Nick Sparkman
Q What do you do?
“I am a Los Angeles-based photographer and art director who thrives on helping fellow creatives bring their visions to life. I specialize in creating dynamic visual stories for brands, creators, and fellow creatives primarily across the fashion, but various other industries. My work includes conceptualizing photoshoots, directing or collaborating with creative teams, and executing photography that aligns with each project’s unique aesthetic. Whether I’m working with stylists, make artists, designers, etc, I’m deeply involved in shaping visual directions and ensuring that the end result is a true reflection of our shared vision.”
I believe that creativity flourishes in collaboration - while a single creative mind is powerful, when two or more work together, true magic happens. My goal is to act as a bridge between the imagination and reality, using vibrant collaboration to transcribe ideas into captivating images that resonate.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
This all started in my sophomore year of High School when my older sister handed me a camera she’d used in a photography class in college that she only really needed the graduation credits for. Shortly afterward I was spending my freetime going out and exploring or shooting friends. As the years progressed I started getting approached by fellow creators; music artists, makeup artists, designers, then it became brands and agencies, and before I knew it I was earning money doing what I loved.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I try to stand out in my field by studying and observing other creatives, both modern and historical whose artistic identities I really identify with to find my inspiration, but funnel that inspiration through my own lived background and experiences when I create - in keeping with the idea that your own life experiences and choices can define who someone is, the same can be said for your art.
Q What are you working on right now?
A really cool photoshoot concept playing with scale for a fashion brand with a super minimal style, playing with the idea of a collection with monochromatic looks contrasted by a set painted entirely in a complimentary color, where the models play and move through dramatized/large objects within the set. Editorial vibes!
Q What’s your style?
Part of my perspective in photography is that it is a medium that allows people to capture themselves or be captured in a very authentic way. The PERSONA series in my portfolio is an ever-ongoing project where-in I spotlight fellow creatives, friends & strangers, in outfits/locations/moments where they feel the most authentic. It’s a very simple project that I love because it allows me to not only showcase the uniquity in people to anyone gracious enough to take the time to browse, but also to work with those subjects in very easy, low pressure environments.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Before Photography became the money-maker, I once dreamed of studying fashion design. Over the years I’ve been lucky enough to self teach many basic-intermediate skills and applications, but one day, if I have the time (and funds) to support it, I’d love to venture down that road and see where it can also take me!
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Aside from the typical editing woes any photographer would admit to, I can also admit that the still-uncertain nature of always consistent work is still a little elusive. I always find a way to make it! But I would also enjoy not having to find a way to make it more often!
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Aside from helping out with the more physical side of things, I would very much welcome this person’s point of view when it came to the ideation and creation of project ideas. As I’ve mentioned, collaboration, especially between creatives can be priceless - and I would be nothing but open to receiving their perspective on projects.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I would’ve without a doubt mentioned way back when I was beginning to take Photography seriously as a business; to take yourself and your work much more seriously, especially as it pertains to pricing yourself fairly. It took me a long time to shift the mindset of “This project is so exciting, I don’t mind doing it for less if it means just being a part of it!” Of course now, the idea is not to charge absurd prices, but this is also how one make their living, and you should respect yourself enough to make enough to cover your living expenses.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I would definitely ask them about how they keep going through the years. Not so much in terms of “staying inspired,” but more so how do they make sure they’re progressing, how do they know they’re continuing to climb and avoiding plateauing - but also knowing when to stop and slow down, because especially in the life of a freelancer, it is very important to know when you’re about to overfill your plate.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Photography as it pertains to the fashion industry is where my strengths lie, Fashion Influencers/creators, brands and designers, campaigns, lifestyle and studio photography, ecommerce etc. But if my work resonates with someone/something outside of that industry I’ll never turn down an inquiry/project solely because it isn’t my preferred industry!
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
I’d absolutely love to shoot stunning and very directional editorials for key fashion publications, but more than anything I will always enjoy working with beautiful fashion brands and designers of stunning collections, because their work and mine comes so hand in hand. To be the medium in which they showcase and display their work is more than anything, an honor I never forget to appreciate.
Q: What is your rate?
Full Day Rates start at: $1100, Half Day Rates start at $650
Retouching: $40 per image for Beauty projects / $30 per image for Fashion projects
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Send your thoughts, ideas, proposals etc to nick@nsparkman.com
Q Who is a creative you admire?
@monaris_ is a photographer I’ve followed for the entirety of my career. Her work, from street to portraiture to commercial photography all have her signature mood/emotion that I’m addicted to.
@phoebephilo - Forever my favorite fashion designer; a master of minimalism with purpose, elevated essentials, and subtle rebellion.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
By creating without boundaries! Building upon ideas, chipping off great ideas from big concepts, saving those bits for the next project!
This member profile was originally published in October 2024.