Nikola Todorovic is a 22-year-old senior at the University of Northern Iowa double majoring in French Studies and Business and Graphic Communications. He is originally from X-Yugoslavia, and has lived in Germany as well as a couple of other states in the United States. He loves photography, graphic design, music, and sports. He is also active on campus, serving as a member of SAA (Student Admissions Ambassadors) for three years, which one of the best organizations he has been involved in. He was also Vice President of Grafx Club last semester. Grafx Club is an organization comprised of students who are able to print t-shirts, make designs, banners, and websites.
How and when did you first get interested in photography?
I first got interested in photography when I took a 2D art class in 9th grade. My teacher at that time, Jackie Tonhouse, inspired me with her guidance and passion. This started a snowball effect that led to what I do today.
What is your favorite subject to shoot?
My first instinct says people, but more and more I’m starting to love shooting still life. I love to work with people; I strive to capture the essence of the person whose pictures I am taking, which hopefully results in a special moment that they get to hang on to. If I had to pick one part of a picture that usually draws me in, it would be the eyes.
Would you like to pursue a career in photography someday?
A freelance photography career is what I am striving for. It would be awesome to be able to go back to Europe and do high fashion photography for Dior or D&G. I am currently pursuing the freelance portion of it.
What’s your favorite part about being a photographer?
I love the people, but I also like the workflow of photography. You have customer service, planning, executing, as well as editing, and then the finished product. It’s really a journey to see what happens the first time I meet a client to what the end result is. Photography doesn’t feel like a job to me— it doesn’t feel forced in any way, it’s just free flowing.
What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done related to photography?
I was able to attend an “Aquage Master Class Academy” in Miami, Florida. During the Master Class Academy I was able to walk around and take pictures and mingle with the people that came for the class. It was a great environment and atmosphere that conducted learning as well as integrating fun. I was able to meet a model that had just been on the show America’s Next Top Model as well as get a couple of pictures of the shoot that was being conducted at the class.
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During this experience I was also able to meet Luiz Alvarez who is the cofounder and Vice President of Creative and Education for Aquage. His photography is an inspiration to me. He combines fashion with great hair and amazing concepts.
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Have you ever had anything go wrong or have had any embarrassing moments on a photo shoot?
No way! I’m just perfect. Just kidding! Let’s just say that I have learned my lesson on coming with enough batteries to an event and that you can never be thankful enough for good friends who are willing to drive a ways to help out.
How are you involved in photography at UNI?
I have done various little things that include photography at UNI. I have taken some pictures for SAA, Grafx Club, and have also designed some materials for other organizations on campus. During my time at UNI, I have really focused on trying to become a better designer to aid me with my photography. Being a double major has taken up a lot of my time, however I have been able to freelance for senior pictures as well as weddings for people within the Cedar Falls/Waterloo community.
What is your dream job?
My dream job would be traveling the world and taking pictures of sights as well as people. A more specific dream job would be doing photography for D&G in Italy. To me, D&G is so interesting because the pictures tell a story. There’s always more to see than the first glance allows. It really markets the products as well as the storyboard that was made for it.
Want to see more of Nikola’s photography or get in contact with him? Check out N.T Fotos on Facebook or email him at fotos.nt@gmail.com.
Just a little FYI: The reason why he spells “Fotos” with an “F” instead of a “Ph” is because of his European roots.  As Nikola says, “You have to remember where you came from to know where you are going.”