Nadir Pictures founder Napoleon Nadir detailed his artistic evolution and professional philosophy in a recent interview, emphasizing photography's role as both a career and creative outlet. His journey began in childhood, with early exposure to camera equipment fostering an enduring passion.
"I was born with the art in me," Nadir stated, though he launched his photography brand in 2013. He credited West African photography and training at Snap Harvest, the studio behind notable figures like Vera Sidika, for refining his technical skills. "My work has become top-notch; it is unique," he said, highlighting his expertise with Canon Mark IV and Nikon cameras.
Nadir described his style as "absurd, direct, candid, and colorful," stressing that compelling photography requires more than technical skill. "A good picture should move you, make a connection, and trigger something," he explained. He also addressed industry challenges, noting that while smartphones have democratized image capture, professional photographers remain irreplaceable for specialized work.
The interview touched on personal philosophy, with Nadir advising young photographers to avoid imitation. "Let them be real. It will make them go far," he said. When asked about alternative careers, he humorously cited politics or football as potential paths. "I’m so good at those two," he added.
Throughout the conversation, Nadir emphasized continuous learning as key to his success. "The more I learn, the better I become," he said, reflecting on his commitment to artistic growth and professional discipline.
