Interviewed by Medina Shala
Tell me a little bit about yourself?
My name is Nick Rufo, I am a photographer based out of Los Angeles, CA. I’ve been using cameras since a kid and I’ve been a full-time freelance photographer for 7 years now. I shoot a wide array of photos including street, portraits, fine art, and surreal photography. I mainly create work that depicts a sense of timelessness, nostalgia, and isolation.
What is something that motivates you?
I’m motivated by my desire to be great and make great work. I don’t strive for any popularity but I take pride in my work and any outside resonation with my work means a lot to me. I’m motivated by my peers and I look at my past work often in order to work off of it and get better.
How do you educate yourself to take better photos?
You can never stop learning and getting better, I think it’s important to study and practice every aspect of photography from lighting, color, composition, focal lengths, the history of the medium and so much more. Watching movies, visiting museums, exploring other mediums like paintings and digital renders, and visiting new places to explore, I think all of these things and so many more can help you become a better artist.
Currently what kind of camera, lens do you use?
Loaded question, I have too much gear to list. I’m mainly a film photographer so my weapon of choice is a Pentax 67II and 105mm f/2.4. My main 35mm film camera is a Canon F-1. Whenever I shoot digitally I’m using a Canon 5d Mark IV with prime lenses, mainly 50mm or 85mm.
In your opinion, what makes something a work of art?
I think anything done to express an idea or a feeling is a work of art.
What are your favourite and least favourite parts of being a photographer?
My favorite part of being a photographer is seeing and working to make certain visions come to life. There’s no better feeling than finishing an idea that you’ve been thinking about for weeks, months, or years. I also absolutely love exploring new places and coming across amazing scenes and putting my own spin on them. I get genuinely excited when I come across certain things in the world. My least favorite part of being a photographer is probably most of the internal stuff, like comparing myself or my work to other artists and their work. I can throw in the surge of film prices in there as well lol.
Photos by: Nick Rufo
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