Nick Selway
NATURE | LANDSCAPE | OCEAN
FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHER
The Beginning
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.
In 2002, he enrolled at Northern Idaho College, where he took his first photography class—a decision that would shape his future in profound ways. It was during this time that he met two influential photography professors, Tim Christie and Phil Corlis, whose mentorship would guide him toward his true calling. At just 18 years old, inspired by his instructors and their belief in his potential, he realized his passion: to capture the raw beauty of the natural world through the lens, with a unique eye for light, composition, and the unspoken stories of landscapes, oceans, and wildlife.
After college, he moved to Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii, where his life took another 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.
Transitions
After calling Hawaii home for 14 years, Nick took a bold step toward realizing his lifelong dream. On July 1st, 2018, he opened his own photography gallery in Breckenridge, Colorado, marking the beginning of a new chapter. Over the next four years, his gallery became a cherished part of the local art scene, attracting visitors from near and far. However, in 2022, Nick felt the pull to reconnect with family, prompting a move to Scottsdale, Arizona in 2023. Eager to continue his artistic journey, Nick is now preparing to open a new gallery in the renowned Art District of Scottsdale, where he plans to showcase his work in an exciting new location.
Achievements
Nick Selway, often called a "daredevil photographer" by his peers, was among the first to capture the breathtaking moment when lava flows into the ocean from the surf. In pursuit of this perilous shot, he ventured into scalding waters, narrowly evading lava bombs as he positioned himself just feet from where the molten rock met the sea. The resulting images have become some of the most iconic and unique photographs ever taken.
Nick’s photographic brilliance has earned him widespread acclaim, with his work featured in prestigious publications such as National Geographic, Surfer Magazine, and Outdoor Photographer Magazine. His stunning imagery has also been showcased on The Today Show, among other notable platforms. Beyond recognition, Nick's photographs have been displayed in renowned exhibitions, including the Smithsonian Exhibition, and have graced the covers of Nature’s Best Magazine for several years.
Over the course of his distinguished career, Nick has amassed a wealth of awards and honors, each serving as a testament to his exceptional talent, unwavering dedication, and fearless approach to the art of photography.