In this episode, I’m joined by legendary fashion and beauty photographer Chris Nicholls to talk about how to stand out when everyone’s a photographer. We dive into his journey from a shy, nature-loving kid with a camera to creating iconic fashion and celebrity imagery, and why experimentation is the secret ingredient behind work that stops the scroll. Chris shares what it takes to build trust fast on high-pressure sets, how he approaches complex lighting, and why “good” isn’t enough anymore if you want your photos to truly rise above the noise.

In this episode of Artist Date, Nicole sits down with internationally published, award-winning fashion and commercial photographer Nick Merzetti for a candid conversation about creativity, leadership, and building a career in a rapidly evolving industry. Nick’s work spans fashion, editorial, creative advertising, celebrity portraiture, and food & drink photography, with credits including FASHION Magazine (cover), Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, The Globe & Mail, Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, Schön Magazine, and more. A recipient of the William J. Dowkes Award for Outstanding Portrait Photography from the University of Toronto, Nick shares his journey into photography, the power of making your own luck, leading teams with confidence, and navigating the rise of AI while staying true to your creative voice. This episode is a must-listen for photographers and creatives looking to evolve, stay inspired, and build meaningful work with intention.

Toronto-based photographer Kayla Rocca joins Artist Date to share her journey from a background in theatre and storytelling to becoming the photographer behind Hollywood Reporter’s TIFF portrait studio. Kayla opens up about how photography entered her life during a period of loss, eventually shaping a career rooted in empathy, presence, and connection.

In this episode, we talk about working under pressure with celebrity talent, staying grounded on high-stakes sets, the importance of collaboration, and building confidence in both craft and pricing. It’s an honest conversation about growth, resilience, and creating a meaningful, sustainable career in photography.