Introduce Yourself : Introduce by Nikolett Mengyi

Hey, Nikolett Mengyi. I hope you've been doing great! Congratulations on your work getting recognized by the Smithsonian Photo Contest and the LensCulture Critics’ Choice 2025 Editor’s Pick Gallery!

Thank you, Maurice. I know this isn’t exactly the right place, but I want to improve, and I feel this is the ideal platform for that. :)

Hi Nikolett Mengyi - I just perused your photo collection and they're beautiful. I loved the collection called "Evolving States" which could easily serve as a sort of guide for actor's in their facial expressions. I love nature as well as it speaks so loudly so your other work is equally fascinating. I'm glad you're with us on Stage 32!

Hi Nikolett. Welcome to the Stage 32 community! Your passion for visual storytelling and conceptual photography really shines through—we’re honored to have such a talented and thoughtful creative in our global network. Congratulations on the recognition from Smithsonian and LensCulture—that’s incredible! We love that you’re here to spark conversation, share ideas, and collaborate.

This is exactly what the Stage 32 spirit is all about. Looking forward to seeing more of your work and contributions to the community. Don’t hesitate to reach out if we can support you in any way!

Hi Laquan,

Thank you so much for your incredibly warm welcome and such kind words! It truly means a lot to hear your positive feedback on my visual storytelling and conceptual photography. I'm especially grateful for your acknowledgment of the Smithsonian and LensCulture recognition – that was truly a highlight for me.

I absolutely agree that the Stage32 spirit is all about sparking conversation and sharing ideas – that's exactly why I'm here. I'm thrilled to be part of this supportive community and look forward to connecting with fellow creatives like yourself.

Best,

Niki"

Hi Leonardo,

Thank you so much for your kind words and the wonderful feedback on my photos! I'm especially thrilled that my 'Evolving States' collection resonated with you, and that you see its potential for actors' facial expression study – that's a truly interesting and creative insight! My love for nature truly runs deep in my work, and I'm so glad that comes across.

I'm grateful to be part of the Stage32 community, and I'm really looking forward to connecting with talented creatives like yourself, exchanging inspiration, and having conversations.

Best,

Niki

Nikolett Mengyi Hi Nikolett, I've just visited your Behance account and came across this quote:

“Every key is a possibility—behind every door awaits a new story.”

Well, I'm glad you entered through the Stage 32 door and can't wait to see what new story awaits you. Here's wishing you all the very best.

You're very welcome Nikolett Mengyi and it's an honor to meet you. Looking forward to getting to know more of your work!

Hi Geoff,

Thank you so much for your warm welcome and incredibly thoughtful feedback! It's particularly an honor that, as a Moderator and with your extensive industry roles, you took the time to visit my Behance profile. I'm truly grateful for your kind words about my 'Evolving States' collection, and I'm glad my passion for nature shines through in my work.

The quote you shared, "Every key is a possibility – behind every door awaits a new story," beautifully encapsulates the spirit of Stage32, and that's exactly why I'm here: to connect, learn, and exchange inspiration.

I'm truly delighted to be a part of this supportive community.

Best,

Niki

You're welcome, Nikolett Mengyi. What's something you've learned while doing photography?

Hi Maurice

Thanks for your question!

Perhaps the most important thing I've learned while doing photography is the power of presence.

I've realized that the more I chase a "perfect" image or a preconceived moment, the more the essence slips through my fingers.

The truest, deepest images and stories emerge when I simply am present, observe, and accept what is happening. It's about shedding expectations and allowing the moment to unfold organically.

This philosophy then permeates my visual storytelling.

I don't want to force a pre-made image onto the viewer, but rather invite them into a mood, a feeling, an unfolding narrative that can truly resonate precisely because it was born from that authentic, embraced moment.

I think this mindset is very relevant to screenwriting and filmmaking as well.

Characters and stories truly come alive when the creator allows them to "be," rather than forcing them into a rigid mold.

"I'm primarily here not to seek job opportunities, but to engage in inspiring conversations and make genuine connections." You are in the right place to make that happen, Nikolett Mengyi. Thrilled to have you and all your positive energy in the community

You're welcome, Nikolett Mengyi. Thanks for sharing that. You're right. Characters and stories truly come alive when the creator allows them to "be," rather than forcing them into a rigid mold. That's how it is when I outline and write scripts.

