Photographer Spotlight Nick Hall
Meet Nick Hall
Nick is a former wildlife conservationist from England that currently lives in Seattle, Washington. Nick earned his Masters of Science degree in Biodiversity Conservation from Oxford University and has been in the photography industry for 10 years. He and his lovely wife have four wild children (Nick’s words :). Nick’s wife has Alaskan roots so they tend to spend summers in Alaska where his family enjoys fishing for salmon.
Diving right into it, tell us…why photography? What’s launched your passion?
Photography allows me to combine all the things I love in to one form of expression; travel, meeting people, being outdoors and visual telling stories. As a former environmental scientist and wildlife conservationist I love telling stories that in some way capture the human-nature experience and photography allows me to do this.
What are some of the most difficult challenges you’ve faced in photography to date? How do you navigate them?
I think the hardest challenge I have ever faced is having the perseverance to keep believing that I could one day be a professional photographer. I spent several years not making any money or not being commissioned for jobs. I think it was in those shadows that I forged the commitment necessary to make a career for myself.
Lighting plays a major role in telling the story of your image. What are your favorite lighting techniques to tell your story?
I don’t have a favorite lighting technique, but as a location photographer I do pay a lot of attention to how light moves across landscapes.
In which ways do you see your work evolving in the next 5 – 10 years from now?
I am currently directing more and imagine motion work playing an ever increasing role in my work. I’m looking to find more creative ways to tell compelling stories that blend human narrative with epic landscapes.
If you could have given yourself any advice when you first launched your career in photography, what would it be?
Make loads and loads of personal work. Starting out, I didn’t realize how important it was to have a distinctive portfolio of work. I would have told myself to keep shooting to develop that unique style that gives my work a unique edge.
Nick’s Favorite Gear
Do you have any favorite photo gear or tools that is your must have on every shoot? I am a minimalist photographer that doesn’t carry around a bag full of gear. My favorite photography tool is the Photographer’s Ephemeris app on my phone. I use it all the time for calculating the passage of the sun, sunset/rise times, shadows lengths. They even have a google earth version that simulates sun paths over landscapes which is really useful in areas with relief like mountains or urban areas with buildings.
Why Capture Integration?
Dave is awesome! (…but there is more.) Capture Integration is a company that is patient and responsive which is necessary when you make such a huge investment in your photography equipment. Their level of support in service, rental and trouble shooting is unmatched. As their customer, I really feel well taken care of whenever I need a product, advice or service.
Connect with Nick Hall
Website: nickhallphotogrpahy.com
Nick’s Instagram: @nickhallphoto