bio

Nikita Payusov was born in 1983 in Leningrad, USSR. He received classical training as a painter at the St. Petersburg Fine Art Lyceé before relocating to the US. He graduated from the University of the Incarnate Word with a BA in Studio Art with a concentration in photography and a BA in Interior Environmental Design. Later, he received a Master of Architecture from the University of Texas in Austin.

Driven by a deep sense of empathy and a commitment to social justice, Nikita Payusov sheds light on untold stories and marginalized communities, amplifying their voices through his lens. Whether documenting the plight of refugees in war-torn regions or celebrating the resilience of indigenous cultures, he approaches each subject with reverence and authenticity, seeking to foster understanding and compassion in an increasingly divided world.

Nikita Payusov’s work has been featured in prestigious publications and exhibitions worldwide, earning him recognition as a leading voice in contemporary documentary photography and social reportage. His work has been showcased in The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Forbes, Newsweek, NPR, Zeit, PBS, The Western Journal, Middle East Images, Getty, HNGN, De Groene Amsterdammer, WBUR, Boston Herald, and other esteemed platforms.