Nikki McClarron, a London-based photographer, has carved a niche for herself with images that seamlessly blend the worlds of fashion and nature, weaving emotive tales that capture the beauty of humanity and the environment.
As a photographer, she takes a great care of her toolkit, which includes various formats, such as 35mm and medium, and her choice of cameras ranges from the Contax G2 to the Nikon F2, and even the hefty Mamiya RZ67. These cameras have accompanied her on high-fashion campaigns for renowned brands like Arc’teryx x JilSander+ and sustainable textile brand Norlha. Her photographic storytelling elevates commercial campaigns, transforming them into emotive mergers of art, nature, and fashion. "I love still life and landscape photography too, so it’s important to have these moments as breathing spaces in between the fashion stories," she says.
Her willingness to venture into remote and untouched locations for her photoshoots is navigating her adventures as a photographer. From the serene landscapes of Tibet to the picturesque Swiss Alps, she finds inspiration in the balance between her bustling London life and the serenity of nature. "When I’m in London, I’m at home, I feel grounded. But when I’m up a mountain somewhere or in a remote glacier, I’m 100% in a flow state," she explains.
Nikki's artistic integrity shines through in her collaborations with fashion clients. Brands like Jil Sander+ and Norlha are drawn to her aesthetic, and she ensures that her artistic vision aligns with theirs. She believes in saying no to projects that don't resonate with her creative spirit, focusing on brands and products she genuinely believes in.
When it comes to capturing fashion campaigns amidst awe-inspiring landscapes, Nikki skillfully strikes a balance. She weaves a narrative that seamlessly integrates the featured subject, be it a model or clothing, with the surrounding landscape. Each photograph tells a story, providing breathing spaces between fashion-focused shots. The result is a collection of images that transcend mere commerciality and evoke a sense of wonder.
Nikki's photographic journey has been sprinkled with magical moments that are impossible to plan for. The interplay of unexpected light or a subject's spontaneous action often produces her favorite shots. Her advice to budding photographers is to remain true to themselves and their artistic vision. She encourages aspiring artists not to be swayed by passing trends but rather to focus on capturing images that they genuinely enjoy, constantly pushing themselves to improve and evolve.
