A REFINED POINT OF VIEW: NIKK LA’S SAN FRANCISCO

While we’re driving down California Street one of Nikk’s favorite places to shoot, the view of the Bay Bridge and cable cars offers a classic SF scene. “At the end, you have the Embarcadero, then you have the Financial District, and it runs through Chinatown, so it’s a lot of neighborhoods on one street,” Nikk tells us. “Once you see that street, you know that’s San Francisco.”

We wander through the city’s Chinatown neighborhood—one of the oldest and largest in the world. The extremely photogenic area is another of his picks, where he enjoys hearing people chat, seeing them play mahjong and cards—all of which makes for naturally charming photos. “The smallest detail can make the photograph—one new element makes it a whole new picture that you haven’t seen before. Those are the things I take time to wait and look for,” he explains.

Stopping by Sightglass Coffee offers an opportunity to see what we have shot so far. More than a coffee shop, Sightglass offers plenty of work space and a strong community-focused atmosphere. “It’s a creative hub,” Nikk says, “And everybody is just there to make magic.”

Next we visit Stashed—a one-stop shop for apparel and accessories. Unlike any other store we know of in SF, Stashed (located in the historic Dogpatch neighborhood) offers a comprehensive selection of familiar favorites, as well as lesser-known emerging brands. Beyond the T-shirts and sneakers, Stashed also has a carefully curated collection of books on design, style and travel.

At Dandelion Chocolate’s new cafe/factory in the Mission District, the beloved company is evolving and growing the business while also improving on their already high-quality products. Visitors can watch the chocolate makers in action and then try the remarkable treats in the casual cafe—or for an even more elevated experience, take a seat in the Bloom Salon.

Perhaps the most special thing about SF is how surrounded by nature it is. From Twin Peaks (the city’s highest point) to Lombard Street and the Presidio (where Nikk got some of his most stunning images), we’re reminded how much San Francisco has to offer—and how important it is to get out and enjoy it. Surrounded by Eucalyptus trees, Nikk says, “It feels like you’re in a different place. You’d never know you’re in a big city.”

The 2020 Range Rover Evoque is all about refinement — it’s entirely redesigned, but immediately recognizable. Check out A Refined Point of View for Nikk’s photos and more videos from the San Francisco stop on our tour of 10 American cities.