RED RAW OFF GRID
After the oppressive Covid lockdowns in Bondi were finally lifted, my girlfriend and I packed up our belongings from our tiny one-bedroom, second-floor apartment to escape Sydney. With our van packed, we headed 10 hours north to live on 100 acres in a mountainous rainforest. After being locked up in our apartment for so many months, this magical land was exactly what we had been manifesting.
We lived in a small shack with no power or running water, so life in the forest was raw and very humbling. We had mountain rivers to wash in, a fire to cook on, and lots of birds and animals to keep us company.
When I arrived, I had a lot of tension and stress from living in Sydney, so I began to explore the land and photograph, especially at night when everything comes alive. For me, the red grade on my images shows a mix of anger, passion, and love. My landscape images represent red emotions, which are perceived differently all over the world in many religions.
The colour red is perceived by the human eye when the retina’s red-sensitive cone cells are stimulated by light at these wavelengths. It is associated with a range of emotions and concepts, including sexuality, transformation, enlightenment, and courage.
For me, the allure of the colour red has always been undeniable. In the depths of nature’s darkness, particularly in the remoteness of my surroundings, I found inspiration. It’s within this raw, red, and dark tapestry of the natural world that I rediscovered my passion for photography again.
Nickolas May
Nickolas May is an award-winning commercial photographer with a prestigious Gold Cannes Lions award and the esteemed Australian Life Photographic prize.
From the age of 14, Nickolas discovered his passion for photography when he first held a film camera in his hands. Drawn to the artistry of black-and-white photography, he captured portraits and landscapes, fuelling his creative spirit.
As technology progressed, Nickolas seamlessly transitioned into the digital realm and embarked on a remarkable 17-year journey as a producer, collaborating with renowned advertising agencies in Sydney. Throughout this period, he orchestrated high-end photography shoots for clients like Telstra and Qantas.
As his commissioned photography portfolio flourished, Nickolas made a pivotal decision in 2011 to break free from the advertising world, embracing his true calling as a commercial photographer, and never looked back.
Nickolas is more than just a photographer; he is a master storyteller. His distinct photojournalism style immortalises extraordinary moments in time, capturing the essence of each subject he encounters. Embracing this craft has afforded him the privilege of embarking on captivating journeys, connecting with diverse cultures, people, and landscapes.
From picturesque shores in Western Australia for Qantas, where kangaroos roam freely on the beach, to the bustling streets of Thailand for a vibrant Chang beer campaign, Nickolas’ lens has traversed the globe, making memories that endure beyond time. He has embarked on a whirlwind adventure, travelling to five countries in a mere twenty days for Optus and delving into the realm of ancient Aboriginal artworks alongside revered elders in Kakadu.
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