in which we hope to find transcendent inmortality, a higher, less finite, reality." - F. Ritchin, After Photography, p. 21 Life is not about significant details [...] Photographs are. About photography by Susan Sonntag, p.81
Nick, completely understand your decision. I am not gonna lie to you I loved the on-location work you shared in the past where your artistic approach was to express the scene out of the mundane reality, but I really enjoy your videos and I am sure the on-location stuff you are willing to share, will continue to come with the great insight that it is characteristic on your videos. Cheers mate your old videos are part of my favorite collection and I learned quite a bit from those. Thank you for taking the time to let us know. Congrats on 100K... you will only grow
On the contrary, I think seeing all the reality surrounding the subject in the in location video just makes the absence of the current reality in the composition that much more pronounced.
That's really sad. Personally, I really enjoyed those videos. I get what you say but when I look at other people's photos I've forgotten them seconds after I've clicked off them no matter how good they are. Having a fascinating video on how they are created is what makes your images unique and interesting. Very, very (very) few images are accompanied by such interesting and well-put-together behind-the-scenes videos and that makes them special for me. This news has left me, how can I say, a little dead inside. But you gots to do what you feel is right I guess.
Congrats on the 100k, well deserved! I love the urban on location videos, but I fully understand and support your decision. It’s a clear proof of your integrity as an artist. It also shows that you are a photographer more than a TH-camr, since you won’t compromise with the photography to create videos.
Nick congratulations on your volume of work on TH-cam-your decision you have made I fully understand this will make no difference i very much look forward too continue viewing your photography -cheers. Rob
Watching your stuff for a few years and love the work and process. Your channel is yours so create and show whatever makes you feel good. Otherwise, you're just catering to viewers or algorytm. Cheers and keep it rolling 8)
"Overthinking: the art of creating new problems out of one's that never existed in the first place". You create beautiful work, videos, and images, and when they're incorporated together. But hey, it's your content, your creations.
You’ve never had an old fashioned until you try it with maple syrup instead of simple syrup! With the infused Vanilla I’m sure it’ll be even better. Maple syrup brings out the molasses + caramel notes of the bourbon.
It's a pity to hear your decision as I have learned a lot and been inspired by those videos immensely. But I get it. A question: how will someone like me - a bloke in Oxford UK - be made aware of your new detachment works? I have a love/hate relationship with TH-cam (and social media in general) which I am sure most people out there share. But one of the advantages of TH-cam is that - as a subscriber - I get notified of your new content and then I can plan to settle down with a coffee/cocktail and 'get into the Carver zone'. I guess I now need to remember to visit your website to see these new works, right? Damn it! Now that means I have to rely on my memory...
The panoramic shots for dead inside immediately made me think of your video about composition for panoramic formats. The feeling of expansive space in one direction but compression in the other is a perfect description of office cubicle spaces.
Can’t say that I am not bummed about the reduced on location videos but I do agree with you. Sometimes the mystery is better than the reality. Your friends magic analogy is perfect. Imo the beauty for me in your work is it has a simple elegance. No insane post processing or flashy tricks. Just you, the camera and subject. You make it look easy and are an inspiration. Thank you Nick.
I love your work. I do understand what you are doing to create an alternative reality buy cutting out the noise and clutter. You create a piece of art every time your finger touches the shutter button. I also must say that I love going on the journey with you, when you choose to share with us your thoughts and process behind the art that you produce. Thank you for sharing.
I love these discussions! I would expect you to run your channel the way you see fit. Hardly my place to second guess such a personal decision. From _my_ perspective, I'm not an analog photographer by the way, I watch specifically to see your point of view on photography, composition, and of course, to admire the images. Your decision comes from a place that I would never consider. I know you teach, so I always considered the on-location videos as showing us how you take the boring and mundane and show us how to make them time capsules "detached" from reality. Like a cooking show demonstrates how to make the perfect dish. It does not take away from the final product, it enhances how it was achieved against all the obstacles that try to make it mundane. I look forward to your future videos, thanks!
Hell yes I'll watch for 45, I didn't see the survey but I'm in , heck go for 95 if you want. Congrats on the 100k. Love the dead inside idea for shots 6x17 of the office. I like the on location videos, but I really get what your saying about the detachment and other worldly. Your right, and I do love that latest one - for me it's time stopped . I agree with street photos from the 50's and 60's my dad took a few of those and I just love it but it has a nostalgic aspect t for me
Hi Nick! Longtime viewers, first time commenter. I was introduced to your work from seeing your Photography On Location: Route 66 video and I have been a fan ever since. While I understand the reasoning for your choice and artistic vision, I do hope that it changes. Watching your on location videos and seeing your process was one of the reasons I moved into medium format from 35. You're absolutely the reason why I got my Mamiya 645 and shoot with it routinely. I personally don't think the videos detract from your work, so fingers crossed you decide to make more!
![ลองสุ่มไอโฟน 990 โกงมั้ย? [ โกงมั้ยครับ ep.101 ] | DOM](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/bfsWe0j492k/mqdefault.jpg)
Nick, my feelings about your on locations videos can’t be more different than yours. I’m a long time viewer and amateur photographer who likes to shoot a lot of the same things you do, only in Philadelphia. Watching you take a messy location and through framing, skill, and persistence turn it into a piece of art - that’s the magic trick. Showing this doesn’t take away from the work itself, it elevates it. On a personal level, there are shots that I’ve taken that I love all the more because I can walk by them on any given day and they look like nothing special, but I know that in the right conditions they create something impactful. I love how you show this process which gives a glimpse into the magic of photography.
