Nikita Taylor
Tell us a little about yourself! Where are you from/where do you live? What do you like to do besides photography?
Kelowna is where I grew up, currently live, and also where I shoot weddings part time. It’s got almost everything you could ask for. Day to day Nikita is the mild-mannered brand manager for the Canadian Board Company, but at night he fights against the price increase of film and overhyped point+shoots as a film-loving vigilante.
When did you first get into photography in general? When did you start shooting film?
Photography was something that rock climbing inspired me to get involved with, 8 years ago or so. Looking back at my early work, I cringe. And in 10 years I’m sure I’ll cringe at what I’m shooting now. My dad actually was the first to introduce me to film with his Nikon FE, about 6 years ago. There have been lots of ups and downs through the years with film photography, and photography in general, but it’s something I always find myself coming back to.
What kind/style of photography are you currently shooting?
Photography for work is 99% digital, but if there are any couples out there looking for a photographer to shoot on film for their big day, please get in touch! I mainly shoot weddings, engagements, and lifestyle for different brands. Any personal work is almost always on film and just passion projects of documenting my adventures and trips.
What camera are you currently using the most? What’s your go-to film stock?
I’m always stoked to pick up my Mamiya 7. I do love Portra 800 but I stacked a stockpile of Fuji400H in 220 format before it was discontinued. I don’t actually like 220 all that much, I prefer the smaller 120 rolls. I rarely shoot a full 220 roll in a single sitting so at least with 120 I can send it to get developed sooner.
What’s your dream camera?
I mean the Mamamiya 7 is pretty much my dream and I’m happy to own one. Asides from that though, and even though it’s basically unattainable (since the only 6 in existance are all stuck literally on the surface of the moon) a Hasselblad used on the Apollo missions would be sick.
Is there a film stock that you haven’t gotten the chance to try but would like to?
Again, I don’t think I’ll get the chance to, but Kodak Aerochrome is nuts.
One camera, one film, one location for an entire year. What are they?
Ooof. Nikon F5, Portra 800 (Ektar in 400 if they made it), French Polynesia.
"To be completely candid, I went through nearly my full portfolio for this interview and concluded I basically don’t like any of my own work lol. Maybe I’m just jaded. But if I had to choose, then my first pic would be this one (full disclosure, this was shot on digital). The lighting in this shot, my girlfriends smile and the way the dark water really makes her pop might be one of my favourites."
Is there anyone that has really influenced your work? Either another photographer or someone outside of the photography world?
Shout out Chris Stewart for his wedding photography mentorship. Jimmy Chin for getting me interested in photography through climbing in the first place. Diplo for not letting anyone put him in a box and always learning new styles. Banksy because Banksy.
How has the pandemic affected you creatively? Would you say it hindered you in your photography?
As a DJ as well as photographer, with the cancellation of live music the pandemic has been weird. But through it all, I’ve still been shooting lots, but probably with a greater amount being personal projects, so I guess that’s good?
Do you currently use film for your wedding photography? If not, do you plan to incorporate it in the future?
I’ve actually shot a wedding partially on film and a few engagement sessions, but I would LOVE to shoot more in a hybrid style wedding, where the digital photos are edited in the same style as the film stock I’m using. So if any couples are feeling adventurous, let’s do it!
What is a photography goal you had for this year that you accomplished?
I actually tried some B&W developing, scanning, and print-making myself for the first time this year. It’s a hassle, but the feeling of accomplishment for doing it all yourself is nice, but I think I’ll continue using labs and avoid the potential of any light leak disasters haha.
Any goals for 2022, photography related or not?
I’ve got this stupid big stash of expired film I bought all at once last year and its not getting any newer. So I guess my goal is to shoot as much of it as I can and stop buying so much new film.
Favourite Quote.
Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.
I just like this quote because you don’t have to interpret it literally. It still is useful, as in you can make plans but sometimes none of that truly matters when it comes down to the execution.
I just like this quote because you don’t have to interpret it literally. It still is useful, as in you can make plans but sometimes none of that truly matters when it comes down to the execution.
1-2 songs that you currently have on repeat.
Doggfather - Snoop Dogg
Anything from Rufus Du Sol.
Any closing statements or messages you want to send to readers?
Birds aren’t real, open your eyes people! They are government drones! #cancelbirds (this is sarcasm, please don’t actually think I’m a conspiracy nut).
In all honesty though, seeing more people joining in on the film movement really makes me happy and hopeful for the future of film. Now, if only Nikon released a brand new fully mechanical 35mm…. 👀
First photo by Kevin Kuemper
