WhenNicolas Millermoved to New York City several years ago, he was inspired to start his creative journey.
From there, he’s never looked back.
Through his lens, solitary figures strut down foggy streets.
These elements make Miller’s work a love letter to New York City, but one tinged with loneliness.
We had the opportunity to speak with Miller about his work and what drives him.
We cover everything from the films that influence him to his most memorable photo.
Read on for My Modern Met’s exclusive interview.
What sparked your love for photography?
Moving to New York City back in 2018 sparked my love for photography.
I was fascinated by the city and would often spend hours walking to enjoy it and discover new places.
I had an old entry-level DSLR and I started taking it on my walks and shooting more and more.
Thats when I decided to learn photography more in-depth.
I got much deeper into photography in 2020 when it became an escape for me during the pandemic.
I was shooting almost every day at some point during that year.
Your work is very cinematic.
Were you influenced by film and, if so, how and what films in particular?
Movies are definitely a main source of inspiration for me.
I love every movie taking place in the gritty New York of the ’70s and ’80s.
Among my all-time classics areTaxi Driver,The French Connection, and, more recently,Joker.
The cinematography of bothBlade Runnermovies also had a huge influence on my editing and color grading.
What’s your working process for your street photography?
Do you go out with a plan or just let the action unfold?
This means I can sometimes go for sessions of more than 10 hours if conditions are good.
What’s your favorite equipment to shoot with?
I have been shooting with the same Sony mirrorless camera since 2019.
I use mainly prime lenses because of the fast aperture for night shooting.
I shoot at 35, 50, and 85mm.
I feel a little guilty not using it more often but Im definitely more into digital photography.
Summer in Brooklyn
What’s the most memorable image you’ve taken?
Summer in Brooklynis one of my favorite photos that Ive taken.
This only lasted for a few minutes and I couldnt get any interesting subject going through the frame.
It caught me by surprise and I took the shot without looking at the camera.
What do you hope that your images convey to the public?
Summer in Brooklyn
The themes of the neo-noir genre definitely occupy a major place in my photography.
Im not trying to capture reality, Im more interested in transporting viewers in my own dark fantasy.
I hope the public can feel the same way when looking at my photos.
See more of Miller’s cinematic New York street photography.
