Shooting. It’s pretty much all I’ve ever wanted to do. Be it for short films, TV pilots or on a disposable camera for that element of surprise, being around the camera has been my greatest joy. The last few months I’ve acquired an incredibly deep admiration for my immediate surroundings and the intricacies that define their beauty. The cracks in the paint on my dad’s old shed, the dying Pine trees that look like they are rusting, the way the light pours onto the concrete turning it gold in the afternoon… so many things I all of a sudden wanted to capture forever. Luckily, I know some amazing people who are always willing to help bring these visions of mine to life.
Queue: Niko. An incredibly talented (and tall!) photographer, philosophical mind and Vine appreciator. In Italian, Niko would be described as ‘simpatico.’ He radiates a calming energy and bright light, which is a rare combination. He is also a brilliant model to work with, often posing how I wanted without instruction. It helps we both assisted in an incredibly fast-paced photography studio, so posing and movement are forever ingrained into our minds! Whether I wanted to shoot in the autumn crusted trees, on my dad’s semi-trailer, in the middle of a construction site or atop a tin roof, Niko was up for it. We shot for about four hours from the front to the back of my family’s property, but it felt more like 5 minutes. What can I say? Time flies when you’re having fun!
This time I wanted to bring something more personal into play, so I interviewed Niko and paired his words with my favourite images below. I shot both Digital and Film and have pulled the entire gallery together HERE. That’s right - HERE.
Can’t wait to take more cool photos of cool people.
Enjoy!
x
Adrianne
Let’s start with the basics. Where were you born and raised?
Born in Tarquinia, Italy, lived there a few years but I grew up most of my life in Australia.
One part of Italy I have yet to see! Where in the world feels most like home to you?
I don't think I could say with certainty a singular place, but if I had to choose it would be anywhere in the world with a kitchen and friends to cook for.
A pretty perfect answer. I have to ask - what’s your signature dish?
Carbonara!
I think the next shoot we do is going to have to involve food! Now tell me, what are you most passionate about?
Photography, rock climbing and travel.
Photography I may have had an inkling about…Where would you say your love for photography began?
Being mentored by photo journalist Viki Ospina in Colombia.
That sounds absolutely incredible! What was your first ever camera?
It was a Nikon FM2.
What do you absolutely love to shoot?
I’d have to say protests and street photography.
I’ve seen your work and i have to say I really admire they way you dive right into the midst of protests. What inspires you the most both as an artist and a person?
The works of war photographers and journalists like James Natchez, Chris Hondros, Lynsey Addario…
What’s one thing people wouldn’t know about you?
Nothing particularly remarkable.
I have to disagree - you do a stellar Christopher Walken impression! Okay, name the three coolest places you’ve ever been:
They would have to be El Choco, Colombia, Havana, Cuba and Paris (specifically during a yellow vest protest)!
What is one film you’re obsessed with and why:
The Raid Redemption (1 and 2), for the fantastic fight choreography in conjunction with set pieces, budget, camera angles and practical effects.
Adding them to my list! Okay, so you’re hosting a dinner and you can invite any three figures throughout history:
Carl Sagan, Carl Jung and Dante Alighieri.
I might have to steal Dante the next time I get asked that question! Moving into modern territory, what is something from the internet you quote way too much?
"Hey Demons, it's me… ya boi."
Honestly, a brilliant choice. And finally, if you could go back in time and give your 13 year old self advice, what would it be?
I would say ‘take care of yourself… and invest in bitcoin.’
Images shot on my Canon 5D Mark IV and Pentax K1000 using Portra 800.