Larnie Nicolson epitomises the effortlessly cool, relaxed but modern style that is such a huge part of New Zealand's creative culture. Following the launch of her new book 'Hanging Kokedama' we chat to Larnie about influences, her love of travel, career advice and much more. Whether you're an aspiring photographer or simply love beautiful imagery, we know you'll be truly inspired by her. Happy Sunday reading!
Congratulations on the release of your new book! What was the inspiration behind it?
Thank you! I was commissioned to shoot this book by London-based publisher Jacqui Small. The author Coraleigh Parker had recommended me because she liked my style and heard I was easy to work with (merci!). There are already a number of books about kokedama so as a point of difference the publisher decided to feature all the various kokedama hanging. It’s available in book stores and online at Mighty Ape, Amazon, Fishpond, Book Depository etc.
Have you always been creative? What did you study?
I was always creative growing up – always drawing, building towns out of Lego or making huts out of hay (I grew up on a farm). After high school I studied graphic design at Wintec (Waikato). Upon graduation I travelled overseas for 5 years and while I was abroad I ‘saw the light’, came home and completed a degree in photography.
Has traveling shaped your creative work?
I try and go on a big trip every year. Last year was a beautiful 6 week trip through Italy including 10 days in Paris and London; the year before was New York. This year I want to travel around the South Island of New Zealand again in a camper van. Travelling must help shape my work somehow but I couldn’t really say how, except to say I feel inspired which is important to any creative person. I love change and being exposed to new environments and I take a ridiculous number of photos when I’m away! Favourite places I’ve visited are Turkey, Paris, Capri and New York (and New Zealand of course).
If you had to describe your portfolio in three words, what would they be?
Graphic and modern but relaxed.
Who is your favourite New Zealand creative and why?
This is a hard one. I’m doing a series with Homestyle magazine called Space to Create and it came from a conversation I was having with some design and photography friends in New York. I was really interested in how (as a creative) you need to keep being creative and how the space around you shapes and inspires your work. I pitched the idea to Alice Lines at Homestyle and now I photograph creative people each issue.
And finally, what is the best piece of career advice you've ever been given?
Photography is a very difficult business to be in and it’s easy to be slightly terrified when starting out. Early on I read that fear is a good thing – it means you’re pushing yourself, so that helped with that! My design degree really helped with problem solving and now I think with enough preparation I’ll nail any job. You really have to back yourself!
I also completed a business course in my first year where I had to write an extensive business plan which gave me a clear direction. I couldn’t recommend this enough, even if you just download a business plan template and go from there.
A more practical piece of advice from a photographer I assisted when I was fresh out of college was to organise my images before they overwhelm. This was in the days of film but equally important for digital management.
All imagery is credited to the wonderful photographer Larnie Nicolson. You can visit her website here and follow her on Instagram here.
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