We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nikolai Puc’. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nikolai below.

Hi Nikolai, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

My journey in concert photography has been a exciting adventure right from the start. It all began during my high school days when my love for live music clashed with the reality of how costly attending concerts are—quite expensive, to say the least!

However, armed with a burgeoning passion for photography, a gift I owe to my incredible mom, I had a idea: my camera and lenses could be my ticket to free concert entries!

Almost instantly, I reached out to numerous artists via email and direct messages as they swung through Denver, asking for permission to photograph their shows. Sadly, about 90% of the bands never responded, while 5% inquired if I was on assignment for a specific publication (which I wasn’t). But that magical 5% that said ‘yes’ marked the start of my concert photography journey.

Starting with smaller bands, I had the opportunity to photograph some of my favorite acts such as Hippocampus, Royal Teeth, and Rooney while still in highschool!

As my college career began, a pivotal moment arrived when I attended my first class at MSU Denver. In an Intro to Journalism lecture, a Met Media staff member (the schools paper) pitched opportunities for photography and writing roles to new students. That moment sparked a realization—I could secure credentials if I worked for them, enabling me to cover shows officially. So, during my lunch break, I visited their office, applied, and was accepted!

Despite still facing an 90% non-response rate from bands, now the remaining 10% approved my coverage requests instead of the original 5%. From that point forward, I diligently pressed on and built my portfolio, steadily progressing to larger and larger shows.

My guiding principle has always been to embrace rejection fearlessly: If you never ask, the answer will always be no. But by taking the initiative to inquire (such as requesting to photograph a concert), the answer could indeed be yes! That simple notion became my driving force to experience live music. From capturing Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran to Depeche Mode and The Cure, I’ve learned that the fear of rejection should never deter one from pursuing their passions, and the risk that a high school music-lover took one day definitely paid off.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Nikolai Puc’, a multifaceted photographer based in the vibrant Denver metro area, specializing in concerts, portraits, and humanitarian projects. My passion for photography is intricately woven with my love for travel, which brings a fresh and captivating perspective to my artistry. Whether I’m capturing moments in a studio setting or amidst the bustling streets, my goal is to craft exquisite works of art through my unique lens. Photography has taken me on an incredible journey across the globe, spanning six continents and over 49 countries. During these photographic expeditions, I’ve found profound fulfillment in using my skills to support charitable causes, bringing awareness to those in need. From collaborating with orphanages in China to documenting the humanitarian efforts of Operation Smile in Madagascar, my heart lies in connecting with people and leaving a positive impact wherever I tread.

Beyond photography, my diverse interests fuel my zest for life. Graduating from Metropolitan State University of Denver with a degree in Media For Social Change, I’m deeply committed to making a difference through my craft.

Soccer holds a special place in my heart, and I’m an ardent follower of international and European soccer. Another facet of my passions lies in collecting vinyl records, boasting a remarkable collection of over 7000 records. Thrift shopping for vinyl and crazy hawaiian shirts has become an enjoyable pastime as well.
However, music-discovery runs deepest in my soul, ranging from obscure 80s new-wave tunes and nostalgic 1950’s doo-wop to indie rock and Hip Hop. While I consider myself well-versed, I’m always eager to delve into the musical unknown.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

While concert photography remains a passion of mine, nothing resonates more deeply than utilizing my creative journey to support those in need.

I was fortunate to grow up in a household that prioritized giving-back. A defining example is my mother’s role as a Co-Founder of Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep (NILMDTS), a non-profit offering remembrance photography for bereaved families. Witnessing the profound impact of NILMDTS’s services from a young age illuminated the power of helping others through the lens of photography.

My first opportunity in using photography to make a difference arose in middle school when my mother and I were invited to travel to Ecuador. There, we provided photography and videography services for Dando Amor, a local non-profit dedicated to lifting orphans out of poverty through education and self-sufficiency training. Our visual contributions not only supported their fundraising endeavors but also amplified their mission globally. Observing the stark realities of poverty and disparity on an international scale at such a young age fueled the fire of my dedication to serving others.

Throughout middle and high school, my mother and I extended our voluntary photography services to various other global causes, including cleft-palate surgeries in Madagascar and aiding special-needs adoptions in China. As graduation approached and my fervor for humanitarian work intensified, I knew that working with nonprofits was something I wanted to pursue for a career.

Enrolling at Metropolitan University of Denver, I gravitated towards their distinctive ‘Individualized Learning Degree Program.’ This unconventional track caters to individuals passionate about non-traditional fields, Through Business, Non-Profit, Marketing, and Journalism courses, I crafted my own degree in Media for Social Change. Through this program, I found a channel to fuse my passions: photography, travel, and philanthropy.

Armed with this specialized degree, my journey continues to grow by leveraging photography, travel, and my commitment to give back globally. Since childhood, my aspiration has been to leave a positive mark wherever I tread. Every opportunity that presents itself becomes a chance to transform that aspiration into a reality.

Contact Info:

• Website: nikolaipucphotography.com
• Instagram: @thenotoriouspuc
• Facebook: Nikolai Puc Photography
• Linkedin: Nikolai Puc
• Twitter: @nikolaipuc

Image Credits
Photo with Children: Sandy Puc Photo at Concert: Roxann Rene