Nic Nichols on Fstoppers

Nic Nichols Photography

I fell in love with photography when I was 13 years old. I was very fortunate that my father supported my fascination by giving me a complete darkroom and a 35mm camera with 3 lenses, all for my 14th birthday. He also introduced me to his business friends and I began shooting images for business brochures. I also spent my days shooting for my high school year book and newspaper while taking photo one and two classes.

From there I attended Antonelli’s in Philadelphia, however, I consider myself to be mostly self-taught. I studied everything I could find by Ansel Adams who created the Zone System for Black & White photography. The Zone System and Adams writings were more than just eye opening. Learning how to manipulate the scenes dynamic range of light was nothing less than incredible. What I was able learn allowed me to feel like I was, for the first time, a real professional photographer and took my work to an entirely new level.

Then came the modern age of digital imaging. Digital imaging has unleashed the imaginations of professional photographers and enthusiasts alike. Applying what the Zone System has given me to digital imaging has produced a quantum leap in the quality of my images. I have find digital imaging to be the ultimate photographic art form.