My name is Orlin Nikolov, but everyone knows me as Orleff.
I am a music photographer driven by a passion for capturing the rhythm, emotion, and energy of live performance. I specialise in concert and artist photography, blending technical skill with an instinct for timing and atmosphere. I am dedicated to telling the story of music through powerful, authentic imagery that connects artists and fans.
The journey for me and my camera began few years ago.
And every year it gets bigger – more shows, bigger festivals, amazing artists! I am trying to capture different performers and genres, showing their passion and authenticity. I am working with promoters all over Europe: from Ireland to Turkey and from Norway to Malta.
I am working directly with bands, for touring or concerts; have been working at major festivals like Hellfest (France), Nova Rock (Austria), INmusic (Croatia), Female Metal League, Graspop (Belgium), Prognosis, MidWinter Prog (Netherlands), Rock Werchter (Belgium), Sziget (Hungary), Exit (Serbia), MetalDays (Slovenia), Rockstadt Extreme Festival, ArtMania, Metal Gates, SummerWell, GreenSounds (Romania), StreetMode (Greece), RockOut (Germany), Tuska (Finland), Brutal Assault, Basinfire (Czechia), Hills Of Rock, Midalidare Rock In The Wine Valley, Spirit of Burgas, Sofia Live Festival, Rebel Rebel, Varna Rock, Sofia Summer Fest, A to jazZ, MusicDaze, Burgas Summer Live, Sofia Solid, Krakra Jazz, Elevation, Francofolies, Wolf Path, Kavarna Rock Fest, Arena Muzika, Sounds of The Ages, Arte Feastival, Summer Chaos (Bulgaria).
The last few years were incredible. And also extremely hard. I’ve shot hundreds concerts, travelled thousands of miles, but when I look back – the result is absolutely stunning. I was lucky enough to see many of my favorite musicians, to meet and talk with so many interesting artists.
Do I intend to stop? Hell, no!
To view my portfolio, click on the thumbnail below:
In the press / TV / Radio:
БНТ1: Орлин Николов в “Моят плейлист”
ZVUK podcast: Орлин Николов-Orleff – концертен фотограф
bTV: IT специалистът, който откри себе си в концертната фотография
Свободна Европа (RFE): “Музиката е начин на живот”. Орлин Николов, който с обектива си лови емоцията от живата музика
Lifestyle.bg: Opлин Николов от Rock the Nіght – мoмчето, което cнима мyзиката
ProjectorPlus: Посланици на Бунта – Орлин Николов
PhotoWorld: За шумната, неприлична и предизвикателна фотография с Орлин Николов
Licata: Орлин Николов – око, пълно с музика
Радио Тангра Мега Рок: Джитбол (2017.02.19)
Радио Тангра Мега Рок: Джитбол (2016.05.13)
A1 блог: Зад обектива на един компютърен специалист
Every year I am collecting my most important images in a yearbook:
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Video:
Music For The Masses podcast:
You know Orleff through his photographs, as they are among the media’s top choices for covering concert events. He is not merely a photographer but an artist, wielding his camera just as painters wield their brushes. His photographs do more than freeze a moment; they capture the concert’s energy—so much so that you can almost hear the music in them. In Episode 67, he shares his passion for music, describes the feeling of being just a meter away from the stars, and explains how music transforms into imagery:
Photoworld:
Rock the Night – Как снимаме концерти:
Orlin Nikolov is an IT specialist, photographer, and music lover who has covered all major concerts in recent years. He is the creator of the website https://rockthenight.eu/. In this conversation, we will combine a passion for music with a passion for photography and explore the experience that bridges these two worlds.