Nick Rufo - Elevated Reality Photographer
Nick Rufo captures reality with a feeling of stillness, that feels soothing and elevating at the same time. The light, the colors, the composition all work in harmony to create beautifully captured moments. An absolute treat to hear about the inner workings of such a talented creative.
How would you define your work?
I sometimes have trouble defining my work, mainly because my brain is constantly being pulled in so many different directions. Generally though, I aim to capture the world through a lens that transcends time, juxtaposing moments of stillness against the backdrop of profound isolation.
What was a favourite memory on a shoot from last year?
My favorite shooting memory from last year was exploring Yosemite National Park in the middle of two giant Winter storms. The beauty of the park and the weather was some of the most visually inspiring elements I've ever seen.
Your work has beautiful tones, how do you achieve this?
Thank you! I'm very particular with light, I'm always chasing subtle but eye-catching light and how it plays off subjects. This, combined with my love for color and contrast, usually helps me achieve the look that I am going for. Also, can't NOT give medium format film a huge allocation of my appreciation.
What excites you most about shoot day?
The unknown. I can't plan for everything and although this can allow for immediate stress, it also gives me a strange amount of freedom to step out of the original plan and work with what's directly in front of me. I love the experimentation and collaboration that comes with photography.
What is one piece of equipment you couldn't live without?
My Pentax 67.
WOTW TIP: Getting into film photography? For an affordable way to start, we recommend a half frame camera with some Kodak Gold.
What is currently inspiring you?
Other art and artists. I'm constantly drawing inspiration from musicians, writers, painters, directors, photographers and all of their respective artistic creations.
How do you balance creating art for yourself versus work for clients?
It's a hard balance sometimes. I sometimes get caught up in one more than the other, but I've learned that this sometimes creates a tremendous feeling of burn out and when that happens I know it's time to pivot to the other. As important as client work is, it's so important to remember why I started creating in the first place and that is for myself.
What is one thing you would tell young creatives starting out?
I would tell young creatives to follow wherever their true passions take them and to question themselves less and do what they love more.
How do you define success?
Piggybacking on my previous answer, my definition of personal success is being able to create what I love to create and being comfortable enough in my personal and professional life to be able to do that.
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