Austin Nichols Shines in Sun-Drenched LA Photoshoot
Gio Journal talks with the actor about his directorial debut and vibrant California shoot.
Image: Instagram
Behind The Lens In La
Actor and filmmaker Austin Nichols recently teamed up with Gio Journal for a radiant photoshoot under the bright California sun. In an Instagram post, Nichols shared his gratitude: “Thanks to @gio_journal and @johnrussophoto for the fun interview and sun-drenched photoshoot in LA! Thanks to @theaistenes for tip top grooming and @raymondavalos for styling. And to @vision.pr for making it happen!” The series of vibrant images capture Nichols in effortless poses against palm-lined backdrops, blending casual charm with high-fashion edge.
Styling And Grooming Details
Nichols credits hair and makeup artist Thea Istenes for flawless grooming, while stylist Raymond Avalos curated looks that balance relaxed Los Angeles vibes with editorial polish. From lightweight linen layers to crisp white tees paired with tailored shorts, the 43-year-old star exudes a laid-back confidence that feels both fresh and timeless. The warm glow of the California light plays off Nichols’s sun-kissed skin, underscoring the shoot’s relaxed yet sophisticated aesthetic.
On-screen To Director
Long known for his acting work—he broke out as Julian Baker on The CW’s One Tree Hill (2008–2012) and appeared as Clem in HBO’s Westworld—Nichols has in recent years embraced life behind the camera. In March, he announced via Instagram that his feature directorial debut, The Salamander King, will have its world premiere on April 25 at the Academy Award–qualifying Dallas International Film Festival. In that post, he wrote, “I’m so proud to announce that my feature directorial debut, THE SALAMANDER KING, will have its World Premiere at the Academy Award Qualifying Dallas International Film Festival on April 25th! Big thanks to @jamesfaustdallasfilm and the whole team at @wearediffdallas. Stay tuned for more info y’all!”
Balancing Acting And Filmmaking
While gearing up for his directing debut, Nichols hasn’t stepped away from acting. Last summer, he appeared in Sony Pictures’ reboot of I Know What You Did Last Summer, which hit theaters July 18. In an earlier Instagram post, he joked about joining the franchise’s “perfect balance of old blood to new blood,” praising director Jennifer for crafting a “big and bloody” crescendo worthy of the cult classic. Now, between press calls and festival preparations, Nichols is enjoying a moment in front of the lens for Gio Journal—a reminder of the versatility that has defined his 20-year career.
The LA shoot arrives at an exciting moment for Nichols, who balances roles in front of and behind the camera while soaking up the city’s creative energy. With his directorial debut on the horizon and acting gigs still rolling, the photoshoot stands as a sunlit snapshot of a multi-talented artist at ease in his element.
Whether you know him from small-town dramas or futuristic thrillers, Nichols’s latest gallery of images captures his innate ease under the Californian sky—and offers a glimpse at what lies ahead for his burgeoning film career.
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