In Feature 031 of Conversations Behind The Campaign, we spoke with Sam Nicklin, a london-based photographer who began his career as a musician before transitioning into photography. Since then, Sam has captured everything from football to fashion, working with the likes of Dover Street Market, Manchester City Football Club, and New Balance, to name just a few.
In our interview, Sam walks us through his creative process from conceptualising a shoot through to sourcing the ‘perfect’ objects to feature in his still life photography. We explore where he finds inspiration and the challenges that can accompany working in the creative sector.
1. Did you grow up with a love for being behind the camera or has this developed over time?
My route to becoming a photographer hasn’t been very ‘typical’. I studied and trained as a musician for most of my early life, only shifting to photography a few years after I graduated with a music degree. I’ve always been pretty creative though, I’ve been making artwork and illustrating since I was young, and my Dad has always enjoyed photography as a hobby, so maybe it was inevitable. I never would have guessed I’d end up doing this as my career, but I’m not complaining!
2. Can you tell us a little about your career and journey within the photography industry so far?
I’ve been shooting professionally now for roughly 6 years,
“starting out with the classic shooting gigs and taking peoples headshots when they found out I had a camera, you name it I shot it (seriously).”
I ended up working for a company called Art of Football for 4.5 years as their Head of Visuals. Directing, shooting and editing the campaigns we did alongside the great team we had, working with big brands and football clubs.
Since being freelance I’ve been working a lot in football still, but a fair bit of fashion with that. I started shooting still life a year ago, and having more fun with my work than ever. I know it’s a bit of a strange pathway to where I am now, but I’m so grateful for everything that has got me here.
3. Your photographs feature still life objects in interesting and unexpected ways. How do you select your items, and how do you choose which ones to combine together?
I go prop sourcing most weekends, going into rooms full of objects and searching for hours is not everyone’s typical Sunday but it works for me. I’ve always had a fascination with objects, ever since I was young I collected things I found interesting.
“It’s hard to explain but sometimes in my head certain objects ‘just work’ together, usually with no real reason why.”
I’ve recently been enjoying combining objects from around my flat simply based off of colour combinations, the more random the selection the better.
4. What’s your process when conceptualising a shoot from start to finish? Do you start with a specific image or “story” in mind you want to communicate?
Usually, even if it’s objects or people, I try to start with one thing I really like. A specific colour in mind, a material or a specific object, as long as it’s something I’m keen on I then try to make it work.
“I try not to think too long about messaging behind my images, as sometimes that throws me off.”
That being said, I’m working on a few personal projects that have real meaning behind them, which I’m excited to share soon.
5. Where do you get inspiration from?
I LOVE print, everything from vintage posters to photo books, there’s something about seeing something physical and the texture of the material that does it for me. Also I can’t not mention Instagram, it’s how people find my work most of the time, and that’s the same for a lot of photographers. I like seeing what other people shoot, it gives me the drive to keep contributing to the photography scene in my own way.
6. What would you say you’re looking to achieve with your photography?
I’ve been asked this question a lot over the past year, and in all honesty I’d love to just keep doing what I’m doing. I’ve had a lot of jobs, and kept busy since I can remember, but
“I feel like I’ve found ‘my thing’ and will work as hard as I can to keep being able to do that.”
If you wanted a short term answer though, I guess it’s to start getting my photography in homes, offices, restaurants and anywhere else really. As I mentioned I love print, so seeing my work on walls would be amazing.
7. What has been your favourite shoot to date, and why?
A very tough one that, but if I had to pick one, it’s not even a still life project. Back in ‘23 myself and my mate Josh went to Naples to shoot some locals and capture the essence of the football culture there for work. Alongside taking portraits, our friend Stefano offered to give us a tour of the city, as long as it was from the back of a couple of mopeds.
“His uncle, Tore, drove me around Naples whilst I held onto my camera for dear life filming everything I saw. “
Not only some of the best footage I’ve ever filmed, but one of the best days of my life, I couldn’t believe doing that was ‘my job’.
8. What has been the biggest challenge in your career and what advice would you share with someone going through something similar?
I think confidence in myself and my work has fluctuated, like it does with a lot of creatives, and I found in the earlier stage of my career this affected me a lot.
“It’s hard to back yourself all the time when there are so many other creatives out there, and especially when you start to get bigger jobs and really have to show up.”
I’ve learnt that you’ve been asked for a reason, so you must be doing something right. ‘Comparison is the thief of joy’ will always be at the front of my mind.
9. Have you noticed a change in how you view the world since being a photographer?
I think since shooting more still life, I’ve started to look at objects with more detail than I ever have. I’m sure my friends are a bit sick of me commenting on how nice the glass is that I’m drinking from, or how good that shade of green is on some tiles at the pub. My camera roll on my phone is full of random objects and colours I’ve seen out and about – always a good source of inspiration when I need it.
10. Are there any photographers or creatives you look up to for both career and creative inspiration?
I’ve gained a lot of inspiration from Saul Bass, the graphic designer behind so many famous film posters (including The Shining). His use of colour and bold shapes have always interested me, he also made his mark so strongly within the industry which is just as inspiring.
I also feel it would be criminal to not mention Irving Penn. His work throughout fashion and portraiture is stunning, but his still life work really helped me early on in my career as a still life photographer. Similar to Saul, Irving worked with some huge clients but still showed his own style, something that I aspire to do myself.
11. Where can our audience follow and engage with you on socials?
I’m always about on Instagram – @sakegrni – sharing what I’m up to and showing which random objects I’ve picked up recently.
Quickfire Q’s
- Film or Digital? Digital all day.
- Black & White or colour? Colour.
- Instagram or TikTok? Instagram.
- Dream Brand to shoot for? Fujifilm.
- Coffee order? Black coffee will always do.
- Oddest item you’ve ever used as a prop? A raw lobster tail, paired with a watch.
