Part 4: Travel Inspiration with Nicole

Commercial photography for businesses might be Nicole's specialty but in her free time she teaches German and Irish cooking and regularly steps in front of the camera herself at "Travels with Jack" where she inspires and shares some of her favorite travel destinations in Europe.

Today we like to take you to the Peloponnese region in Greece. Not Mykonos, not Crete, not Athens. While these are all beautiful destinations as well and probably the ones you think of first for a trip to Greece, we found the Peloponnese region had so much to offer and was far less touristy. A hidden gem one should not miss.

With just an hour drive West from Athens airport the Peloponnese region starts and stretches over 6000 square miles. Notable places in the region are Corinth, Nafplio, Kalamata, Sparta, Vatia, Githio, the island of Elafonisos, Monemvasia and Mani, just to name a few. You find old ancient Greek villages, the best olive oil in all of Greece, abandoned villages stuck in time, some of Greece's top beaches, monasteries high up in the mountains, caves to explore, fabulous wine, the freshest seafood and salads and some of the friendliest and most helpful locals in Greece.

I share a lot of helpful tips, take you off the beaten track and show you some of my favorite photos from this trip.

Enough said, jump in, watch the show and learn more about all the fabulous things the Peloponnese has to offer.

Watch some, watch it all, comment, ask or share your own tips and pictures from this part of Greece. 






Credits: The travel shows was recorded with host Jack Barron at Framingham Access TV.

Part 3: Travel Inspiration with Nicole

One of my favorite travel destinations is - Iceland. I first went there in 2009, wowww that’s 10 years ago, before the tourism craze started. I have seen the tourism grow over the years and inspired many along the way to visit this magical place.

I have been there in the summer during the long days and the winter. I loved both seasons as they bring their own attractions with them. I have seen the Northern Lights, I swam in the Blue Lagoon, rode Icelandic horses, seen the black sandy beaches in the south, partied here, made new friends and tasted many of the Icelandic specialties.

I highly recommend a visit, a visit to the place North of the Wall.

Credits: The travel shows was recorded with host Jack Barron at Framingham Access TV.

Part 2: Travel Inspiration with Nicole

We are excited to share our next travel inspiration with you - "German Automobile Museums". This TV show will bring you to all the major car makers in Germany. You don't need to be an automobile lover to enjoy this episode. It's also something for travelers who would like to see a Germany off the beaten track, the ones that love architecture, shopping, Oktoberfest and good food.

We start our journey in Munich with BMW, give you a glimpse of the traditional Oktoberfest, head North to Ingolstadt to visit Audi, over to Stuttgart to explore the Mercedes and Porsche museums and to let you know about Stuttgart many other attractions, than Dresden to the Transparent Factory to visit VW luxury car factory and our journey ends in Wolfsburg with VW Autostadt. You will be quite surprised what you will find at VW.

So enjoy the journey. Watch just 5 minutes or the entire show and as always we welcome your questions and comments. 

Credits: The travel shows was recorded with host Jack Barron at Framingham Access TV.

Part 1: Travel Inspiration with Nicole

Besides making you a Superstar on LinkedIn we also like to inspire to travel.

There are so many unique and beautiful places to discover. We feel travel is needed to understand one another better, discover new ways of cooking, new cultures, appreciate our own world better, and understand history much better. We always come back amazingly refreshed and with buckets full of inspiration and creativity.

So take a look. Watch just 5 minutes or the entire 60 minute travel shows we recorded with host Jack Barron at Framingham Access TV.

We share tips on how to travel to certain destinations, unique paths to discover, culture, foods, and certain things you should avoid. The travel shows mostly focus on travels to Europe.

Let's get started with our latest recording as we could all use a little sunshine and warmth at the moment. Sardinia, Italy (Travels with Jack #66). Check back next month where we will share a new destination with you.

Of course we welcome your questions, feedback and ideas. Please share them with us in the comments below and we make sure to answer them.

Interview with Nicole: How did you become a Photographer?

When was the first time you realized that photography was more than just a hobby?

Through my work in online marketing and with the increasing speed of the internet I got asked more and more to create compelling visuals for our client‘s websites. They simply didn’t have them but knew they were important. Eventually I thought I need to invest in myself in order to learn how to use professional camera equipment, lighting, Photoshop and all the ins and outs of professional digital photography. Once you made that big money and time investment it was clear this was not a hobby anymore. It was an extension of my skill set and eventually I moved from online marketing into full time commercial photography. The process wasn’t easy and took me about 6 years. It required a lot of assisting, networking, practicing and believing in yourself.

What kind of jobs did you do before you became a photographer?

I worked in a bakery during my high school years. In 1996 right after graduating from high school I went to America to work as an AuPair for a year. I was 19 then. In the US I worked as a waitress, had my own cleaning business, worked in online marketing for various agencies or years, I was a teacher’s assistant for a little bit and also worked as a German speaking technical analyst in a call center for a few years right after 911. All together I have worked in the creative field close to 20 years.

Did you study Photography? (Where?)

I studied digital photography through a BU program for 18 months part time. I graduated in 2007.

How did you like Boston University?

The program for digital photography was excellent. We learned from some of the best photographers in the fashion industry, sports, National Geographic and architecture. I’m still in touch with my teachers to this day. They have recommended me for jobs, I assisted and modeled for some of them, and I was even invited to go to foreign countries with them for adventures projects. The school has also asked me to teach there at this point in my career. They have prepared us very well for the competitive job we were about to enter. One of the photographers I assisted right out of BU expressed I was one of the best trained students she had. 

Would you recommend BU to others? (Why, why not?)

I did recommend the program to quite a few people and they have graduated themselves since and work in the industry. Unfortunately this particular program through does not exist through BU anymore. 

When did you start your own business?

I started my own business right at the end of my BU studies in 2007 - Nicole Connolly Photography. Five years later I founded Photo Fabulous You with my business partner at that time. In partnership we made this company a well known style and portrait photography business in the area with clients like Avery Dennison, Dell, Microsoft, and BNY Mellon.

Why did you decide to concentrate on professional headshots?

In 2012 I founded Photo Fabulous You with my business partner. Our business focus was professional style and photography services for busy professionals. We would bring our style service and photo studio right to companies and corporations in the area. The model was and still is very unique and attractive to many companies. Today our services reach as far as NYC, Chicago, and DC. 

Photo Fabulous Client Testimonial

"I hate to have my picture taken."

"I look so much younger in my current photo I think I will keep that one."

"Maybe I do these pictures in the Spring after I lost some weight."

Have these thoughts crossed your mind as well? You are not alone. 90% of our clients walk in our door with them. However this is what they say when they walk out the door.

Have a listen!

New Year's Greeting 2018