Yeah..... I enjoy the process as much as the photo...
Do you post your work anywhere? As someone who lives in the Philly area I'd love to see the kinds of scenes you've captured.
@@Uglywimp yes you can search for my 1x page 1x scott pilla
amen!
@@Uglywimp Would really like to see it too as another Philly resident
Very sad to hear that. These videos were art by themselves. The liquor store photo would mean less to me without the video. It's the struggle to create meaningful art in a chaotic world that was depicted there. It's a great loss for me.
100% agree with this.
It depends on how one “connects” with the image… either via 1) surreal detachment from reality where it’s mystique is central the power of the image or 2) intimate connection with the scene, as in “it is familiar, I’ve been there, I’ve seen that, connected with it through the artist or making the art”. I find great value honestly in both, and mostly the later… so many landscape scenes just don’t connect with me unless I’ve “been there” or have a goal to “visit there”. Ultimately those scenes can be better or worse than the photo and many people can imitate and reimagine the shot from “the same tripod holes of Edward Weston or Ansel Adams”, though often it’s the creative subtle influence and “art” that makes the connection or makes the image stand out beyond anyone else going there and taking a “snapshot”.
In a way the BTS videos add more value to me, as a kind of NFT or official provenance providing proof when/where/how the photo was taken by the artist… and that has deeply valuable meaning to me… a strong connection to its creation, the art of its inception, and the intent or thoughts of artist themselves… beyond the sterile and solo “piece of art within the frame”🖼️ produced for others to consume and appreciate on its own without additional context.
For me, the photo becomes even more valuable / artistic, because I see how much thought, time and work went into it. When I see a "perfect" photo, I sometimes think "with such a great subject, it's easy, anyone can do that". The thought is of course wrong and just an excuse why my own photos are not "good enough". I learned from your on location videos that besides a good subject you also need dedication, timing and an eye for composition.
I think you are right in some things, i am a very young photographer and a big part of the on location videos is like a course of how to shoot and how to be an artist, but i think that the photos are more valuable in some ways when you know the effort and thoughts that was put in to them but they lose a lot of there magic which I think is very valuable for nick.
Good comment. Wanted to say the same. For me, with your on location video, I can more appreciate the work. It is not destroing the work, because I suddenly notice that you indeed took this photo in a real world and that the things shown on the photo are reality.
About these Photos...... I Ask Myself WHY.... The photos remind me of the premise of the tv show "Seinfeld" (A Story About NOTHING)
Don't worry about the detachment from reality. If you hang on to your photos long enough thy become historical documents. I am 85 and have photos taken in the 1950's and that is just what they are, detached from today's reality.
Also a very good point...
I’ve seen extraordinary films of renowned painters at work making their paintings. Pablo Picasso comes to mind. Watching a paintings creation makes it that much more extraordinary. For me, your wonderful images are not diminished a bit by watching them being created in the real world. That contrast makes them even more interesting. 36:20
That's also a very good point. Nobody complained about the Beatles' documentary Get Back, quite the opposite, being able to watch them create Let It Be (the record) is freaking awesome.
I think part of the reason I like your on location videos is that you sir are apart from reality and you yourself contrast with the modern landscape. It's not everyday you come across a man shooting a view camera in the middle of suburbia in 2023. Anyway, congrats on 100k! I look forward to the future of the channel. I hope we can still get some nature on locations!
The camping ones are my favorite btw. I love a good adventure
Haha! That’s a good point. My whole life is a detachment from reality.
Congrats on 100k, Nick. I love your channel.
In regards to your "dilemma and decision/on location videos" talk... I think your thoughts are exclusive to TH-camrs and people who make videos about taking photos. I think the same things. I want my work to speak for itself, be something to be proud of when I'm old, etc., but when I hear you say it, I don't even think about those things at all. Your work does speak for itself, and you should be proud of it.
I respect you and the photos even more because I see the work that you did to get it, but I also personally can't help but think when I show in my own videos how I got a portrait, I'm devaluing it in some way. It's like I'm bringing my photography and experiences down to the same artistic level as the "Charlie bit my finger" video. But I think they can both exist in some way, and they don't need to be connected in any way. TH-cam is huge, and there are different avenues and roads to go down. You've certainly made your own and I don't think anything you do devalues or takes away from your photos. I get it though if it makes you question things or makes you unhappy in anyway. You have to do what is right for you.
Anyway, sorry for rambling and take this with a grain of salt because I say those things and then think the opposite because I'm a stupid TH-cam photographer.
Cheers.
These are good insights. Interesting to hear your take on it. And thank you for the kind words about my work and channel.
@@nickcarverphoto Make sure you checkout Bryans videos! Don't sleep on this man lol
Sure guys, I understand why you think that your art suffers in a way when you make it more "naked" by sharing the whole process (it crossed my mind as a viewer, as well as the fact that filming all that on your own also distracts you and you may miss an opportunity or an idea because of it). On the other hand, you may consider those videos a form of artistry as well, in a documentary form. There is value in it, but only you know what matters to you most. I'm actually amazed at your capacity to manage to do both at the same time, especially in urban setting. In the end, there are ways to promote your photography on TH-cam without "on location" format; I'd enjoy hearing the story behind a photo without actually seeing a video. In any case, I'm not worried as a viewer, I've enjoyed this video very much and I feel as if I just had a great conversation and exchange of thought (although it was actually a monologue, but it didn't feel that way). Cheers!
