Life & Work with Natalie Walker of Portland, TN

Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Walker

Natalie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey into the photography field truly started when I was 10 years old. I would have photoshoots for fun with my childhood best friend using her mom’s camera. We’re still friends to this day!
Both of my parents were hobby film photographers as well so at one point or another I have always had cameras and film in my face. I went to college to be a dental assistant, and was always handed the camera for before and after work on patients- but nothings better than scanning a film x-ray in a red room. Photography has just always been there for me. My husband bought me my first beginner camera from Walmart in 2019 as a birthday present and I took it everywhere for fun, but never thought about it as a business until years later. Fast forward a few years after being the family member and friend who you could always go to for photos, I finally took the leap and made a Facebook page. I have ran my business from that one page for the last two years to the point I was able to take a pause on my day job of teaching swim lessons the beginning of this year. I now have a website and other routes for my business which has been the coolest thing to explore and grow into.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I am the type of person that never rest-and then crashes- and then keeps going. I have CPTSD from childhood trauma- so yeah everything is a bumpy road. Working with children specifically has been the highlight of my life. Whether I was putting their braces on at the orthodontist, teaching them how to swim, or taking their photos my life seems to revolve around littles. Everything in my life has been a constant change, except photography- it is my baby and my constant. I stress of course but being able to literally run around with families, couples- PEOPLE has been truly so easy on my nervous system. Sometimes with CPTSD too much outside time can really exhaust me, so I always space out my shoots and I’m so thankful I can do this. The rest of the time I’m at home with my beagles Pinto and Charlie editing away and watching Pride and Prejudice- specifically the 2005 version.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My brand is called Natalie Walker Photography or the shortened version “NWP”. My moto is to catch the real moments. Whether it’s newlyweds looking at each other from across the table at their wedding, or parents brushing their child’s hair out of their face. I am devoted to capturing candid and organic moments in time which in my opinion is the whole reason cameras were invented. This does not mean you come to a shoot and we all look at each other, however, this means more prompts than poses. Creating a raw moment, asking the questions that bring out real feelings. This is what I can only hope I am known for.
My biggest photography accomplishments thus far have been flying to Key West Florida for an elopement, photographing for Dillards, having my work published in the Gallatin Tennessee newspaper for branding, and adding my husband to NWP as a certified officiant for all my elopements and weddings. It’s been a whirlwind of drive, determination, and plenty of therapy.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
As cheesy as it sounds- being myself. I don’t work in retail, so I’m not going to act like it. I love being able to take the mask off and say, “This is who I am so let’s have fun.” In the past I have always been able to pick up on social cues and how things are subtly said and maybe it’s how I grew up but I throw everything out of the window. My goal is to always treat my clients like my friends instead of someone that just got paid to be there. This has served me well mentally, and for my business to feel more authentic and genuine- because it is. My most current example of this moto is running a special for women owned business branding shoots for the month of March for Women’s History Month. Let’s always build each other up and be real and genuine in our endeavors.

Pricing:

• Families starting price: $375
• Branding starting price: $375
• Elopements starting price: $650
• Weddings starting price: $1,350

Contact Info:

• Website: http://nataliewalkerphotography621.mypixieset.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliewalkerphotography?igsh=MXVhYmtrdHM5ZnYzYQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/14q5BbDvLf/?mibextid=wwXIfr