Bag Raid: Nick Phipps
Welcome back to Bag Raid, our slightly intrusive series reminiscent of an airport baggage screening—without the tardy security or X-ray technology, of course. This month, we connect with New Zealand expat Nick Phipps, rummaging through his Sidewalk Sling.
Photos & Words: Nick Phipps.
My name’s Nick Phipps, another New Zealander living across the ditch in Melbourne and working within the fashion industry. Growing up in a city (yes, city) with a population of less than 400,000 meant my eagerness to travel and leave began early. The camera became the tool that allowed me to have creative freedom while exploring new places.
It’s always been an outlet for me—mentally and physically. I never wanted it to feel like a chore or take away from what I wanted to capture. I prefer to keep it simple and avoid overcomplicating my process with photography.
Bag Raid w/ Nick Phipps
Nikon FM10 - I’ve had this thing for almost ten years. It’s been around a few countries with me and hasn’t missed a beat.
Fujifilm X-Pro 1 - This thing currently has a frozen lens after taking it out during a blizzard in Hokkaido, Japan.
Nikon Litetouch Zoom 35 - Always have a point-and-shoot on the go.
Olympus flash - I’ve been playing around with this old flash recently.
A roll of film - Portra is expensive.
Sunglasses - I have sensitive whites in my eyes.
Passport, wallet, keys - Self-explanatory.
Chewing gum and/or mints - You never know who you might spark a chat up with.
Nick, who are you?
My name’s Nick Phipps, I’m 30 years young. Born and raised in New Zealand.
You crossed the ditch, where are you based now?
I've currently been living in Melbourne, Australia for the last one and a half years.
What's the creative community like in New Zealand? How does it compare with Melbourne?
It can be tough. Most of my friends and I have obviously made the move elsewhere to seek more—Melbourne, Sydney, London, the EU. There’s so much more in the world, and New Zealand is a beautiful place to kickstart people's creative outlets. But to make a career out of it or build something more, you have to seek those connections elsewhere. It'll always have a place in my heart, and I’m grateful for the people, jobs, and connections I've built there.
How did you get into photography, and what was your first camera?
I got into photography, gratefully, thanks to my mum. She took night film classes as I was growing up. She had an old Pentax SLR lying around that I found when I was about 15. I biked down to the local camera shop and bought the cheapest roll of film I could find. And I’ve had a camera attached to my hand basically ever since.
How long have you been shooting for?
The better part of 15 years shooting photos.
How has your process developed over time?
I don’t really have a set photography process. I like to take my camera most places, shoot candidly, and capture what I like. I prefer to find a unique angle or subject in everything.
What is your go-to camera set-up?
My go-to setup now is usually a mirrorless Fujifilm camera. The lens on my X-Pro 1 froze when I was living in Hokkaido, Japan, a few years back. So I’ve been borrowing a friend’s Ricoh GR IIIX. I’m also shooting with my trusty FM10, which I’ve had for 10 years, and my little Nikon Lite Touch. I’m leaning a lot more toward digital these days, compared to film when I first started.
Shame about the X-Pro lens, are you planning on replacing it soon?
I’m in two minds about upgrading to something like a Sony A7III, or a Fujifilm X-T3 with a bit more oomph to it. Or moving to a point-and-shoot style with a Ricoh GR. Ideally, I’d have a mirrorless SLR and a Ricoh.
What's your favourite film stock?
Portra 400. The price is a little disheartening, so Kodak Gold and Ultramax are good options these days. 
What have you been pointing your lens at lately?
A lot of running/outdoors content. I'm lucky to have running in my life, and a rad crew via AM:PM here in Melbourne. It’s a refreshing creative outlet for me.
Rarely do commercial photographers run on the job, what features make or break a camera in your line of work?
Ideally small enough to mould into your hand so you don’t feel like it’s going to fall out, and small enough to fit in a running vest or the pocket of your shorts. Quick and easy toggles and dials for camera settings.
You have a knack for capturing motion, is it challenging shooting subjects on the move?
You have to anticipate the movement, anticipate where they’re going to be, and almost put yourself in the person’s view. Familiarizing yourself with flash, slow shutters, and high apertures is key to capturing a nice motion photo. And leaning into the idea that these people are moving.
As photographers, we're always harping on about 'the perfect shot'. What makes an image perfect?
Something unique, a different perspective, a refreshing look. Beautiful lighting—something that immediately tells a story or shows emotion.
What's the wildest thing you've done to get 'the shot'?
When I was shooting a lot of mountain biking and dirt jumping, I scaled a tree that was probably 20 metres high with my big Nikon DSLR and a long telephoto lens. I sat in it for an hour, trying to get the perfect shot.
If you could only shoot one camera for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Probably something from the Fujifilm X-Pro series. The versatility is amazing, the out-of-camera images are beautiful, and the look/user experience of those cameras is second to none.
Anything exciting planned for 2025?
Hoping to head over to Korea, a place I’ve always wanted to explore. I’m fascinated by the fashion, architecture, and aesthetics of the country. I also want to build out a very delayed photo book from my time living in Japan—physical objects give so much authenticity to something, rather than it living on a grid or digitally in the cloud. Not photo-related, but I’ll be running in The Speed Project, a no-rules, unsanctioned relay race from LA to Vegas early this year. I’ll no doubt have my camera with me.
Thanks for stopping by Nick, best of luck with the year ahead.
Check out more of Nick's work, HERE.
Shop Nick's bag, the Sidewalk Sling, HERE.