Your dilemma is completely understandable and I think you’re making the right move. Your explanation makes perfect sense so just carry on being honest with yourself and follow your instinct. You can’t go wrong that way.
Looking forward to more videos.
By the way, I’ve tried to contribute a few times but have never been able to because of some silly international pay wall restrictions or something that I don’t understand but I’ll try again later.
Dang - those handful of videos are arguably some of my favorite content across all of TH-cam and have watched them multiple times. Totally respect your decision and will continue to subscribe and watch, just want you to know how much of an impact your TH-cam work has on your audience. It is truly a wonderful channel and we can tell how much you care.
Agreed...
Completely agree
Hey - you gotta do what you gotta do - but I'll miss those urban on location videos. They were educational from a number of perspectives - not just "peak behind the curtain" thrills but just the approach to how to frame a subject, how to evaluate the light, everything you describe that goes into the final image. But hey - now it will be up to us to figure out "what would Nick do here" when we're taking photos. Good luck as always - and thanks for the video. Cheers.
The magic to me is that you are able to provide that detachment in the image KNOWING how hard it was to manage! When I now look at the image, I"m not thinking (nor can I even remember!) about the specifics surrounding the location - I just appreciate the effort, and the resulting piece of art, that you created. So perhaps you'll reconsider!! Always enjoy you. Cheers.
Your "On Location" videos are the main reason I'm a subscriber, the full process of how you take a photo and edit it is what I look forward to most.
I definitely have some thoughts on this. For myself, on location videos are only part of the reason I watch your videos. I really appreciate hearing your thoughts on the art and philosophy of photography, especially considering that I don't like every photo you put out (nor do I think one should be so sycophantic). I like that you are creating the types of work that speak to you, and that's an incredibly important thing for you to do. And since you don't rely on this for an income, your process and happiness far outweigh views.
That being said, I learn quite a bit from any photographer's on location videos, and it's precisely for the reasons you identified: what's not in the photo is more important than what is. Seeing a photographer's process has shown me how to be a better photographer myself, and seeing one of your images created from such a mundane setting is part of the magic of the image making process. I am thankful you are still making these videos in nature so we don't lose out on that altogether.
Congrats on the 100k, and continue to make the type of work or (gag) content that speaks to you!
I love how immediately after talking about the 100k milestone you use the 100k plaque as a coaster. 🤣
I've seen some TH-camrs do videos of the various ways they've destroyed their plaques when they got them. There is art in the destruction of art also.
I started watching your channel years ago, around 2017. I'm not a photographer and have no intention of becoming one, however, I am an artist. Painter/Printmaker. Just know that your videos are appreciated by people who enjoy watching an artist talk about his process. Don't stop and congrats on your milestone.
This is a shame to hear. For me personally, none of the 4K video footage or items "outside of the rectangle" diminish what I get from these photographs. Despite seeing all of that prior to the final shot, when I do see it and as a child of the '70s and '80s, your photographs instantly transports me back to what I saw as my daily surroundings. It is almost like being transported back to that time. I can visualize the people, cars, fashion, music, etc. of that time. It holds true when I revisit your photographs or videos months-years later. I will still look forward to the environmental on location videos, but I will miss these. I admire the way you can take a snapshot of "now" and make me feel like I am looking at "then."
Congratulations on the milestone Nick!
For me, I find showing the location in your videos actually creates an even bigger detachment from reality. When I see the mundane scene and then beauty you find in the exposure, it actually makes the photo feel even more surreal. Not to mention what I learn from seeing your process.
I’ll keep watching the channel of course but those are my thoughts 😊
Hey Nick, longtime viewer here. Awesome to see you hit 100k!
I completely respect your decision about not doing on location videos for certain types of photos. I think you make some good points. I would say though from my perspective, the real magic trick for me is seeing how you can create that almost surreal image out of something that feels so real. It's actually one of the things I found really inspiring early on in your videos. Like, man if he can see this potential in this location, then I'm probably passing by similar opportunities left and right! So it will be sad to see that go. But I appreciate the dedication to achieving that result, and can relate to wanting to feel more satisfied with the process. Wish you all the best, and can't wait for more desert stuff!
I love (d) the On Location videos so much. It is how I became a follower in the first place. To see you take an, on the face of it, mundane place and take it to the magnificent, was for me a masterclass in photography.
I understand the "revealing the secret behind the magic trick" analogy and I get why you feel that way but speaking for me personally, seeing those on location videos was like visiting The Magic Castle. It's being on location where magic happens. Nothing was spoiled for me. Its something that no other photographer is doing atleast that ive ever seen and I appreciated you bringing us on your journey. Definitely made me feel like im not alone out there, that other photographers have to problem solve as well. I respect your decision and im sticking with ya.
Sitting here in wet and dreary England watching the sleet travelling sideways in the gale give me one view of normal life. Your photographs show me an alien experience. The architecture, light and environment are all a joy to see because they are so different to my daily experience. Before I retired I also photographed architecture and the buildings you shoot have a look to me that is wonderful. As to your dilemma I am very happy to watch your videos to look at the photographs with you showing as much or as little process that you choose to show.
You're the artist need to do your thing. However, I think the majority of your audience are photographers and have a sense of the behind the scenes already. Personally I enjoy the process. I enjoy watching the progress and steps to achieve the vision. I'm a musician as well and I love watching someone's writing and recording process. I'm not a great film photographer and I watch to learn. You take what most people see as just an old building and show us how to make it a piece of art. Because of your channel I look at these buildings differently now. But I respect your decision and thank you for what I have learned.
btw, the whole cypress trees thing isn't by chance!
for those who perhaps don't know:
It is a tradition in Provence that landlords plant one cypress tree near the entrance to their properties to greet the traveller and welcome them for a drink.
