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.

Nikolai went on to work with the acclaimed photographer Annie Leibovitz in New York. He is now based in London and often works abroad.