Because a platform is only as good as its Creators, we wanted to show you just how good the Creators on our platform are. The Pop Profile series is a peek into the creative process of some of the most talented people making content on our platform. It’s a chance for them to step out from behind the camera, into the spotlight, and let us pick their brains. This week, we’re talking with Corrine Rice, @_nomadicmom on Instagram.
In a month inundated with hot pink hearts and Valentine’s #CoupleGoals, creator Corinne Rice’s passion for wandering the world is one love story that won’t make you roll your eyes. She’s a photographer, a traveling mom, and self-proclaimed ‘part-time dancing machine.’ Corinne has a unique perspective; something magical and seemingly uninhibited by the constraints of reality. You can’t help but imagine her whimsical perspective is inspired by her travel partner and favorite photography subject: her four year old globe-trotting tot, Atlas. We’re proud to provide a platform that enables creators like Corinne to follow their passion, share their talent, and create some pretty dreamy content.
We asked Corrine about her life on the road exploring with her son, and she shared the following thoughts with us. Fair warning, reading this interview might make you want to pack your bags and do some wandering yourself.
On starting her journey her way:
I was living in Los Angeles, acting and modeling for a living. I was a single mother and my son was almost two. He was in daycare fifty hours a week and sometimes with sitters at night and on the weekends. It wasn’t the life I imagined when I saw myself as a mother. Atlas wasn’t planned, so I was doing the best that I could, but eventually it wore on me. One day, I asked myself, what is it that I really want to be doing? I brainstormed and came up with the idea to go WWOOFing (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms). You work 4–5 hours a day, 5 days a week in exchange for room, board and food. This would allow me to work with Atlas by my side and we could travel from farm to farm. Within a week, I had two tickets to New Mexico. It wasn’t always easy; but it was a great way to start this new chapter of our lives.
Discovering (and rediscovering) photography:
Before I was an actress/model, I was a chef. I purchased a camera during that time and started photographing my food, mostly just shooting in automatic. About a year later, after learning most of the functions of my camera, I was hired to photograph dishes at various food trucks throughout Los Angeles. When I started acting and modeling, I put my camera down for a while. When I started traveling, I picked my camera back up and slowly became better at it.
Learning “more” isn’t always “more” when it comes to content:
Iused to believe that it was necessary to post every day, so I hustled constantly to create new content. While I do think consistency and posting frequently is important, I feel that now more than ever, quality isso much more important, especially with travel photos. I often find myself thinking, how can I photograph this location in a way no one has? The ultimate goal is to only post magical photos that I love.
The story behind her favorite collaboration (with Nature’s Path Foods Love Crunch Cereal):
Ilove this photo, and it did really well with my followers. This was after a second round of photos, the first round included flat lays and a video. The brand wasn’t in love with them and I knew they wouldn’t have done well with my followers in terms of engagement. I shot them as lifestyle images and the brand loved them, which always makes me happy.
How she keeps it real on social media:
Itry to be very transparent, while at the same time staying positive. Instagram is not a place for me to tell the world my problems, that is what my best friends are for. I do try to say things from time to time in my captions about things I am dealing with to remind people that I am a human; just because my photos are beautiful doesn’t mean my life is “perfect.”
On leaving your comfort zone behind and living your passion:
Here’s the thing: you can live the life you want, or you can dream about living the life you want. It’s a choice you have. Anything is possible. I refuse to be lying on my deathbed with regrets. Getting out of your comfort zone is the best thing you can do. Things, in reality, are never as bad as we imagine them to be. Anything new is scary and fear usually means you are on the right track. You only have one life in this body, make it one you love.
On Atlas:
He goes with the flow. We’ve been doing this for a few years and it’s normal to him now. I make sure there are fun things for him to do wherever we go. It seems that his favorite thing about traveling is making “new friends.” Anyone we meet is his friend, he connects really well with them.
Finally, some words of wisdom from Atlas (interpreted by mom):
Games are all about having fun, it doesn’t matter if you win or lose. Everyone should dance everyday to music they love.
We couldn’t agree more, Atlas. A big thank you and much love to Corinne for her willingness to share her journey and creativity with us. We can’t wait to see where this year takes our favorite traveling duo. If you’re feeling as inspired as we are after this interview, journey over to Popular Pays and check us out. You can get started by signing up on our Web App. Follow us on here for more profiles of people we’re proud to call Creators on our platform.