Two cypress trees mean the traveller is welcome for a drink and something to eat.
Three cypress trees mean the traveller is welcome for full accommodation: a drink, something to eat and a bed for a good night’s rest!
superb video, and yes I too am one of the 95% who would and will watch longer content!
Well, your thoughts and your decision about this dilemma is actually why I love your channel. I think you are one of those people who do not only think outside the box but share the whole story. That's what makes it great to me. It's not one of those youtube photography channels, where you can expect a new video in the same style every sunday (and there's nothing wrong with that, I do follow such channels too). But your approach is different. And I like it. Thanks for sharing.
Man I am so happy for you that you came to that realization! I think it is a big step forward for you as a photographer. With this being said, I know how much we as viewers will miss your thought process and peeking behind your process. Perhaps you can show us your work from time to time and at least explain to us your thoughts and feeling you have about those photos „detached from reality“. One last though, please make a book with the title „detached from reality“ - it would suit your series and I get a feeling it means a lot to you after seeing this revelation. All the best Nick and good light for you future projects.
Great video Nick! You are absolutely in your element with the blue collar buildings shoots and especially with your new “Dead Inside” series. That is a gallery show waiting to happen. High quality work.
After your “Detachment from Sobriety” I mean “Reality” explanation, the images you showed, to my simple brain, are not so much a “detachment,” as it is a hyper focus on the reality of a moment. We are in fact attached to the scene. What’s important is the story in the composition, the mystery, the almost voyeuristic instant you’ve happened upon and decide to capture at that very point in time, to present. We now get to be there too.
As much as I hate to know you won’t be doing the on location videos, it makes perfect sense. Keep up the great work man.
A hyper focus on the reality of the moment. That’s interesting. I can see what you mean. Thanks for sharing and for the compliments.
Hi Nick, truth be told we all like and appreciate your work. The artist and educator in you clashed. The most important is that you keep on growing. Thank you for the discontinued series that taught us a lot.
Nick, you are my favorite youtube photographer but I have to take a contrarian view to yours. Watching the creation of a piece of art only strengthens our bond to it. The Liquor store video is a masterpiece and watching you create the final image in your own style was a privilege. But in the end, you are the creator and you do what you think is best for you! 😊
I always enjoyed your on location videos. The thought process and techniques you used have been super influential to my photography as well as entertaining.
I recently saw a gallery in South Korea dedicated to a 6x17 photographer, Kim Young Gap. Seeing that body of work on display all together in a space built for that purpose was incredibly moving. I hope you are able to find a way to show your 6x17 work in a way you are comfortable with because I'll miss it otherwise!
Nick, I love your on location videos, but I 100% understand and agree with your decision. It's exactly how I feel about my photography. Keep up the great work. The people who truly appreciate your photography will stick around and support you. You're awesome.
Your exterior shots are full of light and atmosphere - but those office interiors are something unique and take it to the next level - sensational.
Man, I think you and your friend are at least partially wrong on this. There is 2 types of appreciation of anything. 1) without knowing how its made. No clue. Due to lack of education or interests. Its fine but it’s not as deep. Before I learned to play music instruments, I listened to music just as a whole, without giving much thought. 2) with understanding of what’s going on. After I learned to play guitar and drums, I can listen to each band member separately and visualize exactly what they are doing. I’m getting so much more joy from good music now, appreciating it on much more levels. I enjoy the piece as well as behind the scenes. Magic stays and even more magical to understand that the artist creates it from ordinary things. That is the detachment, that’s whats exciting. That’s why I love your videos so much, and other photographers videos where I can see the process of making great art. That is no less magical for me. I don’t want to ask you to do something you feel removes the magic, but will miss the urban on location videos. Those were for sure magical!
I think that feeling of detachment comes from the fact that those Gregory Crewdson and to some extent your photos looks like they were done in a studio, using fake props almost, that stop sign is borderline cartoonish and I love it. I doubt a photography on location about that photo would change that quality.
Hello Nick , your on location videos carry unique artistic value on its own separate to the artistic value of your pictures taken on those location. I love your on location videos and am watching them from Poland and Czech Republic. Watching your on location videos from desert or liquor store in cold winter or dark autumn days in Poland is carrying so much positive vibe and feelings. Me watching your on location vids is like almost being there myself. Great on location video's of yours are absolutely unique in the photography world. However if you feel u can't do the many more I understand and respect you following your heart. Your landscape pictures capture lot of emotions and your on location videos do not rob those pictures from their artistic value. I hope other of your viewers can also share here their options . Best regards from Prague, Czec Republic
This is really interesting. I absolutely love your urban photos. (Please make a book). Being from the uk makes all these pictures ‘remote’ from real life to me. I’ve tried to create the mood of these shots with uk buildings and I think because I know where they are and that they’re in my world they just don’t have the vide. Madly though to me your photos are enhanced by the video to see the effort that needs to go into taking them. The reasoning behind what’s in and what’s out. All that said they’re your photos and your legacy so I very much agree with you doing what you want and not showing the process. Great explanation video. 👍
So, I'll miss those videos, no doubt. However, one of the reasons I follow you is that you put out what feels like "genuine" content, not just click-bait; so I have to respect your wishes on this and accept it. Hope it works for you -- and that more landscape photography is in your near future.
Congratulations on the award Nick.
