Have you always longed to travel? Today we speak with Nicola, the founder of Polkadot Passport. She gives us some tips on how to turn blogging into a profession & tells us where her favourite place to visit has been so far…
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Hi Nicola, thanks for joining us on the blog today. Can you tell us a little about yourself before we get started:
I’m a 22-year-old girl photographer and blogger with the problem of never being able to sit still. Since my first solo Europe trip in 2013, I’ve been unable to supress the travel bug, and have travelled to 31 countries as a result. I’m originally from Brisbane but I now call Auckland home (that is, when I am home!)
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How did you initially get into blogging and photography?
I’ve been into photography since highschool and always wanted to pursue it further than just a hobby. After I took my first big overseas trip, I fell in love with travel photography and dreamt of making it a full-time career, although at the time I didn’t think such a thing was realistic. I started a blog as a way to share my photos without spamming Facebook, and the whole thing escalated when people other than my mum actually started reading it!
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Your images are absolutely breathtaking. Do you usually have a travel buddy with you to help you take your pictures?
I do normally travel with a friend or in a group situation. Occasionally I travel solo and bring a tripod but most the time there is someone I can hand my camera to and hope for the best!
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You’re currently in NZ, but where has your favourite place been and why?
I recently did a road trip around the south island of New Zealand, and I must say, the landscapes there really take some beating. Vivid turquoise lakes, snow-capped mountains, green rolling hills- there is no place like it in the world.
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Do you make a living from blogging? If so, what’s your biggest tip for someone hoping to do the same?
I do now make a living from blogging and travel photography. My biggest tip for someone starting out is to be patient- I didn’t make a single cent off my blog for a whole year and a half, so you have to be persistent if this is something you really want to pursue (and prepare yourself for very sporadic pay checks!)
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Would you rather be in a jungle or in a desert?
The jungle. More likely to meet Tarzan.
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Coffee or tea?
Tea. I drink at least six cups a day. I’m obsessed- I’ll blame my English heritage for that one.
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It really looks like you’re living the dream. Is your reality so idyllic?
No matter how dreamy someone’s life can look on Instagram, reality is still reality. I still have my really crap days. And it isn’t easy being away from home for such long periods of time and never quite feeling settled. But then, there are downsides to every job. For me, I am living out my dream, and I wouldn’t change it for the world. I feel so blessed to have the opportunities I have had at such a young age and never want to take any of this for granted.
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One piece of camera kit you couldn’t live without?
My new 24-70mm lens, I don’t know how I ever lived without out.
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In 2016, did you have a new year’s resolution?
I don’t really believe in New Year’s resolutions, but if I had one, it would be to be more selfless. I believe the only thing that can bring us true happiness is the people around us. Living a selfish life is never going to make us feel fulfilled. Not being self-consumed in this day and age is a constant battle.
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Can you speak multiple languages?
English, Australian, some level of American and I’m just starting to master a bit of the New Zealand drawl… (Me wishing I was bilingual)…
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To date, what’s been your biggest regret?
I try my best to live with a no-regrets policy. I’ve made many mistakes and stupid decisions, but I guess I wouldn’t be who I am today if I hadn’t been through those things.
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Where do you see yourself in 3 years time?
I really want to go down the entrepreneurial path and start something along the lines of a travel photography/ blogging training school. So watch this space!
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To keep up to date with Nicola’s travels, don’t forget to check her out on instagram!