I’m an award-winning cinematographer skilled in crafting vivid frames for nonfiction and narrative films, TV series, commercials and music videos. I work closely with directors to develop a unique visual language for each project I lens, and lead the camera department with enthusiasm for innovation and collaboration. I’m committed to maintaining a thoughtful and efficient cinematographic approach while adapting to the needs of a scene and budget – whether on set in LA or camped out in an Alaskan village.

I have comprehensive and scalable camera & lighting packages featuring a Canon C400 – compact enough for intimate verite sequences or robust enough for small-scale agency projects. I hold an FAA drone pilot license, PADI open water & HEFAT certifications as well as a degree in socio-cultural anthropology from Columbia University. More importantly, I can make fun of you in Spanish and ride a motorcycle (while shooting).

In 2021, my work with Showtime’s The Trade won an Emmy for Outstanding Cinematography in a documentary, and this year my work with Jimmy Chin’s Edge of the Unknown (Nat Geo/Disney+) was nominated for a Cinema Eye award for best cinematography in a broadcast series.  I'm currently in production for a docuseries looking at the perils of "kidfluencing" for Netflix. Born in Nashville, bred in NYC, based in LA.  

@niicollaus // IMDb // Resume