Nikolai's first real influence in the world of photography began aged 16 working for Mario Testino, and instilled in him his great passion for portraiture.

In 2005 Isabella Blow gave him his own six-page fashion shoot for Tatler magazine, making him one of the youngest photographers ever to shoot for a Condé Nast publication. In 2006 he was asked by Princess Beatrice to take her official 18th birthday portrait.

After extensive travel through Asia, Nikolai studied photography at Parsons School of Design in Paris. He then moved to Los Angeles where he undertook a major project on Venice Beach with photojournalist and teacher, Julia Dean.

Nikolai is currently working for the acclaimed photographer Annie Leibovitz in New York.