Waipio Swirls

Born and raised in Lake Stevens, Washington, nestled along the rugged beauty of the Northern Cascade Mountains, he developed a deep and lasting connection to nature from an early age. His childhood was filled with adventures across the Pacific Northwest, where he explored dense forests, misty coastlines, and towering peaks with his family, nurturing his love for the natural world.

After college, Nick moved to Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii, where his life took a pivotal turn. There, he forged lasting friendships with fellow nature photographers CJ Kale, Don & Linda Hurzeler. Together, they co-founded the Lava Light Galleries, where his work would thrive for the next decade, earning him a reputation as one of the leading nature photographers in the region. The success of his galleries was a testament to his vision, dedication, and his unwavering commitment to sharing the natural world through his artistry.