Christian Hicks: More Than Meets the Lens

Before he was capturing surreal fashion moments in New York or walking down runways, Christian was just a curious middle schooler in Kansas, navigating small-town boredom and a strict home life.

“My dad was in the military, so we moved a lot,” he shared. Born in Virginia, Christian spent time in Florida and Texas before his family eventually settled in Kansas — a place he never quite felt fully at home in.

His first exposure to photography was almost accidental. Inspired by classmates printing selfies for their lockers, he asked his dad for a Walmart camera and started taking photos of himself and his friends. It wasn’t long before he joined the yearbook team, which allowed him to photograph events, sports games, and more — all under the guise of extracurricular activity that helped him escape a restrictive environment.

“I didn’t do sports — that was more my brother’s thing,” he recalled. “Photography became my way of getting out of the house and doing something creative.”

In those early days, photography wasn’t a career goal. It was a form of freedom — a way to document life and express himself. But the foundation was being built, one shutter click at a time.

Christian Hicks isn’t just a photographer or a model. He’s a storyteller, a visual thinker, and a quiet observer with a powerful lens. With deep understanding of both sides of the camera, his work blurs the lines between performance and perspective. Whether he's capturing ethereal portraits or embodying beauty as a subject himself, Christian brings a soulful, reflective energy to every project he touches.

In this exclusive conversation on the Novara Collective Podcast, Christian opened up about his journey from Kansas to New York City, the early days with a point-and-shoot camera, and what it truly means to find your creative voice — not just in the work, but in the way you live.

Where It All Began: A Creative Outlet in Middle School

Finding Modeling Through Chance — and Instagram DMs

Modeling came later and almost by accident. Christian stayed in Kansas for college, attending the University of Kansas, where he ran track. During that time, people began to take notice of his look and started reaching out to ask him to model. He agreed to one gig, only to be called into the compliance office because, as a student-athlete, his image was technically the property of the NCAA.

“That whole situation was annoying,” he laughed. “So I waited until after graduation to really explore modeling.”

In 2018, just days after his last track meet, Christian packed his bags and moved to New York City. With only a loose internship plan and a friend’s encouragement, he dove headfirst into the creative scene.

What followed was a mix of e-commerce modeling jobs, photo shoots arranged through Instagram DMs, and freelance gigs — all fueled by his growing online presence. But even in those early days, Christian knew that photography was still his thing.

“I was doing a lot more modeling when I first got to New York, but now I’m shifting focus back to photography.”

Still, working as both a model and photographer gave him a unique perspective, and a competitive edge.

Christian’s dual role as both photographer and model has deeply shaped his approach to both crafts.

“As a photographer, I know what it’s like to be in front of the camera,” he explained. “I’m kind of shy, so I get what it feels like to be uncomfortable.”

That awareness has helped him become more empathetic behind the lens. He’s able to direct his subjects with care and intuition, helping them feel at ease and seen — a skill that’s only grown with time.

But juggling both crafts isn’t easy. He admits that he goes through phases. Sometimes pouring all his energy into photography, only to switch gears and focus on modeling when he realizes he hasn’t done it in a while.

“I’ll do a shoot and then just sit on the images forever. I’m trying not to be such a perfectionist.”

He has an archive of unpublished work; photos that he never posted, not because they weren’t good, but because he was already thinking about what he could do differently next time.

“Sometimes I look back and think, wow, this was actually good,” he said, laughing. “But I had already moved on in my head.”

This internal dialogue is part of what makes Christian’s artistry so intentional. Whether he’s curating images for his portfolio or creating deeply emotive photographs, he brings depth, reflection, and a quiet perfectionism to everything he touches.

Seeing Both Sides of the Camera: Influence & Growth

Working in both photography and modeling might seem glamorous, but Christian is honest about the real challenges behind the scenes — particularly creative burnout, overstimulation, and the emotional toll of navigating the industry.

“I feel like I’m still learning how to handle burnout,” he admitted. “Working at a studio while also trying to pour into myself creatively... it takes balance.”

Christian works a technical role at a photo studio, helping with equipment troubleshooting and tech support. While the job gives him access to resources, it also eats into his personal time and energy. That means his days off become sacred — not just for rest, but for reinvesting in his art.

“A big part of staying grounded is making sure that on my days off, I’m pouring into myself; and my work.”

Self-doubt also plays a role. Despite having a growing portfolio of powerful images, he often finds himself holding back from sharing his work. The reason? Fear of being misunderstood.

“One of my biggest pet peeves is being misunderstood. That’s why I don’t always post online. People make assumptions about you based on your skin, your clothes, your energy — things you can’t control.”

He’s learning, though, that not everyone will interpret your work or your presence as intended and that’s okay.

“As long as I’m coming from a genuine place, I can’t let it get to me.”

That mindset is still a work in progress, but it’s one that fuels his desire to create with purpose, not just for applause.

Challenges in the Creative Industry: Doubt, Burnout, and Being Misunderstood

While Kansas may not have offered a flourishing creative scene, New York brought Christian into a world of connection, collaboration, and community.

He didn’t arrive with a glamorous plan — just a sketchy internship offer and the drive to build something. What he found instead was a creative network that continues to support him today.

“Now I have so many friends who do photography, makeup, beauty, video… It’s been nice to learn from them.”

To Christian, collaboration is the most essential part of being a creative. It’s where ideas evolve, energy builds, and growth happens.

“You can do things on your own, but it’s harder and it’s not as fun. When you’re working with people you actually enjoy, that’s when the magic happens.”

