Meet Nikolai Puc’ | Professional Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nikolai Puc’ and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nikolai, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind the success I have had so far as an Artist is heavily attributed to the simple but powerful act of not fearing rejection when pursuing opportunities.

This means so much to me because the entire Concert photography portion of my company was built solely on the mindset of just asking people for the chance to showcase my skills and passions. You wouldn’t believe the number of opportunities that can come from simply asking permission to do something. Whether it be asking a band to shoot their show or even just asking someone on the street to take their portraits, breathtaking and important moments can occur when the fear of rejection is absent in mind.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
From first pressing the shutter button of a camera when I was 12 to now, a lot has changed with my overall work! I have found that over the years my understanding of posing, lighting, and eliciting true emotion from my subjects have strengthened while the amount of uncertainty and nervousness I felt while shooting has weakened. While I still have a lot to learn about photography, which I embrace with open arms daily, I believe the ability I have to be “directive” towards my clients is my strongest attribute and what sets me apart. This is most important when clients are unsure about what to do with their posing and expressions. By being directive I have found that it instills confidence in my client thus creating more efficiency and overall stronger work.

The advice I have for upcoming photographers is to try all types of new styles and not be afraid to grow, and more importantly, not be afraid to fail! Whether that growth is in the technical aspect or the emotional aspect of photography, embrace it and face it head-on! As with any passion, the way you grow is pivotal to who you can become in the future.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love everything about Denver and what it has to offer! Here are some of my recommendations:

Food:

Pizzaria Locale – Best Pizza in Denver!
Domo – Most beautiful and authentic Japanese restaurant in Denver
Lao Wang Noodle House – Dim Sum heaven!
Tocabe – An American Indian version of Chipotle (another Denver staple)

Sightseeing:

RiNo Murals – For the arts and culture lover
Red Rocks – For the true music lover!
Gothic Theater – Best place for an intimate music experience
Millennium Bridge – The best place to experience “Downtown”

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
YES! I 100% need to give a shoutout to my amazing mother for helping to shape my love and passion for photography. As a photographer and educator herself, I have been blessed to have grown up and raised in a “Photography Household.” From day one, I have been lucky enough to learn from her many skills. Every day I am so blessed to be able to work side by side with her.

Website: nikolaipucphotography.com

Instagram: @thenotoriouspuc

Linkedin: @NikolaiPuc

Twitter: @NikolaiPuc

Facebook: Nikolai Puc Photography – https://www.facebook.com/NikolaiPucPhotography/

Image Credits
For my own headshot: Photography by Sandy Puc Photography & Video