I am senior enough to have my own photographs from the seventies and both they, and my memory of the photographer of that time, have gained a 'detachment' over the years. It is what the passage of time does. I think you should be proud of those behind the scenes videos and may see them differently in the future. We all learned from them. My personal hope is that a very occasional on-location vid will creep in at some point if only to document your progress. And if it doesn't, well, we still have the old ones to enjoy.
Me too. I’ve just started re-filing and re-scanning slides and negatives from as far back as the 1970s and wish I had recorded at least something about each, let alone a video. Memories fade and twist and now some I remember well but others I love have no clue about when or why or what struck me before taking them. Sad…
Nick, as much as I love your urban on location videos, I completely understand and support you and discontinuing them. I actually find that your approach to rest of your photography what is almost the exact same, except without the focus on detachment from reality.
I was lucky enough to receive some very nice wide angle Nikkors last year (I’m a 35mm shooter) and I’ve loved using them, but I find myself turning to my nifty fifty and my 200mm prime again and again. I think you’re right in saying that what you exclude is more important than what you include.
Great work as always, I’m really loving dead inside series (I didn’t think I would) and congrats on 100k!
Your urban on location videos definitely have been the most fascinating part of your channel. As someone who really enjoys your channel as a viewer these videos will be missed a lot. However as a photographer I really get your decision and it is a great lesson and thought for me personally. It really shows very clearly your priority to known as a photographer and not a TH-camr. I recently stopped posting stories and photos on Instagram because it did not make any sense. I am doing photography as a creative pursuit and instagram is not adding anything to the process and in fact just taking away my time and confusing my mind. I have decided to give time to myself and focus on photography and not worry about who sees it and likes it. I will probably think about it later but instagram is definitely not the answer.
Thanks for keeping it real Nick. Cant say im not going to miss the on location videos but totally understand why you are going to stop making them. Looking forward to some more great honest content.
An alternative view: I can honestly say that I originally saw the Houston's Liquor photo separate from the on location-- and the photo stands on it's own. It's that good, and almost single-handedly convinced me to get back into film photography. And, this is your channel, so obviously, whatever you want to put on here, put on here, and whatever you don't want-- well, that should be obvious.
But I have to disagree (respectfully) with your premise on detachment from reality-- knowing *how* that detachment was accomplished, by no means detracts from the photograph. Whether you filmed the "on location" shoot or not, YOU are aware of the surroundings of the liquor store, the donut store, or any of the other locations, and the effort you went into to create that final image. By your premise, this means you can never view the photo as "detached from reality", unless you have significantly more Old Fashioneds. 😂
Please don't assume that just because we didn't see the surrounding area, that we don't know it exists-- Houston's Liquor store is not 30 miles from nowhere on a dark desert highway-- I can look at it on google street view for cryin' out loud (And I have). What impresses me about your work is the final result. As an amateur photographer, seeing the process, and the work you went through to get that one magical image-- that's really cool, and THAT is why I enjoy your on location videos. Perhaps I'm old and cynical, but I know the "magic" behind good photography (and yours is *very* good) isn't magic-- it's hard work, skill, and a little bit of luck when all else fails.
I can't help but feel, and perhaps this is harsh (not meant to be), that the real problem is, you don't want people to see how the magic trick is done. And that's OK too. But I do enjoy your videos, and I did watch until the end. 😉
I can understand why you should want to maintain the mystery of some photos. For me I enjoyed the process you went through and found it something that I might aspire to. I also find the banter/narration humerus which is why I started watching your TH-cam channel in the first place.
I'm sure the comment section will be filled with people saying "behind the scenes doesn't take anything away for me", and I get where they might be coming from, but deep down you know it does. And so do I. For the past three years I've been struggling to articulate what it is about my photos I truly love and why I'm resistant to show people any 'behind the scenes'. It's even at the point where I don't show some photos digitally. They are prints, framed by a window into another world.
This video gave me an 'ah ha' moment after years of struggling and searching. It has put words to intangle thoughts and feelings. I better understand what I want and how to go about it.
Mate I owe you a beer! You bloody legend
I just wanted to say that while you state that you never set out to be a TH-camr, etc, I still think you're one of the most important Photography TH-camrs we have. You've helped me and countless others. Getting into film has been a mix of terrifying and the most rewarding experiences of my life and any question or second-guess I've had, I've been able to find a solid answer for because of you. I would have probably given up on night photography had I not known what reciprocity factors were because admittedly, I ruined at least 3 rolls of Cinestill 800t. I just figured it was something I wouldn't be able to fix and one day, in binging your videos, I found out all about it. I do love your dedication to your craft and that your goal for the detachment from reality rings is your number one goal for most of your work but respectfully, your Tire Shop and Huston's Liquor photos are two of my favorite images of all time and the added reward of being able to be with your during that process was an immeasurable moment of influence on me and the style I am trying so hard to find and being able to hear your real-time thoughts about the scene in front of you as it played out was just as important to me as the final product.
Hi Nick,
first of all thank you for your videos and art work! Im a photographer from Germany and you inspire me a lot with your on location videos.
Those videos are some of my favorite content on TH-cam. I really appreciate hearing your thoughts and philosophy of photography on location. Hopefully you will change your mind at some point and show us more of this magic creating art. I think seeing the location alsow is an importent part to see how you set your frame and detach your picture from reality! For me this is not distracting and your final picture stands alone after your work is done.
Best wishes
Lars
I'm shocked. But I also understood it's how you feel right now. The thoughts that came to my mind were already expressed by others in the comments. So I'll keep watching and hope at one point you will see this from a different angle. For one selfish reason: I love your on location videos.
