Unintentional finding paves way for acclaimed photographic achievements
Rising Star Photographer Nicholas Teo Embraces Film and Modern Technology for Documentary-Fashion Work
Nicholas Teo, an emerging talent in the photography world, has made a name for himself with his unique documentary-fashion style. His work often focuses on marginalized communities, including disabled people, migrants, and those experiencing mental health challenges.
Teo's preference for traditional film gear is evident in his primary tool, a Mamiya RB67 medium-format film camera. He appreciates the camera's image quality and creative process, although he admits that the rising costs of film have made him more mindful with each frame.
In an effort to expand his film photography possibilities, Teo dreams of using large format color film (4×5 or 8×10) and high-output LED lighting such as Aputure's Storm XT52. This combination of traditional and modern technology reflects his commitment to balancing artistic vision with technical innovation.
While digital cameras are absent from his recent workflow, Teo uses a Canon R5 with 24-70mm and 100mm macro lenses for digital photography. He also employs Godox strobes, Aputure LEDs, and a JOBO rotary processor for lighting and film development.
Teo's journey into photography began accidentally in 2012 when his family bought a DSLR. After studying filmmaking at Singapore's most established film institute, he completed a BA in Commercial Photography at Arts University Bournemouth, where he honed his skills in the medium.
The Chiaroscuro project, which translates the experiences of people with bipolar disorder into fashion imagery, has been a significant influence on Teo's work. He believes in the power of photography as a tool for social change and has used his art to shed light on various underrepresented communities.
His dedication to this cause has paid off, with several of his images featured in the Portrait of Britain book in the last two years. One image from his Nature Finds A Way project even won Portrait of Britain, while another was shortlisted for the British Photography Awards.
Winning the Portrait of Britain competition has been a significant achievement for Teo, who found seeing his work on London billboards surreal. His image was also exhibited nationwide, further cementing his place in the photography world.
Soon after graduating, Teo was signed by Zebedee, the world's largest inclusive talent agency, marking the beginning of his professional career. His work has been influenced by photographers such as Cho Gi Seok and Haruka Sakaguchi, and he continues to push boundaries with his compelling and thought-provoking imagery.
[1] Information sourced from an interview with Nicholas Teo.
In his dedication to both traditional film photography and modern technology, Nicholas Teo dreams of using large format color film and high-output LED lighting for his documentary-fashion work, showcasing a blended lifestyle that merges fashion-and-beauty with gadgets and technology. Despite primarily using a film camera, Teo also uses digital equipment for capturing certain images, such as the Canon R5 and Godox strobes, revealing his adaptability in the ever-evolving world of photography.
