Today we’d like to introduce you to Nick Nacca.
Hi Nick, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
For 20 years, I’ve been controlling light in a unique way. It started while I was researching digital cameras in 1999. I read an interview with a photographer who didn’t have enough lighting to cover large sets. His solution was to light one side of the scene, capture an image, then move the lights to the other side and capture another. Then he simply combined the two images in post.
Epiphany #1. At that moment, I realized that capturing multiple images and combining them wasn’t just a solution for difficult lighting challenges, it could also be a powerful creative tool. I could edit & refine my lighting in post long after the shoot wrapped. I could also work faster and more efficiently on set with less gear. This approach is nothing new for product and automotive shooters, but it wasn’t long before I wanted to try it with people. The challenge was to capture multiple images of human subjects before they moved. After a little research, I discovered devices that could trigger 2- 16 studio strobes sequentially in less than a second. I was off to the races!
Fast forward to 2010. One of my regular clients was pushing me to shoot video. I started testing and found it was difficult to get the lighting in the motion footage to match my stills.
Epiphany #2. The multiple images I was using to control light in my still photography could also be animated to create motion. From that moment on, I started thinking in layers of light that could be animated. I also started blending the animations with actual motion footage. It’s been an interesting journey and I’m excited about where this could go. It’s my hope that advertising and editorial clients will realize the potential of getting a high resolution still photo for print, plus an attention-grabbing animated version of the same image for mobile & web platforms.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Like any business, the road hasn’t been smooth, especially in the beginning. It took me a while to find my unique style and become confident when presenting it to potential clients.
What matters most to you?
Honesty and positive collaboration with clients and crew.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.naccaphoto.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/nicknacca/
