Exploring Cityscapes, Gear, and the Art of Editing with Jim Nix

In the world of travel and cityscape photography, Jim Nix is a well-known name. He’s an expert at capturing both stunning landscapes and vibrant city scenes, often bringing iconic places to life through his lens. Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jim to talk about his journey, his preferred photography gear, the places that have inspired him, and his process for planning and editing his photos.

Jim’s Journey to Photography

Jim's path to photography wasn’t entirely planned; it started out of curiosity and love for cityscapes. He quickly discovered the power of photography to transform scenes into something magical. Over time, he honed his craft, often exploring the depths of HDR photography, cityscapes, and landscapes with a style that’s unmistakably his own. Today, he’s not only a successful photographer but also a well-known educator, sharing his tips, tricks, and creative approach with others through his YouTube channel and workshops.

Photography Gear: What’s in Jim’s Bag?

As every photographer knows, gear isn’t everything, but it does play a crucial role in capturing specific looks. Jim’s setup is impressive and tailored to his cityscape and landscape work. He shoots primarily with a Sony A7R III, a 42-megapixel powerhouse that suits his high-resolution needs perfectly. While he’s seen the appeal of newer models like the A7R V, Jim feels that his A7R III meets his needs and allows him to focus more on his lenses.

When it comes to glass, Jim has an impressive collection:

• Primes: 14mm, 20mm, 24mm, and 35mm for sharp, high-quality images. His favorite for landscapes and night photography is the 14mm f/1.8.
• Zooms: 16-35mm f/2.8 and 24-70mm f/2.8 for flexibility in composition.

He’s often found with his 16-35mm attached, especially when wandering through city streets for environmental street photography. Although he doesn’t typically carry a telephoto lens, he made an exception on a recent trip to Iceland to capture wildlife, renting a 100-400mm for some memorable puffin shots.

Favorite Places to Photograph: From London to Prague

When asked about his favorite places to shoot, Jim’s love for Europe shines through. His absolute favorite? London. The city’s architecture, history, and vibrant energy make it an irresistible playground for photographers. He enjoys wandering through London’s streets, camera in hand, ready to capture both iconic landmarks and hidden gems. He’s especially drawn to its mixture of modernity and history, allowing him to explore and capture the city’s unique character.

Another city close to his heart is Prague. Jim describes it as one of the most beautiful cities he’s ever visited, even surpassing Paris in its charm and exotic appeal. Budapest is another favorite. Though he visited with his family and had limited time for photography, he was struck by its grand architecture and atmospheric beauty.

Jim’s Bucket List: Dream Photography Destinations

Every photographer has a “bucket list” of dream destinations. For Jim, the top three include Lofoten, Norway—known for its rugged landscapes and ethereal light. He’s also keen to visit the Isle of Skye and the Dolomites, each offering breathtaking views that would allow him to blend his landscape and cityscape expertise.

Planning Photography Trips: A Balance of Preparation and Spontaneity

For Jim, planning is essential. His approach combines careful preparation with flexibility, a strategy that helps him capture both bucket-list shots and spontaneous moments. His process usually starts with research, using tools like Google, Instagram, and Flickr (where he can search by “interestingness”) to explore popular shots and unique perspectives.

A key part of Jim’s workflow is using PhotoPills to determine the best lighting conditions for each location. He organizes his shots by area and ideal time of day, planning out sunrise and sunset shots in advance. Despite all this preparation, he’s open to changing plans on the go, letting the light and weather dictate his next move. Jim believes that some of his best shots come from the unexpected moments that happen while walking from one location to the next.

Jim’s Approach to Editing: Balancing Realism and Creativity

As an experienced editor and a well-known expert in Luminar Neo, Jim's editing process is a creative extension of his photography. Depending on the conditions he encountered while shooting, he sometimes has a clear vision of the final image right from the start. For example, when he captures a stunning sunset over London’s Big Ben, he aims to enhance the natural colors and mood rather than altering them too much. His goal is to honor the moment’s beauty while bringing out the best in the scene.

At the same time, Jim enjoys exploring new editing techniques and styles. He’s not afraid to re-edit older photos using fresh ideas, such as applying a teal-and-orange color scheme to a Tower Bridge shot to create a moody, cinematic feel. Jim is unapologetic about editing his images, viewing it as an essential part of the creative process rather than an attempt to misrepresent reality. This openness to experimentation and growth is evident in his work and is part of what makes his style so dynamic.

Jim’s Connection to Skylum: From Aurora HDR to Luminar Neo

Jim’s relationship with Skylum and their software dates back to the early days of Aurora HDR. Initially skeptical of yet another HDR tool, he was quickly won over after testing it out, as it allowed him to simplify his workflow and produce stunning HDR images. This enthusiasm led him to start creating tutorials, which eventually caught the attention of Skylum’s team. Soon after, they invited him to create official tutorials, marking the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership.

When Luminar was later introduced as a Lightroom alternative, Jim became an advocate for the software, drawn to its powerful yet user-friendly editing tools. Today, he continues to share his insights on Luminar Neo, helping other photographers make the most of this versatile editing platform.

Final Thoughts

Jim Nix’s photography journey is a testament to the power of curiosity, creativity, and adaptability. From exploring the streets of London to experimenting with new editing techniques, Jim embodies the adventurous spirit of a true travel photographer. His openness to change, both in his travels and his editing style, serves as an inspiring reminder that photography is a continual learning process.

For photographers looking to expand their horizons, Jim’s story offers valuable insights into planning trips, capturing iconic cities, and embracing the endless possibilities of photo editing. Whether he’s behind the camera or in front of a screen, Jim’s dedication to his craft and passion for teaching make him a remarkable figure in the world of photography.

Watch the interview: