Some teens get jobs as waiters, some as grocery store stockers, but one senior takes a hobby of his and creates his work through it. 

Fashion photographer, Nico Daniels, shares his intro into photography and how that has shaped his life.

“I was around cameras my whole life; my earliest memories are seated in front of an old computer where my older brothers would premier their latest home movies,” Daniels said. “As they moved on to college, their influence stuck with me through middle school with the purchase of my first camera.”

Daniels started his love for fashion photography by transforming aspects of his life to help his work. From having friends as subjects to changing a bedroom into a studio, he went above and beyond to create his photographer look.

“My friends were my first subjects growing up and still are to this day,” Daniels said. “And my parents didn’t stop me from converting my bedroom into a fully-functioning studio, for which I am forever grateful.”  

Not everyone gets to have their main interest in life as their job. But starting very early on, Daniels knew he would aspire to be a photographer when he was older. 

“Fashion photography is both a hobby and a job for me,” Daniels said. “I am able to make money through bookings where I produce new work for clients or license past work to buyers. I create my best work when I have complete creative control, whether it’s a paid job or a personal project.” 

Daniels grew up knowing that this interest would lead him to a world of photography. As a teenager, Daniels has already been featured in all kinds of programs. 

“I’ve contributed to i-D Magazine, Italian Reve, Houston Center for Photography, Ashkan Image & Media, and Sawyer Yards,” Daniels said.  

Photography can take people all over the world for all kinds of jobs: photojournalism, studio/portrait photography, freelance. But with fashion as his main interest, Daniels plans to take his skill to other places.

“In the future, I will still be working in visual arts, but on a different scale,” Daniels said. “In ten years I see myself inventing new colors with SZA.”