The Creative Spotlight - Nicola Power Photography

The Faces Behind the Stories

For nearly 20 years, a camera has been the way one local photographer Nicola Power sees, remembers and tells the stories of the Charters Towers Region.

For Nicola Power, it all started with a Kodak Brownie held in small hands and has continued through to a mirrorless Nikon today. Self-taught and always curious, local photographer Nicola has spent almost two decades capturing people, places and moments, both close to home and around the world.

While photography can be about beautiful places and perfectly timed moments, for Nicola, it is the people who take centre stage.

During a recent artist residency in France, they were encouraged to think of themselves as an environmental photographer – someone with an eye for seeing and capturing the people, faces and stories that exist within a particular place.

It is a description that fits perfectly.

“The faces tell the stories.”

This philosophy was at the heart of The Front Door Project, a photographic project born during COVID. Sixty people and families from across the Charters Towers Region were interviewed and photographed, creating a snapshot not only of life during a worldwide pandemic, but of the individual stories behind the faces.

What began as a moment in time grew into something much more. Following the artist residency in France, the stories were brought together in a book – The Front Door Project – an achievement Nicola is incredibly proud of.

For Nicola, inspiration can be found almost anywhere, but especially in the everyday person. 

Many people believe their own story isn't particularly interesting. Yet, with a little time, a conversation and a camera, those stories can reveal themselves as something much more meaningful.

This approach has seen Nicola become a familiar presence at events throughout the region, documenting everything from the Country Music Festival and 10 Days in the Towers to car shows, swap meets, rodeos, amateur races, school formals and ANZAC parades. Nicola’s work has also been featured in an exhibition at the World Theatre gallery.

Over the years, thousands of photographs have become more than images. They are memories, milestones and a visual record of the community's history.

And that's what makes creating in the Charters Towers Region so special for Nicola.

With its interesting faces, fascinating stories and endless possibilities for locations, there is always something – or someone – waiting to be captured.

Looking back through years of photographs has offered a chance to see just how many moments in time have been preserved, from everyday memories to significant cultural events and much-loved places around town.

So, what's next for Nicola Power Photography? 

Another Front Door Project is already on the horizon, this time with an even greater focus on the life stories behind the people photographed.

And perhaps the biggest surprise is that, despite all those years behind the camera, there is still a little nervousness before every session.

The question remains: Will I get the great shots?

That uncertainty may never completely disappear, and perhaps that's part of what keeps Nicola’s eye curious, thoughtful and always looking for the next story.

Because sometimes, the most powerful stories aren't found in extraordinary places.

They're right there, behind the front door.