Sydney-based cinematographer specialising in narrative drama, covering short films through to features.

Nick works closely with directors and producers to develop a visual language that serves the story, and leads the camera, grip, and lighting departments with the same attention to preparation and craft.

He is a published contributor to Australian Cinematographer Magazine, AFTRS, Blackmagic Design and Arri trained, and founder of the Life on the Film Set podcast. Nick brings a deep understanding of both the technical and human sides of filmmaking to every project.

If you’re developing a project, I’d love to hear from you.

Recent Work

May 8, 2026 | Music Video
“Dumb” by Jazzy Gold

Cinematographer / Colourist

Dec 2, 2025 | Feature Film
“Sherbrooke Down: Valley of Tears” by James Stewart Keene

Cinematographer

Oct 29, 2025 | Music Video
“Brodie Buttons and Dusty Rusty” by The Crooked Tune Distillery

Cinematographer / Editor / Colourist

Oct 14, 2024 | Short Film
“A Little Strange” by Kieton Beilby

Gaffer

Sep 30, 2024 | Short Film
“Night Whispers” by Yash Kanesan

Gaffer

Apr 17, 2024 | Short Film
“Torment” by Daniel Watson

Editor / Colourist

Aug 3, 2023 | Music Video
“Springboard” by Spencer Spark

Cinematographer

Jul 19, 2023 | Short Film
“Lifeboat” by Nick Payne

Writer / Director / Cinematographer / Editor / Colourist

Mar 24, 2023 | Music Video
“Neon Sign” by Fleur Wiber

Director / Cinematographer / Editor / Colourist

Mar 6, 2022 | Music Video
“The Swallow’s Song” by Sara O’Connor

Director / Cinematographer / Editor / Colourist

Sep 6, 2021 | Documentary / Short Film
“4 Lives / The Artist”

Director / Cinematographer / Editor / Colourist

Dec 13, 2020 | Music Video / Documentary
“Traitor of Dee Why”

Cinematographer / Editor / Colourist / Motion Graphics

Oct 24, 2020 | Documentary
“Skyball TV” interviews with Viktoria Bitter

Cinematographer / Editor / Colourist

Jul 2, 2020 | Music Video
“Honky Tonker” by Michael Carpenter and The Banks Brothers

Gaffer

May 15, 2020 | Documentary / Short Film
“4 Lives / The Music Producer” by Nick Payne

Director / Cinematographer / Editor / Colourist

May 8, 2020 | Documentary / Short Film
“4 Lives / Me” by Nick Payne

Director / Cinematographer / Editor / Colourist

Mar 13, 2020 | Drama / Short Film
“Leaving Town” by Phil Masterson

Cinematographer / Editor / Colourist

Jan 26, 2020 | Drama / Short Film
“Descent Into Madness” by Craig Moffatt and Paul Matereke

Cinematographer / Editor / Colourist

Jan 11, 2020 | Music Video
“Stare Into The Dark” by Sam Newton

Director / Cinematographer / Editor / Colourist

Oct 13, 2019 | Documentary
“Lobsterman” by Darrin Baker

Cinematographer

Jun 5, 2019 | Music Video
“Sleepwalking” by Sara O’Connor

Cinematographer

Jun 5, 2019 | Music Video
“Rollin’ On” by Sara O’Connor

Cinematographer

Jun 5, 2019 | Music Video
“My Darling Kate” by Nick Payne and Katie Brianna

Producer / Director / Cinematographer / Production Design / Editor / Colourist

Jun 5, 2019 | Music Video
“Loneliness” by Paddy McHugh

Cinematographer / Editor / Colourist

© 2019-26 Nick Payne