The “Photographer of the week” series is dedicated to highlighting photographers within the SCAD community that demonstrate unique abilities behind the lens. This week, Nick Purdie shares his recent project and personal insight.
When did you start your photography journey, and what does photography mean to you?
I started one-and-a-half years ago, and photography means a lot to me. I fell in love with it during my second to last semester during undergrad, where I teamed up with Local DC publication Homie House Press and collaborated on their second volume of Even The Score. I felt my voice was heard, and from there, I continued to create shifting narratives w/ the help of photos.
Where do you attain your inspiration for your work?
Nature and people.
What is your creative process like per shoot?
It usually begins with a topic to explore. I would brainstorm, find a concept, a mood board, some sketches and then put those pieces together. Then I have to find a model, stylist, makeup artist and, of course, I’m already the creative director and photographer.
What impact do you want to have on the industry?
A huge impact, to shift minds and remind others it’s okay to be radical in photography.
What project(s) are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on this one project to explore “Red Flags” in a typical abusive relationship; it’s another photo series with a storyline and I can’t wait to show it.
Is there any advice you’d like to leave to other aspiring photographers or SCAD students?
They like the to say your first idea is never as good, but trust yourself and nature that first thought as a baby and see what it blossoms into. If I dropped any of my first ideas in the past, I wouldn’t be myself and would be a watered-down version.
To see more of Purdie’s work, you may visit his Instagram.