Reading all of these very thoughtful and respectful comments, I'd like to add that I think many of us greatly value the urban on-location videos and learn a great deal from opportunity to see all that's involved in the process -- while being able to simultaneously detach ourselves from what we've just witnessed and re-see the photograph as it is -- our minds being able to exclude all of that peripheral knowledge and just take in that detached image.
Great video, Nick. Totally support your decision, to exclude the making of on location photos. What you do show, is still great inspiration, even for an old photographer , as myself. Keep the camping series coming. Thanks KB.
Glad you mentioned Ben Horne! I've learned so much from both of you, largely because of your on location photos and how in them you explain your thought processes around composition, light, and why some details get included and why others don't.
I'll miss the on-location videos for many reasons, but I respect that you are doing what you need to do.
Congrats on the 100k my man. Been digging your content for a few years at this point and I couldn't be more proud of you. *Wipes away a tear* You're all grown up Nick!
As someone who makes TH-cam videos about photography, I completely understand your perspective on removing the reality of scenes and to a certain extent, the art of the process. There are a lot of times where I shoot video of my process and never show it. I think its hard to make it as a photographer in 2023 and onward and TH-cam helps present our work in an easy way but with far less meaning. I'm still stuck in the dilemma... Shout out for the There Will Be Blood reference. Cheers buddy
I whole-heartedly support your commitment and prioritization of photography over 'popular' video content. While, from my perspective, none of your work has been 'spoiled' by the on-location videos, if broadcasting those details affects the creative process and vision you've worked so hard to achieve, then those details are better left behind the scenes.
Your video content is excellent, but I think many would agree that the driving factor in the quality of your video content is an extension of the quality of your photographic work and personal commitment to it.
As your Instagram poll may have already suggested, there is a lot of value in your thoughts an commentary on photography. I will continue to support your content in any form, and BGWG is one of my favorites. If you stopped producing videos all together, the I guess I'd just have to save my contributions up for a print! (hope you're still selling prints in 5.833 years...)
No matter what, thank you for every video and photograph you've released. I look forward to what's next regardless of format or frequency!
1. I want to watch what makes you excited to share! That excitement comes through and I love it.
2. What more do you have to show us? If we want to take Carver-esque photographs of spaces outside of time, you have shown the process many times. Sure, each photo is its own story, its own journey, and there's value in seeing the specifics, the individual challenges overcame. But we've seen enough of the first steps to get started down the path. You owe us nothing.
3. Thank you. (Even if I do like the burn, not the smoothness)
Yet another well spent 45 minutes. Cheers !!!
Hello again Nick. Your on location videos and talking about creation process also opensrd my heart and eyes of the soul more wide to my own taking pictures, It helped me to realize and get deeper into my own amateur photography work. Thanks to your on location Videos I realized what is my own photography about. I photograph emotions by capturing snapshots of landscapes in unique in whole universe fractures of the time which never repeat. Besides Nick You are an artist and artist master teacher. One does not make the other smaller. those compliment each other in your work. Take care
I truly believe in your last point on exclusion. Not only that it is important (from a viewers perspective), but that it also demonstrates your ability to be able to do so as a photographer. Shows that you are on a level to envision your outcome and be deliberate about it. I am in that point of my photography journey and I can tell it's not easy...
You do you Nick, I subscribed because I like your content in whatever form-You’re a fun watch-and a cool dude.
I love how you use your 100,000 subscriber award as an Old Fashion Coaster!
Thanks for everything you do.
I'm sad that you won't be producing the urban on location videos. I found it hugely educational seeing the effort that you went to scouting locations, composing meticulously and waiting for the perfect light / cars / bystanders / whatever. In a small way it has made me a better photographer. But that's just me being selfish and it's your art and your decision what you want to share with us.
One humble suggestion. Please can you keep showing us the photos that you take even if they aren't attached to an on location video. For example the segment you did today about Dead Inside was great. I'd love to see more of that.
One of my favourite parts of the on location videos isn't the on location part at all, but the segment afterwards where you talk about the images you took, explain your compositional choices and why you prefer one over another. It's that level of granular analysis that most other channels don't give you. Hopefully that can be preserved in some form as well even if we don't get to see you wearing the yellow safety vest as often in the future!
Anyway - thanks again you rock.
Wow, what an amazing video Nick. First of all, I really enjoyed the format - In UK terms, "a fireside chat" - that worked so well. It was great to listen to your innermost thoughts, and the professional dilemma you have faced and been prepared to discuss so openly. Commendable, my friend.
I totally sympathise with your dilemma and fully understand and appreciate your decision. I found it a very philosophical expose that really touched a chord with me in my seemingly never-ending search for my own "photographic style". Your thoughts on a need to detach from reality to make meaningful art will cause me to think very seriously about my approach going forward. For that alone I thank you. I look forward to continuing to view your work and indeed hear your thoughts as you go forward. Best wishes.
Thank you Nick. Good to spend quality time with you. Completely understand and respect your decision regarding the On Location Video verses the quality (alway wonderful) of the photo that results. I completely agree with the movie reference. However, I think that in reality this is more in your head than your audience, and the purchases / viewers of your photos. The beauty and timeless / detached nature of your photos will last much longer than any memory of the fine detail of the process that the video portrays. The photo will stand alone, but if we know what you did to achieve it, this enhances it, it doesn't detract from it. (easier for me to say, as your reality in California is rather different from England !!)
