Nicholas Routzen

Written by Carrie Jo Tucker on Friday, 12 June 2009 17:16

Life sure is good:
How can you complain when you’re shooting babes like Nicholas Routzen?
Working with someone whose motto (and their tattoo!) is “Life Is Good” makes it really hard to have a bad attitude. One look at 27-year-old NYC photographer Nicholas Routzen’s vivid, color-saturated, drop-dead-sexy work and you can tell he’s bringing out the best in his subjects. Whether it’s high profile fashion editorial for Nylon and Esquire, corporate work with clients like Nike, or live band shoots with AFI and Taking Back Sunday, Routzen’s easy-going attitude shines through. Maybe it has something to do with his California roots? Or is he just a super sweet dude who loves his mom? Probably both, but we asked just to make sure.

CARRIE JO TUCKER: So, how did you get started?

NICHOLAS ROUTZEN: I've owned a camera of some sort since I was little. I traveled a lot, so most of my early photos were travel documentary and island photography. There was a heavy emphasis on surf and surf culture in most of my work. I've got Cali in my blood. I was born in Ventura, California, and grew up on the beach. I've lived in San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Maui, and NYC. Before making it to NYC, I was a bit of a nomad. I still am, but NY is my home now. Cali had an influence on my earlier work when I shot a lot of up-and-coming bands, too.

CJT: Tell us more about your motto, “Life Is Good.”

NR: Yes, I have a “Life Is Good” tattoo on my inner forearm. This was inspired by a sticker from when I was younger. One day, they stopped making them, and my stickers came to an end...so, I decided to keep it alive.

CJT: So how do you maintain a positive attitude during such, well, tumultuous times?

NR: I'll put it this way: I surround myself with love, loved ones, music, good energy, a thick drive of endurance, a very positive outlook and maintain a strong core. Everything else just seems to follow!
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CJT: Speaking of music and loved ones, who and what inspire you?

NR: Miles Aldridge, Raphael Mazzucco, Nick Knight, Tim Burton, Banksy, The Shins, Operation Ivy, Tycho, people with heart, love, passion, and my mother.

CJT: What is one of the most difficult parts of your job?

NR: Finding enough time in the day/week/month/year to achieve everything I want to get accomplished.

CJT: And the most rewarding?

NR: The satisfaction of loving what I do. I followed my passion, which turned into a full time career.

CJT: Tell us about one of your fave subjects.

NR: Michael Whittaker from DNA Models. This kid exudes sex, attitude, beauty... I think he reminds me a bit of myself and that's why. Is this considered a bromance!? Haha.

CJT: Who would you love to shoot?

NR: Gemma Ward. I will have hit one of my bigger goals, once I've shot her. She is a dream. I recently found out she's an actress as well. Not to mention, she has a foxy accent.

CJT: What’re you working on right now?

NR: A very big hush-hush project, expecting to launch in September! [Ed. note: Oooh, we can’t wait!] Let's just say, all my people will be on board to help with this. Additionally, I’m working on a few campaigns, marketing, and am shooting massive amounts of editorial right with Nylon, Nylon Guys, Zink, Esquire, Blink, Noi.se, and many more.

For more info and to check out Nicholas’s work, go to www.nicholasroutzen.com.

By Carrie Tucker

Images courtesy of Nicholas Routzen
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