Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Jones.
Hi Natalie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
When I was in middle school, I went to my first concert and somehow managed to sneak in my crusty camera. I took some incredibly grainy photos from the nosebleeds and immediately fell in love. I remember seeing the band’s photographer running around by the stage and thinking, I want that job one day.
After that, I brought my camera everywhere I could and eventually moved to Nashville for college. While I was there, I got to work for a production company and really hone my photography skills. I spent a lot of time going to shows and found my style taking photos for my church each week.
Now I shoot shows as often as I can and have had the chance to tour with musicians all over the country. Somewhere along the way I graduated college with a degree in graphic design, and am always creating album art, merch, and posters. At the end of the day, it all comes back to my love for music and community.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t! After I left the production job, I only had that same old camera from middle school, so I wasn’t really able to practice or shoot concerts for a few years. I had to save up for my current setup, and it felt like it took forever.
The industry can also be tricky to navigate, and I still struggle sometimes to get photo passes for shows I’d love to shoot. I’ve found that so much of it comes down to who you know, which is both a blessing and a curse. But because of that, I’ve also gotten to meet some of the most incredible people along the way.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a graphic designer and photographer specializing in the music world! I’ve worked directly in the industry before, but currently my full-time job is as a designer at an engineering firm- very different from my moonlight gigs.
Stylistically, I’m drawn to glowy images and love creating dreamy effects, often using a piece of glass held against my lens to create stars across a photo. In my graphic design work, I focus a lot on typography. My introduction to the field was through hand lettering, and I still try to incorporate that into my work whenever I can!
My proudest project this year was this past spring, when I tour managed and photographed a 7-stop tour that took me from coast to coast. Not only was it a blast, but I learned so much and took some of my favorite photos yet!
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
I still feel like I’m figuring it all out, but if I could go back, I’d tell myself to buy the camera sooner- just take the leap!!
And never underestimate the power of an interaction. You never really know what can come from meeting someone new, even months later. Your words have weight, so speak up about what you want and say it often to the people around you. People want to help you, and they also want to be helped by you. Be an active part of your community and see where it goes.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://natalieannecreative.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natalieannecreative/