Hi, I fully understand where you are coming from. From your previous on location videos we, who have been following you for some time, know the care and dedication that you employ in the construction of your compositions. So, I feel that there is no need for you to go through all that technical stuff. Let us enjoy and interpret your images with the background knowledge of your methodology from previous videos.
On the “Dead Inside” project, great idea and the images you showed in this video have really perked my interest.
This is my first ever response to a video produced by you, or anyone else; just wanted to say that I am 100% behind you!
I 100% agree with you about "detachment from reality" work not needing videos. It makes total sense not to want everything behind the camera to be seen for that kind of subject. I'd be happy with just seeing on location videos in the subject.
Your photos are awesome and inspiring! Keep them coming!
All good, Nick. Don't think about it too much. I appreciate you and what you bring to this chaotic world. I know I'll consume any video you put out. All that goofing around and having a good time making art. I wish you the best in whatever projects you do next - from custom cabinet lighting to printing your finest photos.
Fascinating video throughout. On your key point, I disagree. Your on location videos of the urban decay photos and detachment from reality photos in general do absolutely nothing to take away my enjoyment of the final works themselves. I love learning how artists work and their thought processes and philosophies, yet the second I look at their art, my mind shifts gears into a completely different mode. I was involved in the engineering aspects of music production for some time, a combination of extreme technological expertise and creativity similar to your approach to photography, and same thing - the minute you hit “play” on a track, I get lost in the emotional experience of the music. It takes mental effort to shift back into how something was done engineering wise. I think you’re really overthinking this and the on location videos don’t detract at all from the finished work. Regardless, total support for whatever is working for you to keep you loving the hobby. Also, I’m super excited that the Dead Inside book is still in progress. Cheers!
Initially I was pretty bummed out about the on location videos, but now in my second time watching this, I think I now got it. And now I reaaaally want to see you talk about your "detached from reality" photo collections on the BGWG series or something similar. I cannot wait to see what you create in the future!
There's a sushi chef in southern Tasmania, Australia, and he's considered one of the best sushi chefs in the country. He has chosen to only sell sushi Friday to Sunday, 1130am - 300pm. He could open 7 days a week and make a motza, but he has chosen quality of life and quality of product, rather than indulging us mindless consumers, who can never be satisfied. That's credible, man. High five!
Awesome you mentioned Gregory. He is my absolute favourite, I started off watching this BGWG thinking “Man, I think Nick would really love Crewdson’s work. He is getting so much of the same atmospheres in single captures.” You’re producing some really excellent work dude!
Regarding your decision on the On Location’s, I completely agree on you points. Ultimately it is better for your images, even if I enjoyed viewing the videos immensely! I do hope you’ll find a different way to showcase these images here on TH-cam that won’t take away from your artistic intent.
Congratulations Nick on the subscriber milestone. Keep doing what you do so very well. All of your instincts are right on the mark!
Hi Nick,
I must say that I completely understand the point of detachment from reality however seeing the process of creating detached reality is something that I find very interesting and also very amazing. I would compare it with creating the painting. I had privilege to watch some painters create their work and It was mind blowing how they creat something special out of nothing. I see your photography as similar. You create something special out of every day subject that people pass by without even stoping. Seeing how your brain filters unimportant things to create detached reality is I believe important and precious.
Best regards and keep doing what’s make you happy.
An old fashioned is my go-to cocktail. I make mine with a good rye and homemade Demerara cinnamon syrup but will have to try that vanilla infusion to change it up. Completely understand your position on the urban on location videos. I appreciate and enjoy all your content!
Totally understand regarding the sense of detachment. What excites me is that you will perhaps have a new way of presenting these detached works to your audience, a new series maybe! Thanks for all the videos, awesome channel :)
In my opinion showing the mundane surrounding the "detached reality" makes your work even stronger.
Without these on location videos most people would assume that you are just another photographer who goes to cool places to take cool photos. There are countless (especially new) photographers out there who feel that they can't take good photos because they live in boring areas and can't afford to travel and I'm sure that all these people can be really inspired by these on location videos.
It goes without saying that I totally respect your view on the matter and that I can understand it, I just wanted to offer another perspective!
P.S. sorry for my English
I agree with that. To me the videos makes the images stronger, they show just how hard it is to make the art.
I really enjoy watching you explain your thought process while composing the images, teaches us a lot, precisely about the importance of exclusion. I remember laughing a lot at you complaining about tucks parking in front of the scene and feel this kind of things makes the images more special.
I don’t think the videos undo the detachment you seek, on the contrary I feel the location videos makes the final images look almost like miracles. Love them!
I do understand your reasoning, but have to say I’ll miss these on location videos and hope you reconsider. Please don’t take this badly. Cheers Nick!
This video is just pure quality from start to finish.
I like all your videos! Keep them coming!
Really enjoyed the longer video chat. If you had just stopped doing the on location videos I would have been disappointed but your rationale made a lot of sense and I fully support your decision. All the best.
Nick, I just had my first framed print done and wanted know where you got your sticker to put on your framed prints?
I remember the first time you mentioned the Dead Inside project and I’ve always loved the concept and wasn’t sure if you are still perusing it, love your work so far and can’t wait to see the how it turns out!
This may qualify for the most ridiculously overdue 100k on TH-cam. It was well deserved a long time ago! Have loved your content Nick, a lot of which I have binge watched multiple times. You genuinely inspired me to start shooting film back in late 2019, and in 2023 I'm still loving shooting film. And yes, Portra 160 is my favourite stock. I've tried a lot of colour negatives, but Portra is king for me. Looking forward to future content. All the best from Wales
Nick, I completely understand. Stay to your path, the work is great.
