My First Solo Photography Exhibit (Pt 4): Install & Opening Night

CHAPTERS
- Intro & total costs: 00:00
- Installation: 4:20
- Gallery walkthrough: 7:51
- Opening night & final thoughts: 16:59

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VIDEO DESCRIPTION
Holy s-word. It’s finally happening. This photography exhibit that I haven’t shut up about since June is now becoming a reality. Months of mock-ups, spreadsheets, scanning, printing, and framing…it’s all led to this. I’ve brought you along every step of the way and I ain’t about to ditch you now.

In this video I’ll take you through install day and talk about the hard numbers of the whole thing - how much did this project set me back? What am I selling each piece for? And for anyone too far to visit the gallery in person, I even got a little walkthrough to share with ya. Then I’ll wrap it up with a recap of opening night and my final thoughts on the experience.

And speaking of that…this has been one hell of an experience for me. It was a lot of work, but I truly enjoyed the entire process. From planning out the gallery walls to high-rez scanning the negatives to installing the artwork, even when it was difficult or stressful I could always feel an underlying cushion of “goddamn this is awesome.” The more years I spend in photography the more I’m realizing how much my passion for printing is the ultimate driving force. I love taking photos, no doubt, but getting a print hung up on the wall…there’s really nothing like it.

If you’d like to see my first ever solo photography gallery showing featuring all analog film photography images, be sure to stop in to Casa Romantica Cultural Center & Gardens in San Clemente, CA. The exhibit is titled “American Desert” and is on display until December 17th.

*This video contains no paid endorsements of any kind.

[stanmorgan]

When Ansel Adams presented Alfred Stieglitz with a stack of his photographs for his opinion, it is said, he shuffled through them twice. Examining each one. When he finished, and I paraphrase, he said "I am an admirer of great workmanship and this it outstanding". Nick, your work bring this to mind.

[coreymagz]

God this made me so, so happy. Nothing but the best for you, dude.

[thetankslapper]

A modern day DaVinci. Not so much because the work is great, but because the force that brought them into being is no less intense than what Leonard put into his work. We need this level of intensity in our lives, it ennobles the rest of us.

[mm]

Oh man I wish I could give a hundred likes for this. The story itself, the emotion, the editing style, I love it all.

[Black_Jesus]

Had to pleasure of being there opening night. I now know why you get excited when you get the print. Your photos are amazing. They were all great but the “Desert Hopper” stood out to me personally. I felt like I was standing there in front of that hopper in the Mojave. I was so nervous meeting you but it was truly a pleasure.
It was great experience. Thank you Nick. 🙂

[candiesestore]

The most touching point here is you hugging your brother, family is EVERYTHING !!!!

[reusedisland]

WOW! The price of being an artist! Did you say something like ‘29 pieces of my heart and soul’? That’s a very high price.

You have planted some world-class seeds, Nick. I hope there is a great harvest for you.
Your videos reveal the ‘hands and head and heart’ of the real Nick Carver.
If I may say; I think the authenticity with which you show up, is very attractive to aspiring photo creators.
And may I recommend that you ask for a little support from your many followers? If we all bought you a coffee, it would help with your many expenses.
Thanks for this brilliant series of videos, and for sharing your authentic joys and troubles. I’m sure there are thousands of us who agree that you deserve more than a pat on the back. Please set up a ‘coffee account’ with YT.

[Durandalite]

As a preparator in an art museum, I'm glad you enjoyed the hanging process! It's a great feeling, seeing it all go up.

[kevinmorgan]

To coincide visiting my son in Irvine and being there for your opening night to see your awesome prints and to meet you, was just incredible....my lost for words Kenton Nelson moment! To appear with my son in one of your videos...beyond belief!!. A night we will never forget.Thank you so much. You should be so proud of your work and talent Nick and we are privileged that you share it with us.

[jaydigshistory]

This was an awesome series. I wish I could have made it for opening night. I’d love to see these up close. Great job Nick.

[justinrichardson]

"Bent" and "Desert Hopper" are top notch.

[noelj]

I had a great time on opening night. Outstanding photos and setting. I brought son, grandson, and friend. It was elegant. I enjoyed meeting you. I met some people to talk photography. I’m tempted to fly down there again to spend more time with each print. My favorite is the ice shack .

[earlspiece]

I'm preparing for my first public showing of my pictures... Watching your 4 vids is immensely helping me through my own drama not unlike your own... I feel more confident having watched you go through and resolve some of your own issues that resembled my own!!! My showing will start beginning of December which seems like a long way off but time just accelerates when you are preparing for a new experience!!!

[andrewweathers]

I love that your brother showed up. My family has a tendency to do things like this where we "crash" things that are important, but aren't always the easiest to get to. Hopefully I can make it out there before your exhibit closes. If not, I will recommend all my California friends and family stop by. Thank you again for the inspiration to print and show our art.

[MrWhizzo]

I do not know you, I have only ever seen you here on YouTube. From that scant familiarity, I feel you have not only earned your success, you deserve it. I hope going forward you will continue to post here, as your videos are both informative and inspiring. Thank you. Congratulations!

[minisla]

The amount of time and effort that you put in to this exhibition is crazy. Hopefully those who have the privilege of going to see appreciates your hard work. Great to see the end product on the walls...Hats off. Continued success.

[calvinmora]

Feel so pleased for you Nick. As a long time part of your community I can really feel the journey that has come to this. Thanks for sharing being over in New Zealand I appreciated the opportunity to experience your exhibition. First of many I’m sure.

[cliftonwhittaker]

I did enjoy the whole video series, Nick. No surprises on the show opening other than the wonderful surprise of your brother being there. That had to be great for both of you! I knew you would be blown away with meet and greet. So many people to smile with and shake hands with and answer questions for. The high is so great it will take several days for you to come back down to the ground. I'm glad you had someone there who made video of the reception. You will cherish that for the rest of your life. No matter how many more gallery shows you hang there is only one first. Congratulation, Nick, you have that one in the bag.

[csimpson]

The pictures were hung on the walls with such care. With much hope from Nick and us that patrons soon would be there. The photos set just right in their frames. Ready for purchasing and bank accounts drains. With cacti and sand, these 29 frames, what a success who can be blamed. Why it's Nick of course. Tremendous photos galore if you missed out on the show go check out his store.

Cheers man! Congratulations. Love the photos and videos. Helping me to get out and shoot more photos and driving me to print some as well.

[kelm]

Get it Nick! You've worked so hard for this, and seeing it all go off without a hitch must be so rewarding.