Hi Richard,

Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to check out my profile!

I completely agree with you that the essence of Stage32 is not about job-seeking, but about engaging in inspiring conversations and making genuine connections. I'm so glad I found this community, and I'm grateful that you've built such a supportive and creative platform.

Your positive energy and enthusiasm for the community are truly inspiring to me.

Thank you again for the warm welcome, and I can't wait to see what new stories await me here.

All the best,

Niki

Hi Maurice,

Thank you so much for your feedback! I'm truly glad to hear that my thoughts on "the power of presence" resonate with you, and that this approach also appears in your screenwriting and character development.

It's fantastic to see how similar principles work across different art forms for authentic creation.

Thank you again for the conversation!

Niki

Couldn't agree more, Nikolett Mengyi. And I'm a firm believer that the former feeds the latter. The more relationships you build - true, selfless relationships, that is - the more opportunity that finds you.

Hi Nikolett! Welcome and congratulations on your work! I took a look at your profile and look forward to hearing more about what you do, what inspires you the most, and what your next steps will be! :)

Richard,

Thank you so much, for your kind words and for truly understanding the essence of what.

I'm looking for here on Stage32.

Your insights about how genuine relationships lead to opportunities deeply resonate with me, and it's incredibly inspiring to see that philosophy championed by the platform. I'm truly grateful to be part of this community

Hi Gigi,

Thank you so much for your kind welcome and for taking the time to look at my profile! I truly appreciate it.

To answer your questions:

What I do: I'm a visual storyteller and fine art photographer, focusing on themes of drama, vintage aesthetics, romance, and the haunted or symbolic aspects of human connection. I often work with elements of light, shadow, and the power of presence to create cinematic and emotionally resonant images.

My background is in set photography, DIT, and storyboard art, which heavily influences my approach.

What inspires me the most: I'm deeply inspired by the raw, authentic emotions of the human experience, the subtle narratives hidden in everyday moments, and the timeless beauty of vintage aesthetics. I find inspiration in the works of artists who explore psychological depth and atmospheric storytelling, rather than chasing trends.

My next steps: Currently, I'm focused on continuing to build genuine connections within the creative community, allowing opportunities to find me organically. I'm also dedicating time to further developing my unique visual voice and exploring new ways to bring my artistic vision to life, whether through photography, or potentially collaborating on film and theatre projects that resonate with my style.

I'm thrilled to be part of this community and look forward to connecting with you and other like-minded creatives.

You're welcome, Nikolett Mengyi. Have you been on a movie set taking photos for promotional material and behind-the-scenes photos?

Maurice,

I promise I’ll look for one and post it. :)

Ok, thanks, Nikolett Mengyi.

Asma,

Thank you :)

Niki - I absolutely loved your introduce yourself post. I took a look at your work and you’re incredibly talented. I have no doubt that you are going to make lifelong friendships and collaborations here in the Stage 32 community. I can’t wait to celebrate the collaborations you make here. Please invite your other creative colleagues to come join the community, we’d love to have them here. Please keep us posted on all that you are accomplishing!

Hi Amanda,

Thank you so much for your incredibly kind and encouraging words.

It truly means a lot to hear that you enjoyed my introduction post and took the time to look at my work.

I'm really happy to be part of the Stage32 community and excited about the genuine connections that are already forming.

Your enthusiasm is infectious!

Thank you again for the warm welcome!

Niki

@Nikolett Mengyi Welcome to the ship miss When you can go to the engine room here on platform32, see a bit of this ship at the CANNES 2025 festival. Have a good coffee on the ship!

Nice to meet you Nikolett Mengyi I appreciate you wanting to engage in inspiring conversations and make genuine connections. I'm curious, how did you decide to make nature one of the main topics of your photographs. I ask as someone who adores nature.

Welcome to the community, Nikolett Mengyi! I’m Ashley, Head of Community here at Stage 32, and it’s such a pleasure to meet you. Your work sounds absolutely stunning, congrats on the Smithsonian and LensCulture recognition, that’s an incredible achievement!

Since you’re interested in cinematic photography and visual storytelling, I think you’d really enjoy connecting with folks in both our Cinematography Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/cinematography) and our Filmmaking Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/directing).

Looking forward to seeing your voice and vision throughout the community!