Congratulations Nick. Your thoughts on detachment, painting and why we love images instead of reality reminded me of the following quote by Ritchin:
"It is not because it makes it more immediately "real" that we prefer the image, but because it makes it more unreal, an unreality in which we hope to find transcendent inmortality, a higher, less finite, reality."
- F. Ritchin, After Photography, p. 21
Life is not about significant details [...] Photographs are. About photography by Susan Sonntag, p.81
The shot with the barrels is STUNNING.
Nick, completely understand your decision. I am not gonna lie to you I loved the on-location work you shared in the past where your artistic approach was to express the scene out of the mundane reality, but I really enjoy your videos and I am sure the on-location stuff you are willing to share, will continue to come with the great insight that it is characteristic on your videos. Cheers mate your old videos are part of my favorite collection and I learned quite a bit from those. Thank you for taking the time to let us know. Congrats on 100K... you will only grow
Deep, really deep. Hammer hitting the nail right on the head stuff ! Great discussion Nick. Thank you very much 🫵
On the contrary, I think seeing all the reality surrounding the subject in the in location video just makes the absence of the current reality in the composition that much more pronounced.
That's really sad. Personally, I really enjoyed those videos. I get what you say but when I look at other people's photos I've forgotten them seconds after I've clicked off them no matter how good they are. Having a fascinating video on how they are created is what makes your images unique and interesting. Very, very (very) few images are accompanied by such interesting and well-put-together behind-the-scenes videos and that makes them special for me. This news has left me, how can I say, a little dead inside. But you gots to do what you feel is right I guess.
Congrats on the 100k, well deserved!
I love the urban on location videos, but I fully understand and support your decision. It’s a clear proof of your integrity as an artist. It also shows that you are a photographer more than a TH-camr, since you won’t compromise with the photography to create videos.
Hell yeah!!! I would listen to you talk all day I watched all your videos man. Congratulations!!!
Nick congratulations on your volume of work on TH-cam-your decision you have made I fully understand this will make no difference i very much look forward too continue viewing your photography -cheers. Rob
Watching your stuff for a few years and love the work and process. Your channel is yours so create and show whatever makes you feel good. Otherwise, you're just catering to viewers or algorytm. Cheers and keep it rolling 8)
"Overthinking: the art of creating new problems out of one's that never existed in the first place". You create beautiful work, videos, and images, and when they're incorporated together. But hey, it's your content, your creations.
You’ve never had an old fashioned until you try it with maple syrup instead of simple syrup! With the infused Vanilla I’m sure it’ll be even better. Maple syrup brings out the molasses + caramel notes of the bourbon.
It's a pity to hear your decision as I have learned a lot and been inspired by those videos immensely. But I get it.
A question: how will someone like me - a bloke in Oxford UK - be made aware of your new detachment works? I have a love/hate relationship with TH-cam (and social media in general) which I am sure most people out there share. But one of the advantages of TH-cam is that - as a subscriber - I get notified of your new content and then I can plan to settle down with a coffee/cocktail and 'get into the Carver zone'.
I guess I now need to remember to visit your website to see these new works, right? Damn it! Now that means I have to rely on my memory...
The panoramic shots for dead inside immediately made me think of your video about composition for panoramic formats. The feeling of expansive space in one direction but compression in the other is a perfect description of office cubicle spaces.
Can’t say that I am not bummed about the reduced on location videos but I do agree with you. Sometimes the mystery is better than the reality. Your friends magic analogy is perfect.
Imo the beauty for me in your work is it has a simple elegance. No insane post processing or flashy tricks. Just you, the camera and subject. You make it look easy and are an inspiration. Thank you Nick.
I love your work. I do understand what you are doing to create an alternative reality buy cutting out the noise and clutter. You create a piece of art every time your finger touches the shutter button. I also must say that I love going on the journey with you, when you choose to share with us your thoughts and process behind the art that you produce. Thank you for sharing.
I love these discussions! I would expect you to run your channel the way you see fit. Hardly my place to second guess such a personal decision. From _my_ perspective, I'm not an analog photographer by the way, I watch specifically to see your point of view on photography, composition, and of course, to admire the images. Your decision comes from a place that I would never consider. I know you teach, so I always considered the on-location videos as showing us how you take the boring and mundane and show us how to make them time capsules "detached" from reality. Like a cooking show demonstrates how to make the perfect dish. It does not take away from the final product, it enhances how it was achieved against all the obstacles that try to make it mundane. I look forward to your future videos, thanks!
Hell yes I'll watch for 45, I didn't see the survey but I'm in , heck go for 95 if you want. Congrats on the 100k. Love the dead inside idea for shots 6x17 of the office. I like the on location videos, but I really get what your saying about the detachment and other worldly. Your right, and I do love that latest one - for me it's time stopped . I agree with street photos from the 50's and 60's my dad took a few of those and I just love it but it has a nostalgic aspect t for me
Your art, your choice. I totally get what you’re saying, and 100% fair play to you!
Congratulations Nick
Hi Nick! Longtime viewers, first time commenter. I was introduced to your work from seeing your Photography On Location: Route 66 video and I have been a fan ever since. While I understand the reasoning for your choice and artistic vision, I do hope that it changes. Watching your on location videos and seeing your process was one of the reasons I moved into medium format from 35. You're absolutely the reason why I got my Mamiya 645 and shoot with it routinely. I personally don't think the videos detract from your work, so fingers crossed you decide to make more!