Meet Nick Gates | Photographer and Digital Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nick Gates and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nick, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I chose to pursue an artistic career because I love to create anything from music to photography. I love the moment when you are in your zone, with not a worry in the world, and just concentrating on the project at hand. I have been shooting photos since I was in high school which was only film and a dark room. I try to take photos that capture a feeling, look like a painting, and don’t look like they were taken from the location they are at.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My love of the ocean and nature drives my photography. I could sit and shoot photos of perfect waves for hours on end. Sunsets are my favorite time on the beach, especially long after it has set and everyone has left, that’s when you can get some of the best photos. I’d like to think that my images are different than others in that I try to capture a painting with my camera. Constantly learning and adapting to the newest technology and creating even more striking images is the pathway I’m on with photography. My story is I’m essentially a self-taught wanderer trying to make the world a little better with each click on my camera.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Growing up in south Orange County and living in San Clemente the last 30 years or so, there are plenty of places to recommend to a visiting friend. First and foremost, would be the beach and the San Clemente Pier. I have a love for that pier, so much so I was a founding board member of the nonprofit Pier Pride (pierpride.org) which has helped raise over a million dollars for pier maintenance, renovations, and art. A sunset view from the outdoor seats at Fisherman’s (restaurant on the pier) is a staple for the San Clemente experience. Del Mar is worth a walk down to enjoy some of the shops and restaurants, even though I liked how it was 20 years ago versus today. Some hidden gems in the area are the local breweries including Los Molinos, Lost Winds, Left Coast, and Artifex. Stop by Ethereal and get yourself that tattoo you’ve been wanting while you’re in the area.

There are other amazing spots locally, including the Dana Point Harbor and Downtown San Juan Capistrano. The headlands at Dana Point offer breath taking views of the ocean and on a clear day you might see some whales passing by. I am one who likes to venture to the well-established drinking holes (some might call them dive bars lol) so I would make a stop at Swallows Inn (SJC), Turks (DP), and Red Fox (SC) to check out the local vibe.

Plenty of trails and areas to escape the hustle and bustle are only minutes away. The inland hill of San Clemente host miles of amazing trails with ocean views, mountain biking that is world class, and after it rained a bit some of the raddest wildflowers covering the hills.

If you surf or skateboard, there are plenty of that as well with many spots available. These days I’m more of walking down the street to the beach by my house and surfing close out waves by myself than go somewhere where there is 100 people in the lineup. Skateboard-wise, the is Etnies Skatepark in Lake Forest or a drive south to Oceanside which has a few amazing skateparks.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
If there is one person who I would give a shout out to would be Ray Zimmerman (MRZ). His photography skills are amazing and at one point when I was running the Etnies Skatepark, he agreed to do a weeklong photography clinic. I learned more in that week regarding my camera, settings, flash work, etc. than I did in years of school. Check out his insta @mrzzz and maybe you’ll be lucky enough to have him take a photo of you skating or doing what you do. A few other inspirational photographers would include Jason Lee (love his photos), Grant Brittain (legendary skate photographer), Chris Burkard, Dave Swift, Arto, and my fav photographer ever Ansel Adams.

Website: www.nickgatesphotography.com

Instagram: @nickgatesphoto

Twitter: @nickgatesphoto

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