Nikki Lake

Hi Nikki, tell us something about yourself.
I live in Melbourne, Australia with my boyfriend and my little dog, Pinot. I work as a graphic designer, but I spend a lot of my time taking photos. I love travelling to new places – both locally and overseas – and taking photographs of the different things that catch my eye.

Why did you choose analog photography?
Being born in the 80s I grew up with analogue point & shoot and disposable cameras, but I became more interested in photography when I studied it at university as part of my filmmaking degree. It was here that I learned how to use an SLR camera, and where my love for analogue really began. Following this I experimented a lot with different polaroid cameras and super 8mm filmmaking, but these days I mostly just shoot 35mm still photography.

There is something about the film aesthetic that always draws me in. I’m forever attracted to its imperfection and unpredictability.

What do you like to photograph?
I like to photograph patterns, colours and textures that stick out to me in everyday life. I try to explore the beauty in both the ordinary and the mundane. I’m a big fan of manicured trees, natural light and textures.

Which cameras and films do you use?
I’ve collected a lot cameras over the years but the ones currently in rotation are my Canon AE1, Olympus OM2n, Yashica T4 and Olympus XA.

I use a lot of Kodak Portra film but I like to experiment with different film and have recently been using some Kodak Ektar, Fuji Natura and expired Agfa Ultra film too.

What kind of photographs you like to take?
I don’t really plan my photographs. Instead I usually just photograph things that I happen to stumble upon. I would like to try taking a series of planned photographs, but I’m not sure if this will suit me yet.

Do you have a favorite photographer?
I have so many favourites. Lina Scheynius, Nan Goldin, Maisie Cousins, Jasmine Deporta, Polly Borland, Nobuyoshi Araki. I could go on.