Next up in my ’20 Questions’ series is a guy I’ve been a major fan of for quite a few years now – Nicholas Pakradooni. Nicholas is a Los Angeles-based photographer, creator, actor, and bon vivant. His Instagram feed is incredibly curated and gives you a peek into his impeccable eye as a photographer. He has a way of capturing nostalgia and mood with the type of skill that can’t be learned… a way that transports you elsewhere at first glance. I’m waxing poetic but, honestly truly, he has one of the best eyes in the game… and on top of all of his talents, he’s a wonderful person too! (And let’s be real… I’m also just hella jealous of his sun-kissed freckles.)
Full Name + Instagram Handle?
Nicholas Pakradooni and my Instagram handle is @Cholpak.
Who is your biggest style inspiration?
Hmm I have a few. I love things to look effortlessly chic and I think that Biel Calduch (@bieljuste) does an amazing job of that. Alberto Ortizrey is my other. He has the coolest clothing but he almost never tags the brands so I’m just left scouring the internet at 2am trying to find similar pieces haha.
What’s the last item of clothing you bought?
I think it was a pair of Vince pants. I have a sick obsession with Vince.
What’s a trend you wish you never tried?
Oh gosh. It’s funny because there are plenty of things that I cringe about when I look back, but I don’t really regret anything except for the Hollister/Abercrombie EVERYTHING in high school. If it didn’t have a seagull or a moose I wasn’t wearing it.
What’s your most treasured possession?
I collect matchbooks and I have this one from my great grandmother that she decorated with seashells. It’s monetary value is probably like $1.00 but I’d sell everything I own before giving it up. It’s up there with my 500+ person framed family tree and a piece of art that I made out of about 100 old boarding passes.
What three items could you not live without?
Passport, camera, laptop (lame but it’s the sad truth).
What phrase or word do you most overuse?
“Oh bitch.” It just comes out in any context. Shocked? Oh bitch. Excited? Oh bitch. See a plate of pasta walk by? Oh biiiiiiiiiiitch.
What’s something you wish you could change about yourself?
My snacking habits.
What’s your go-to grooming/beauty tip?
M O I S T U R I Z E and use SPF!!! Yes, adding a serum and a toner would work wonders, but it doesn’t even need to be that complicated. A little sunscreen before you leave the house when you’re 25 will make a huge difference when you’re 45. If I could go back in time it would be to whenever someone said skincare was for girls and punch them in their dry face.
What’s the best trip you’ve ever been on?
Bali. I went by myself for 5 days and it was the most amazing time. I could write a novel about every day I was there but instead I just really urge you to go!!
Boxers, briefs, or birthday suit?
Briefs!
What’s a trait you’re most known for?
I think authenticity with a sprinkle of sarcasm.
What trait do you value most in your friends?
Honesty. My best friends are my best friends because we can openly talk about our problems with each other. Even your closest relationships are gonna have bumps in the road but it’s better to talk with them than to talk about them.
What’s your hidden talent?
I’m an acrobat and 我说一点中文.
What did you want to be as a kid?
A marine biologist, like every kid who ever went to SeaWorld.
What’s the first thing you would buy if you won the lottery?
Houses in different parts of the world.
What’s your greatest fear?
Being framed for a crime! Can you imagine!? But also waking up one day when I’m much older and realizing that I wasted my life doing things that didn’t make me happy. So trying every day to prevent that from ever happening.
Best advice you’ve ever received?
Be yourself. It’s so cheesy but life is so much better when you’re unapologetically yourself.
What is your motto?
It’s better to ask forgiveness than permission.
Which 5 Instagram accounts should we be following right now?
They are all so creative and unique which is really refreshing in a sea of people all doing the same thing.
See more of Nicholas over on his Instagram or be sure to check out his Photography Portfolio.