Hi, I’m Nikkey
My work sits at the intersection of environmental storytelling, visual communications and public engagement.
I first fell in love with photography while I was in school for graphic design. For years, I worked on the marketing and design side of things, always wishing I was the one out in the field taking photos. Looking back, though, that experience shaped the way I work now. It gave me a strong understanding of how organizations actually use visuals and storytelling, and how to create imagery that is as beautiful as it is practical.
Over time, my work has evolved into a mix of photography, videography, writing, communications and impact strategy, with a focus on ocean conservation and outdoor recreation. Living and working in coastal communities, I became especially interested in helping bridge gaps between environmental issues or research and broader public understanding, whether that’s helping divers understand threats to kelp or bringing stories about old-growth logging to hiking communities.
I’m continually interested in the different ways we understand and relate to the natural world, and in creating opportunities for connection, learning and perspective shifting. Building connections between people, knowledge, ideas and place, through any medium, is how we deepen our shared understanding of the planet and strengthen our positive impact.
That connection to place also shapes how I approach photography. I work in both land-based and underwater photography, using breath-hold diving to create more immersive perspectives within marine environments. Being underwater has deeply shaped the way I see and experience the ocean. Ethical practices are incredibly important to me, especially when working around wildlife and sensitive ecosystems. I never want the act of documenting nature to come before respecting it.
I also love running workshops on becoming ocean advocates and tackling plastic pollution. For me, that helps close the loop. I don’t just want to tell stories about environmental issues, I want to help people feel more empowered to participate in solutions.
Ultimately, I believe we are nature, not separate from it. The connections people have with the nature—whether they’re surfers, divers, or simply nature lovers—inspire me deeply. My work is rooted in capturing those relationships with place in a way that evokes emotion and fosters a stronger sense of belonging within the natural world.
When I’m not behind the camera or desk, I’m likely out freediving in the kelp forest, gardening, or trying out a new hobby, which is currently surf skating! I truly value genuine connections and love working with brands and organizations that share my passion for the environment.
I’d love to hear about you and how I can help your business or organization make a positive impact! Send me an email.
I primarily live and work on the unceded, traditional territories of the of the SC’IA⁄NEW, T'Sou-ke and Pacheedaht First Nations. I’m grateful to live and work on lands and waters that have been cared for by Indigenous communities since time immemorial.
CERTIFICATIONS
MARINE MAMMAL NATURALIST
MERS
UN ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME
MARINE LITTER EXPERT
SOOKE REGION TOURISM ASSOCIATION
NATURE SCHOOL CONNECT
ECO-ART THERAPY
BOARD & ADVISORY ROLES
PRESIDENT
ADVISOR
CBC
JUAN DE FUCA COORIDOR STEERING COMMITTEE
PRODUCTION CREDITS
THE WILD WORKS OF CONSERVATIONISTS: ALINE CARRIER
Secondary camera operator, photography stills
PROJECTS
Be Seaworthy
My newest venture, Be Seaworthy is a project dedicated to tackling the rise of unethical wildlife content in social media. We create practical guides and training programs for photographers and media outlets, empowering them to document marine life responsibly while minimizing their impact.
Stay tuned for launch news.
COAST
WATCH
Coast Watch is an in-development citizen science program about the health of our local beaches and coastal waters. Regular monitoring gathers important information about water quality, beach conditions and how habitats are being used. This helps us highlight environmental challenges, from potential health risks for water lovers to bigger issues impacting the coastline.
But it’s not just about data, we’re here to inspire action! By bringing the community into the fold, Coast Watch empowers locals to step up as coastal stewards, fostering a sense of care, connection and responsibility.
PORTFOLIOS