Ep. 25 Nikki To (Buffet Digital)

Executing the story a restaurant wants to tell through it's food, style, journey and passion all in one photo, isn't always easy. But when you've have many years of trial and error (one being the 'tilt shift lense' story Nikki talks about) while having to learn quickly on the job, you get to understand what is expected out of a professional photographer very earl on. Nikki has been shooting for an extensive list of venues for more then 10 years with her first break being for broadsheet. But since then, Nikki has gone on to shoot for venues including Cantina Ok!, Quay and Rockpool to name a few. We chat about some of Nikki's highlights, including her first day as a photographers assistant riding in a helicopter to their first location, what it was like shooting for Marco Pierre White and the intensity of capturing the right moments for Lennox Hastie's latest cookbook 'Finding Fire'. We delve into one of Nikki's most important pieces of 2020 which is an album of photos titled 'Hours Unopened'. It's a raw and emotional look at some of the venues (like others) that had to close due to the pandemic the first time around. Having to capture the strange sense of isolation and quietness in the air at an otherwise busy and bustling venue showed a side of hospitality that we'd never seen. It's a great heart felt chat about Nikki's passion to progress in the professional photography world and some of the challenges that may present themselves along the way. Be sure to tune in! Roots podcast is proudly supported by Sydney Direct Fresh Produce. The fruit and veg supplier led by Luke Kohler, who has provided Sydney with some of the best and local produce since he was 16 years old and still smashing it today. Music by Charlie Fester.