Still life photographer Sam Nicklin has captured widespread online attention with his innovative "Colors" series, a personal project that transforms everyday objects into meticulously curated, color-coordinated artworks. The series has become a viral sensation, showcasing Nicklin's unique approach to photography that combines his passion for collecting with his artistic vision.
Nicklin's creative process stems from his lifelong hobby as an avid collector. "My flat is full to the brim with weird pieces that I've collected from all over the world," he explains, describing his treasure hunting adventures that span from local markets to online platforms. "Everywhere from markets to eBay – you can find a gem anywhere." This diverse collection of unlikely objects forms the foundation of his acclaimed color series.
The Colors project involves Nicklin carefully selecting items from his extensive collection and organizing them into color-themed groups including orange, mint green, red, green, and pink variations. Each object is photographed individually before being digitally combined to create cohesive, visually striking compositions. However, Nicklin emphasizes that the project goes beyond simple color matching. "It's not just about the color – it's about bringing out the unique characteristics and charm of each of the everyday objects," he notes.
The photographer's philosophy centers on transforming the mundane into something extraordinary. "Honestly I just love looking at objects and capturing how I see them as more than just a thing," Sam says. This perspective allows him to find beauty and significance in items that others might overlook, elevating common household objects to artistic status through his lens.
Nicklin's collecting passion seamlessly integrates into his commercial work, where prop-sourcing has become his favorite aspect of commissioned still life photography. His approach involves strategically placing everyday objects alongside luxury items, creating unexpected and engaging juxtapositions. A prime example of this technique can be seen in his work featuring a Dior watch artfully paired with a crispy stack of onion rings, demonstrating his ability to blend high fashion with commonplace items.
Stylistically, Nicklin draws significant inspiration from vintage print advertising from past decades, particularly appreciating the aesthetic elements of bygone eras. "The fonts, the colors and the layouts inspire me, and I feel it's something modern advertisement doesn't get quite the same," he observes. This influence is evident throughout his portfolio, with many pieces carrying the distinctive visual language reminiscent of 1970s magazine spreads.
The photographer's body of work includes diverse projects beyond his viral Colors series. His portfolio features commercial work for luxury brands including Gucci, Prada, and Omega, as well as creative collaborations with various magazines and publications. Notable pieces include "Casa Gaja," "Marlboro Mushrooms," "A Gentleman Lunch," and "Primary Study," each demonstrating his versatility and distinctive aesthetic approach.
Nicklin's success represents a growing trend of artists who blur the lines between fine art and commercial photography, using social media platforms to showcase personal projects that eventually attract commercial clients. His work perfectly encapsulates a nostalgic yet contemporary approach to still life photography, proving that with creativity and vision, even the most ordinary objects can be transformed into extraordinary art.
