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We first met Katie Purling in 2019. Inspired by her photography and to be honest
her easy-going nature, Katie graced the cover of the Port Douglas Magazine with a
dynamic underwater shot of her rising from the depths of the Great Barrier Reef.
She says, “My interest in photography was piqued the day I picked up my first camera
in 2015. I very quickly became consumed with the art (of photography), a welcome
obsession that has since enabled me to pursue a profession that truly inspires me.
“I adore softly lit scenes, natural laughter and a pop of colour. With a camera in hand,
my aim is to capture images that convey not only deep emotion but also those that
inspire a little bit of magic.”
We have enjoyed seeing the rise of this talented individual. Now, she is one of only
12 talented creatives from across the state that has been invited to join Tourism
Queensland as a content creator. The goal of these creators? To provide authentic
content that inspires people to travel, to seek out and enjoy authentic experiences and
dive into local cultures.
A recent project saw Katie team up with Tropical Tourism North Queensland to
showcase The Indigenous Experiences Trail, aimed at exploring some of the wonderful
Indigenous experiences that are on offer to tourists in Far North Queensland.
We invite you to enjoy some of her work as you leaf across the page. We think you will
agree, it is a beautiful reflection. So, what is next for this entrepreneur?
Let’s ask Katie Purling …
1. Since working on Indigenous Trail campaign what have you been working on?
I’ve just finished up a busy month as a Queensland Creator with a shoot in the
Atherton Tablelands focusing on the wonderful waterfalls up that way and I also had
a jam-packed week in Brisbane enjoying some of the best dining and boutique hotel
The next six months are very busy for me as I get into the thick of what’s set to be a GOLDEN
experiences that Brissy has to offer.
2. What have you got coming up in the next six months?

crazy wedding season up here in Far North Queensland. (Oh, did we mention Katie
has a flourishing wedding photography business too) I do also have a few fun trips
planned for me as well though which I’m really looking forward to some of my own GIRL
adventures
3. What do you enjoying doing when you are not creating content? Content Creator Katie Purling
Lately I’ve just been loving enjoying some down time in our new home with my
husband Matt and our three dogs. We recently bought a beautiful 95-year-old continues to inspire
Queenslander set on 2 acres of rainforest just outside of Cairns and every spare
moment we have is spent gardening and renovating. We are lapping up every moment
of this special time!
4. Do you take your own photographs?
Really great question! If I am working alone, which is very frequent then I take all of
my own photos using just a tripod and a very handy phone app which connects to my
camera. I find it easier because I have control of the shot and can frame it exactly how
I want. Otherwise, if my husband Matt is on the job with me then he often jumps
behind the camera to help get the shot. When both of us are needed in the photo
though then it’s back to the tripod the camera goes.

5. Is there somewhere in the Australia that you would still love to visit and create
content for or a particular project you would like to work on?
I have yet to visit Ningaloo Reef off Exmouth in Western Australia, and this is probably
at the very top of my list for places to visit! I have heard so many amazing things and
would desperately love to experience the incredible coastline and marine life that I
have heard so much about in that region of Australia too.
6. And if we opened that question up to the World?
This is a tough one as I’ve been dreaming about getting back overseas for years but I
think it would have to be Africa. It’s home to so many of my bucket list experiences,
particularly a wildlife safari!
7. And finally, what do you love about living in Far North Queensland?
Ohh gosh I love everything about it! The climate, the people, the reef and the rainforest!
The mountain views and the palm fringed beaches. I love that I get up every morning
and it’s warm and tropical outside, honestly, I could go on and on about the reasons I
love living here!!! But mostly it’s because this is where people holiday and it really does
make life feel like an ongoing holiday!
Follow Katie’s journey on Instagram @mycolourfulworld_
And plan your next adventure in Far North Queensland and beyond.
PORT DOUGLAS MAGAZINE 95