Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Dreaden.
Natalie, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I remember growing up my grandmother would always be snapping away, taking many pictures of my sister and I. Documenting our everyday adventures. Every now and then I was allowed to pick up the camera and shoot away. Mostly styled photoshoots I would create for my barbies and stuffed animals. I also recall our many trips to Costco, that was our to go place to get our film developed. Years ago my grandmother handed over several boxes containing hundreds of photographs. I am very grateful she did this for us because nowadays in this digital era we live in everything is usually captured with a smartphone and forgotten in digital albums. I think that’s where my passion for photography began…I just didn’t know it yet. Fast forward to my college years, and that’s when I decided to take some photography courses at Southwestern College. Now, this is where my passion for photography ignited.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I am a local San Diego lifestyle photographer who captures beautiful moments for beautiful families. I specialize in maternity, children and family photography. These are very important times for my clients, and they trust me to capture these special moments and produce beautiful photographs. I tend to get butterflies at the start of a session, but once I begin to shoot away, I am consumed by this natural high. I think one of the top things I love about being a photographer is reliving it all over again in the following days to come, during the editing process. I’ll catch myself editing away smiling from ear to ear or giggling because I’ll recall something funny that occurred in one of my sessions. Also, watching my images come to life as I edit is simply magical and rewarding. I love sending my client a sneak preview of their gallery that same evening. If I don’t edit one photograph from a session I had that same day, I find it difficult to sleep that night. The excitement simply consumes me. Finally, overall the best part of being a photographer is hearing from your clients how much they loved their photos! Totally makes my day that I was able to capture precious moments for them through beautiful photographs. It is never to late to discover a passion or passions, why limit yourself to one?
Do you think conditions are generally improving for artists? What more can cities and communities do to improve conditions for artists?
I believe that the conditions for artists today have become somewhat easier with the help of social media. Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram have helped bring in traffic and allowing for our work to get some exposure. However, life as a photographer has had its challenges. From starting a small business and having to justify my worth in the art, I produce. The time, the energy, the investment we artists must put into our art in order to keep our small business running is sometimes not taken into consideration. We artists have our own unique struggles and stories. It is important to always keep growing. Cities can help out artist thrive through arts-focused media outlets like print or electronic web-based venues. Resulting in exposure to the art that is being produced by local artists.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My work is displayed on my social media accounts, Facebook and Instagram. I do have a more formal space, where one may explore my work, and that is on my website. I often get asked by some friends and family members how they can support my work. I tell them by referring me to their local friends or co-workers. Sharing some social media posts or as simple as liking or commenting on one of my posts. I truly appreciate it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nataliedreadensd.wixsite.com/ndphotography
- Phone: 6199429456
- Email: natalie.dreaden.sd@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/nataliedreadenphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NatalieDreadenPhotography/
Image Credit:
Natalie Dreaden Photography
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