My Journey as a Fine Art Nature Photographer | Nick Selway
The Beginning — Discovering My Passion
Aloha! My name is Nick Selway, and I'm an award-winning landscape, ocean, and nature photographer with over 20 years of experience capturing the extraordinary beauty of our planet.
My journey began in Lake Stevens, Washington, a small town near the North Cascade Mountains. Growing up surrounded by forests, lakes, and mountains, I developed a deep appreciation for nature at an early age. I loved camping, hiking, exploring the outdoors, and discovering new places.After graduating high school in 2002, I attended North Idaho College in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Like many 18-year-olds, I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do with my life. When it came time to choose my college classes, I noticed an Introduction to Photography course and thought it sounded interesting.
That one decision changed my life forever.I met two incredible photography professors, Tim Christie and Phil Corlis, who encouraged me to pursue photography and helped me discover my passion for capturing the natural world.This was back when digital photography was just beginning to take off, and I started shooting with traditional 35mm film cameras. I became obsessed with photography, eventually taking every photography class the college offered.
I spent countless hours studying the work of photographers like Ansel Adams, Tom Till, and other accomplished landscape photographers. Whenever I traveled, I visited fine art photography galleries, dreaming that someday I might have a gallery of my own.After two years at North Idaho College, I transferred to the Art Institute of Seattle. However, I quickly realized that portrait, wedding, and commercial photography weren't what inspired me.
My passion was nature, and I knew the only way to become the photographer I wanted to be was to get outside, travel, and photograph as much as possible.
The Move to Hawaii — Taking a Leap of Faith
In 2005, I traveled to Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii to visit one of my best friends.After two weeks of exploring the island, swimming in the warm Pacific Ocean, and experiencing Hawaii's incredible landscapes, I knew I wanted to live there.I returned to Washington, packed my belongings, tied up a few loose ends, and just two weeks later moved to Hawaii.I had no real plan. I just knew it was where I wanted to be.To support myself, I got a job working for Fair Wind Cruises, a snorkeling and diving boat company along the Kona Coast. I was basically a glorified server with a great tan who could save your life if needed! Haha.During my first week on the boat, I met CJ Kale, who would eventually become one of my best friends and my photography business partner.We quickly discovered that we shared the same passion for nature photography. On our days off, we explored the island together, photographing waterfalls, volcanoes, coastlines, and the incredible beauty of Hawaii.
Eventually, we decided to try selling our photographs.We rented a tiny 50-square-foot kiosk in downtown Kailua-Kona for $800 a month. Five nights a week, after working all day on the boat, we'd open our little photography stand and sell matted and loose photographic prints to visitors from around the world.
It wasn't glamorous, but it was our first real step toward making a living doing what we loved.
Opening Our First Fine Art Photography Gallery
After several years of working on the boat and running our kiosk, CJ and I realized that if we wanted photography to become our full-time careers, we needed to take a much bigger risk.In 2007, a small retail space became available along the main street in Kailua-Kona.Within a week, we went to the bank, secured a small business loan, signed the lease, quit our jobs on the boat, and opened our first real photography gallery.We called it Lava Light Galleries.
I still remember how terrifying that decision was. We had no guarantee it would work, and suddenly our entire livelihoods depended on selling our photographs.But through hard work, determination, and a shared passion for photography, we made it happen.Our little gallery became successful, and for the first time, we were making a living entirely from our artwork.
Expanding — Our Second Gallery in Waikoloa
While operating Lava Light Galleries, CJ and I also began leading private photography workshops around the Big Island, including trips to photograph the incredible Kilauea Volcano.
Through those workshops, we met an amazing couple, Don and Linda Hurzeler, who shared our love of photography and eventually became close friends.
In 2010, we partnered with Don and Linda to open a beautiful 1,500-square-foot fine art photography gallery at the Queens' Marketplace in Waikoloa, near the Hilton Waikoloa Village resort.
The gallery was a tremendous success, attracting collectors from around the world.
During those years, our photographs of Kilauea's flowing lava and Hawaii's powerful shorebreak waves gained international attention, appearing in magazines, news outlets, and publications around the world.
It was an incredible chapter of my life. I was living in paradise, photographing some of the most extraordinary natural phenomena on Earth, and sharing those moments with collectors through our galleries.
A New Chapter — Opening My Own Gallery in Breckenridge, Colorado
After spending 14 incredible years living in Hawaii, I began feeling the desire for a new adventure.
I loved Hawaii, but I missed the freedom of road trips, exploring national parks, photographing different landscapes, and being closer to family.In 2018, I decided it was time to take another leap of faith.After spending months searching throughout the western United States, I discovered a gallery location on Main Street in Breckenridge, Colorado.My girlfriend at the time, Sarah, and I packed up our lives in Hawaii and moved to Colorado in May 2018.
On July 1, 2018, I officially opened my very own fine art photography gallery under my name, Nick Selway Photography.It was a dream come true.Over the following four years, I had the opportunity to meet incredible collectors, sell large-scale fine art photography, and explore some of the most spectacular landscapes in the American West.Colorado also became one of my favorite places to photograph, especially during the fall when the Rocky Mountains explode with golden aspen trees.
Scottsdale, Arizona — Continuing the Journey
After closing my Breckenridge gallery, Sarah and I eventually relocated to the Scottsdale, Arizona area, beginning another exciting chapter in our lives.Today, I continue to operate Nick Selway Photography, selling my fine art landscape, ocean, and nature photography to collectors throughout the United States and around the world.My artwork is available in premium Limited Edition True Life Acrylic, Metal, Fine Art Canvas, and custom-framed prints, including oversized statement pieces up to 60" × 120" (5 × 10 feet).
Although I no longer operate a physical gallery, my online fine art photography galleries allow collectors to explore and purchase my work from anywhere in the world.I also work directly with homeowners, interior designers, architects, and businesses, helping them select beautiful statement artwork for their spaces.One of my favorite services is offering complimentary wall art mockups, allowing clients to see exactly how a photograph will look on their wall before making a purchase.
Sharing My Passion Through Photography Workshops
Along with creating fine art photography, one of my greatest passions is sharing my knowledge and experiences with other photographers.Today, I lead small-group and private photography workshops in some of the most breathtaking locations in the world.From the Northern Lights in Arctic Alaska and the golden aspens of Colorado to Hawaii's tropical coastlines and the dramatic storms of the Great Plains, I love helping photographers experience the beauty of nature while improving their skills.My workshops focus on personalized instruction, incredible locations, and creating unforgettable experiences.
Explore My Photography Workshops
More Than 20 Years Later — The Passion Has Never Changed
Looking back on my journey, it's amazing to think that everything started with one photography class when I was just 18 years old.From selling $20 prints out of a tiny kiosk in Hawaii to opening multiple fine art galleries and selling large-scale artwork to collectors around the world, I've been incredibly fortunate to turn my passion into a career.
One thing my college photography professor, Tim Christie, told me has stuck with me all these years:"The more you do something than most people in your profession, the more you create your own luck."I've carried that philosophy with me throughout my entire career.
Even after more than two decades, I still get excited waking up before sunrise, chasing beautiful light, exploring new places, and capturing moments in nature that may never happen exactly the same way again.Photography has taken me to incredible places, introduced me to wonderful people, and taught me that sometimes the biggest rewards in life come from having the courage to take a chance.
And the best part? I still feel the same excitement behind the camera today that I did when I was 18 years old.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for supporting my photography throughout the years.I hope my images inspire you to appreciate the extraordinary beauty of the natural world.
Aloha, Nick Selway
Landscape, Ocean & Nature Photographer
