About me

My name is Nick Bruce. I am a photographer from Columbus, Ohio but ever since I was a kid, I've had a deep fascination and curiosity about the outdoors and new places. As a kid, I was almost always outside. Playing sports, riding my bike, climbing trees or wandering in the woods. As I got older, and a license, my adventures only grew. My parents will tell you that I was hardly ever home, always out and about. First, my friends and I wandered the state of Ohio. Then I went into the surrounding states, staying up late, making lists and finding spots I wanted to see from all around the country. Then I went, often racing across state lines in order to get home before my curfew. When college came, I had a new found freedom but always had a part time job in order to fund my adventures. Mountain trips to the Appalachian Mountains and in the summers of 2021 and 2022, I lived and worked in Glacier National park. In the summer of 2024 I lived and worked in Acadia National Park. So far, I've seen 25 states and 14 national parks. The moments are incredible but the people I meet and the stories that are created, that's what I do this for.

The Process

When I tell people about my adventures and journeys, many ask where I stay or how I get around. I am a big believer in "roughing it". I bought an SUV in the fall of 2021 for the sole purpose of carrying more gear and building a wooden, raised bed out of the back in order to give me a place to sleep no matter where I ended up. Heavily inspired by many "van lifers", gear is stored underneath my wooden platform and I sleep above, along with camping pads and sleeping bags. I utilize the car in most winter journeys when there is snow on the ground and temperatures are a bit cooler. In the summer and fall months, I often backcountry camp, using one of my tents or a hammock. I pack extra clothes, cooking materials, a sleeping bag and camera gear. In the large majority of my trips, I am solo. I see the danger in solo adventures, I must rely heavily on my instincts and gut feelings, but I truly believe it is the best way to travel. You learn a lot about yourself when it's the middle of the night, deep in the wilderness and you hear strange noises outside your tent.

I want my photographs to give viewers a moment to breathe, to think about that photo and hopefully read the stories behind them. I hope that through my work and writing I can inspire others to go see this beautiful world around us, whether that be just outside your town or across thousands of miles.

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