As a director, your vision is what drives every choice on a project. It’s the backbone of the story, the emotions and the world you’re bringing to life. My role as a cinematographer and Director of Photography (DoP) is to make sure that vision shines through—authentically, powerfully and seamlessly.
So, why should you choose me as your DoP? It comes down to the way I approach my craft: with collaboration, creativity and a commitment to the story.

A Partner in Storytelling
Being a DoP is about much more than operating a camera or setting up lights. It’s about partnership—working closely with the director and other key departments, from art direction to lighting, to create a cohesive visual language.
Every film has its own rhythm and emotion, and my job is to enhance that through visuals. I don’t aim to create beautiful images for their own sake. Instead, I focus on visuals that feel honest to the story and bring the director’s vision to life. This means asking the right questions, exchanging ideas, and building trust—because great results come from a strong collaborative process.
Nicklas on set with director and camera crew
Visuals That Serve the Story
Each project I work on begins with the same guiding question: What does the story need? Sometimes, it calls for bold, expressive visuals that elevate key moments. Other times, it’s about subtlety—letting the visuals quietly support the narrative.
For example, in a thriller project, the director and I worked to create a sense of unease as different characters walking around a dark, haunted house, visibly gripped by fear. By carefully shaping the light and embracing the shadows, we built a visual tension that hinted at danger lurking in the shadows or just out of frame. The goal wasn’t to distract with elaborate techniques but to immerse the audience in the character’s fear, staying true to the story’s emotional core. (See frame grabs below)
Contrasts and negative space in "Black Lake S2" Dir. Per Simonsson. Actors Hedda Stiernstedt, Daniel Larsson, Anja Landgré, Hilda Holgersson and Ester Uddén . Prod. Jarowskij/Viaplay/BBC.
Collaboration Across Departments
Film is never a solo effort. As a DoP, I thrive on collaboration—not just with the director but with the producer, production designer, costume, sound, VFX-team, gaffer, grip and everyone else who contributes to building the world of the story. Together, we create a unified language where every detail, from set design to camera movement, works in harmony.
Part of my role is ensuring this coherence while knowing when to elevate a moment and when to let the story breathe. It’s about balance and precision, and that’s something I’ve honed over 20 years in the industry.
Nicklas on set in Babel, Iraq (L) for the feature film "Ibrahims Journey" and in Sweden (R) for a drama series for ViaPlay.
Adaptability Meets Dedication
Over the years, I’ve worked in a wide range of environments—from remote locations in the Middle East to crowded urban sets. Each setting brings its own challenges, but for me, that’s part of the craft.
On a recent pilot project with a limited budget, I handled the lighting myself using just a few simple lamps. To work efficiently, I leaned on the natural light available, shaping it to match the tone we wanted.
One challenge with natural light is maintaining consistency across takes. For instance, while shooting a dialogue scene in front of a large window, I used basic diffusion materials to soften harsh sunlight and bounce boards to control shadows. This kept the lighting cohesive and allowed the director to focus on performance without delays.
My background in documentary filmmaking was key here—working with minimal setups and making quick decisions to adapt to the environment ensured we stayed on budget while delivering great visuals. Frame grabs below:
Use of natural light. Dir Nicklas Estberg. Actors Erik Lundin and Lanna Olsson . Prod. Rännstensfilm/Eloso
What I Bring to Your Project
Here’s what you can count on when we work together:
Collaborative Leadership: I work to unify camera, lighting and art teams to support your vision with clarity and efficiency.
Story-Driven Visuals: Every shot is designed to serve the story, creating a coherent and impactful film language.
Calm Under Pressure: Whether we’re dealing with tight schedules or unpredictable conditions, I stay focused and solution-driven.
Commitment to Your Vision: Your story is my priority, and I approach every project with the care and dedication it deserves.

Let’s Tell Your Story
As a DoP, my ultimate goal is to help you tell your story in the most compelling way possible. It’s not just about creating beautiful visuals—it’s about crafting imagery that enhances the narrative, connects with audiences, and leaves a lasting impression.
If you’re looking for a cinematographer who’s as invested in your vision as you are, let’s connect. Together, we’ll create something extraordinary.
🎥 Reach out at info@nicklaskarpaty.com or drop me a message here! 🎥
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