That philosophy has also shaped the way he approaches his photo shoots — not from a rigid or overly structured place, but one of fluidity, openness, and good vibes.

“Now I approach shoots from a more chill state of mind. I just want the vibes to be right and let things happen naturally.”

For Christian, the New York creative scene isn’t just about aesthetics or credentials; it’s about genuine energy, shared space, and letting creative moments unfold in real time.

Perhaps the most defining part of Christian’s story is how New York became a place for self-discovery — not just artistically, but personally.

“When I was living in Kansas, I wasn’t open about my sexuality. I wasn’t really comfortable with myself. That’s why I came to New York — to be me.”

That journey toward authenticity hasn’t always been easy. In the modeling world especially, Christian has encountered casting directors and producers trying to shape his image.

“I’ve had people tell me to ‘butch it up’ or act a certain way. That always makes me go into my shell more. I can’t create if I’m not being myself.”

Instead, Christian has made it a top priority to stay true to himself — in his art, his identity, and the energy he brings into the room.

“I’ve come too far to let someone tell me I need to be a certain way to get an opportunity.”

It’s a powerful stance, especially in industries that prioritize image and aesthetics. Christian’s message is clear: authenticity is non-negotiable.

His personal experiences — from growing up in a conservative environment to navigating queer identity in fashion — deeply influence his creative work. They shape how he sees beauty, how he connects with others, and how he chooses to show up in every room.

“My background, my values, and my identity — all of that shows up in my work. That’s what makes it mine.”

And that’s exactly what Novara Collective stands for: empowering creatives not to conform, but to create from a place of truth, connection, and cultural depth.

The creative industry isn’t just about talent — it’s also about navigating people, perceptions, and professionalism. And for Christian, learning the business side of modeling and photography has been a journey in itself.

“I had to learn to be more charismatic on set,” he admitted. “Sometimes I’m just in work mode, but people take that the wrong way — like I don’t want to be there.”

As someone who identifies as shy and introspective, Christian has found that charisma and energy matter, especially in an industry driven by perception. Whether it’s walking in a show or being on set for a photo shoot, the vibe he brings into the room often speaks louder than his words.

“One time, a stylist asked me if I was okay — I was fine, just focused. But I’ve realized how important it is to be expressive in those environments.”

When it comes to branding himself, Christian stays grounded in his authenticity — even if that means resisting the pressure to conform.

“People have told me to change things about myself to get further in modeling — but if I can’t be myself, how am I supposed to be charismatic?”

He’s candid about the performative nature of modeling — the expectation to sell a look or personality. That pressure can feel shallow at times, especially when he’s more interested in making meaningful, visually rich work.

“It’s cringe when people only see you for your looks. That’s why I love that people can now see my photography and know there’s more to me.”

His goal is to let his work — whether behind or in front of the camera — be an extension of who he is, not a mask he wears.

If Christian Hicks’ story resonated with you, there’s more to explore. From his beginnings in Kansas to building a life and creative practice in New York, Christian shares his insights on authenticity, vulnerability, and balancing creativity with real life on the Novara Collective Podcast.

🎙️ Listen to the full episode with Christian Hicks — hear how photography and modeling helped him come into his own, navigate identity, and build community through art and presence.

🎧 Click below to listen now!
[Listen to the Podcast]

Follow Christian on Social Media
Stay connected with Christian Hicks and follow his creative journey on social media:
📸 Instagram: @ch.al.hi

His photography portfolio is also tagged on his main profile — don’t miss it.

What Spoke to You Most in Christian’s Story?
We’d love to know what moments stood out to you. Was it his creative duality, his approach to presence, or his growth in NYC? Tag us or leave a comment — your voice matters. Let’s keep building together.

Community & Collaboration: Finding Creative Kinship in NYC

Personal Identity & Authenticity: Coming Home to Himself

The Business Side of Creativity: Charisma, Branding, and Staying Real

FAQs About Christian Hicks & His Creative Work

1. What kind of photography does Christian Hicks specialize in?
Christian focuses on moody, intimate portraits that explore beauty, emotion, and quiet mystery. His work often emphasizes lighting and subtle visual storytelling.

2. How did Christian get started in modeling and photography?
His creative journey began with a Walmart camera in middle school, eventually leading to photography, and later modeling through college and social media connections.

3. What’s unique about Christian’s approach to his work?
He blends lived experience with emotional awareness, often creating spontaneous, powerful images driven by presence, not perfectionism.

4. How does Christian stay authentic in an industry focused on aesthetics?
By staying true to his identity, maintaining strong boundaries, and refusing to conform to outdated industry expectations — especially as a queer Black creative.

5. Where can I follow Christian and see more of his work?
You can follow him on Instagram at @ch.al.hi and explore his photography portfolio via the link in his bio.

When asked how he hopes his work impacts others, Christian’s answer is as grounded as his process:

“I want people to slow down. To really look at the image. To stop and feel something.”

His goal isn’t just to make something visually pleasing — it’s to create work that makes people think, wonder, and reflect. He wants his photos to feel like moments you have to sit with, not just scroll past.

“Nobody really knows what’s going on in life. I like my work to reflect that — to give people space to interpret and reflect.”

For Christian, art isn’t about control — it’s about presence. And through his photography and modeling, he’s creating a portfolio that encourages people to ask questions, sit in the in-between, and find meaning in the mood, not just the message.

“We’re all figuring it out. So why not make something beautiful while we do?”

If there’s one thing to take from Christian Hicks’ journey, it’s this: creativity thrives in stillness, community grows through presence, and authenticity is the most powerful form of expression.

Final Reflections: Art That Slows You Down