We had the good fortune of connecting with Linda Nickell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Linda, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
First and foremost, I spend a lot of time on social media interacting with people that have found my work on line. Most often it’s about my gear or places to photograph in Texas and I’ve found that by engaging in those conversations I am often left feeling even more energized about getting up for those 4 AM alarms. As a nature photographer, I’ve had to learn that if I want good light I have to get up early and stay out late so making certain that I am rested before a planned hike I’m at my best energy level for those long photo outings.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

As a native Texan, I’ve traveled a good part of the state. I love photographing the backroads of Texas especially during the spring when our highways, country roads, and pastures are full of colorful wildflowers. I spend a lot of time on Instagram and because of that, my work is a bit more visible making it a little easier for photo editors to find. I’m aware it’s not always as simple as that but in my case by niching down and photographing what I know and love (i.e. Texas) it’s easier to create a solid and more rounded portfolio.

In 2020, just six days into my “covid jail term” I rallied some friends and began hosting Zoom photography meetups. I called them “Happiness Hours” and three years later and over 150 sessions, I’ve had the privilege of hosting National Geographic photographers; a 2x Pulitzer Prize winner; Emmy Award winning photographers; the Chief White House Photographer and many photographers who are passionate hobbyists.


Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My home base is Austin, Texas. If you have a week here…bring some stretchy pants! You’ll eat your way through the city. From some of the finest BBQ to hand-rolled tortillas at my favorite Tex-Mex restaurants you will not leave Texas hungry. Texas is rich in history and no visit to Austin is complete without a trip into the State Capitol. If you’re here during the spring, look for wildflowers and head into the Texas Hill Country for a day trip to check out Enchanted Rock or nearby Pedernales Falls State Park. Either hike will help you work up an appetite so pick up your favorite adult beverage and head out to The Salt Lick in Driftwood, a peek at the grill will have you salivating as you wait your turn for a table. Save room for some of the best blackberry cobbler in the state. A good day wandering along South Congress (SoCo) in the eclectic and boho shops, lunch at a food truck, followed by a stop at Amy’s Ice Cream is almost mandatory. Your feet will thank you for a break as you board a river cruise along Lady Bird Lake to view the nightly flight of the one and half million Mexican Free-Tailed bats as they head out at dusk from underneath Congress Avenue. Live music is a specialty in Austin and you won’t have to look hard for some of your favorite tunes but a twirl around the dance floor at the Broken Spoke is almost a pilgrimage.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Every opportunity I get to give credit where credit is due I take it. Back in 2016, I was invited to join a group of photographers in the Smokies. Serious amateurs from all over the United States that gathered to “hang out” for a long weekend — when they realized I knew literally nothing about Photoshop, filters, tripod, etc. they all took turns teaching me something new that weekend. I know I’ll forget someone but these people in particular left a huge impression on me: John Sharp (Alabama); Mark Franks (Arizona), Marty Anzaldua (Washington), Jill Vandagriff (Tennessee), Beatrice Rosenleaf (Montana), Sandy Jorgensen (South Dakota), Brenda Barrett (Texas) and Geannie Newell (Texas).

Website: lindanickell.com

Instagram: @coznlinda

Linkedin: Linda Nickell

Youtube: @LindaNickellHappinessHour

Image Credits
Linda Nickell

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