When Gather.ly asked me to takeover their Instagram, the timing could not have been more perfect! Although I am currently based in the very pretty seaside town of Falmouth in Cornwall, my Instagram takeover just had to feature an upcoming job I was booked to shoot - my first ever festival experience and my first time in beautiful Wales - at Festival No. 6!

I set off super early around 7am, the festival is in the little hidden town of Portmeirion and a good 8 hour drive away! Luckily the roads were clear but I still had to drive slow as there was a pretty, but rather inconvenient fog. #dontinstagramanddrive.

The other thing to slow me down was the absolutely breathtaking scenery… Who knew that Wales is such a hidden gem even though it's right on our doorstep? And no kidding, there are a LOT of sheep. Pretty sure I drove round twenty gazillion hilly mountain things until finally I drove through a little town past an amazing looking salt quarry and arrived at my destination! 

As I was photographing for Estrella Damm, the official sponsor for Festival No. 6 this year, I was going to experience some serious ‘Glamping’ with my sparkly silver VIP wristband. Not only was my tent big enough for 10 people to sleep, I had Egyptian cotton sheets and the portaloos were wood panelled had toilet roll, soap, mirrors and even art on the walls! I also received a lovely goodie bag with survival kit essentials. ☺

I was already absolutely loving the festival fashion I’d seen on my way to the tent - a real bunch of characters! One guy had super cool cartoon tattoos all up his leg, I couldn’t name them all but definitely contemplated how I’d look with Pusheen tattooed somewhere on my body… Eager to get out of the campsite I threw on my trusty wellies grabbed my camera and headed down towards the main stage. 

As soon as I stepped foot on the grass I heard my name being screamed and thought I was being attacked/mugged, when I realised two of my best friends from uni were jumping and hugging me! We had no idea that we were both going to this festival and I was so glad to see them so I could truly make the most of the experience. Bonobo was playing an awesome set but I was knackered from the long drive and needed some food so went to grab a bite to eat and catch up with my friends.

I had the pleasure of shooting with the Canon 5D Mark III properly for the first time. I assumed it wouldn’t be all that different from my Mark II but ohmygosh the low light quality is incredible! I had a flash on me but decided not to use it as I loved the grainy, warm shots I was getting on max ISO and the beautiful 50mm F1.2 lens. Tom and Jo were hilarious company and made a great start to my weekend. 

The headline act for Friday night was the truly talented bunch that is London Grammar. I’d only really heard their cover of Nightcall until my friend Lee Kirby from Gather.ly told me he shot their album cover, and that got me to check them out a bit more. I squeezed my way right to the front of the crowd and watched in awe at their incredible live performance. Seriously captivating… I still have their songs playing on loop when I’m working on my laptop now! 

Day two and I put my festival-must-have flower headband on. Time for some serious festival photographing business!

The morning started looking a little grey and drizzly but soon cleared up for a perfect hot sunny day. Floral headband, floral lace top and floral skirt. I was determined to make the last of the summer count!

Words cannot describe how beautiful the town of Portmeirion is, even photographs barely do the place justice. You can have a look at the shots I took on Estrella Dam’s Facebook page but you’re probably better off imagining a town out of a Wes Anderson film – pastel pinks and oranges and a building that very much looked like a miniature Grand Budapest Hotel…

The great thing about being commissioned to shoot a festival is that although you’re working, you still get to have all the fun! I’m not sure if it was the fact that Jo was licking away at her ice cream or if it was simply the colour of her jumpsuit that compelled me to buy myself a delicious mint choc chip. I then noticed the time and had to run to the mainstage to photograph Tom Odell from the press pit. What a beautiful man. He looked my way, but I’m pretty sure he was only checking out my ice cream. 

Day three and I was back on the road heading home. Although traffic was bad, the sun was still shining and I was surrounded by VW’s so I definitely still felt the festival vibe.

I had the most amazing time at Festival No. 6 and I was so glad I could share a little bit of my experience with Gather.ly - can’t wait for round two next year, see you there!

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To see more of Nicole's work, you can check out her website here. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram, so you don't miss out on our next adventures.