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Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Natalie of Carlsbad

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Natalie. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Natalie, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Outside of work, spending time with my husband and our twins brings me so much joy. We love going to the beach and spending time in nature! Even when the water is cold, we always dip our feet in and the twins end up getting soaked. Our kids run toward the waves, laughing and squealing with excitement, and we can’t help but chase after them and join in the fun. Those moments reset us, reminding us how precious life is and how important it is to spend time with family, reconnect with nature, stay grounded, and simply enjoy being together. I also grew up surfing and I hope to eventually teach my twins how to surf as well! I’m so grateful to God for my family!

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I grew up in a family immersed in the arts, and creativity has always been a part of who I am. Even as a kid, I was drawn to photography, but it wasn’t until I took a film class in college that I completely fell in love with it. I spent countless hours in the darkroom during those first few years, completely captivated by the process. Over time, I made the transition to digital photography, and when the opportunity came up to open a small studio, I went for it and started my business in 2010.

When I first started my business, I focused on photographing newborns, children, families, and events. In my second year, I had the opportunity to photograph a children’s clothing line, and I instantly fell in love with commercial and lifestyle photography. That experience opened a new creative avenue for me, and I began expanding that side of my business.

The first three years were the most challenging as I learned the ins and outs of running a business while continuing to refine my craft. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my family and community. Their belief in me and my work gave me the confidence to keep growing, experimenting, and evolving as a photographer. I’m incredibly grateful for mentors like Jenn from Olive Public Relations, Gloria and Anthony Edge from Edge Academy, Azalea from Flowers by Azalea, Vallie from Jitters Coffee Pub, Carie from CPW Makeup & Styling, Stormi from Stormi Pro Beauty, Danielle from City Girl Gone Mom, and more. I’m so thankful for their support, guidance, and encouragement along the way. Throughout the years, I have had the privilege of working with some amazing clients, including; Cinépolis, Kerri Walsh, 1st Five San Diego, PriceSmart, Edge Academy, Cadence Travel, Liberty Station, Rush Cycle, Olive Public Relations, p1440, and more!

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A moment that truly shaped how I see the world was when my twins were born. Nothing could have prepared me for the depth of love I’d feel for these two beautiful babies! Caring for them has been an absolute dream come true. I love being a mama, and my twins have taught me so much about life. They have shown me the importance of slowing down, cherishing the little moments, learning new things, and finding joy and laughter in everyday life.
Now that they are toddlers, we get to have the sweetest little conversations and watch their imaginations bloom. It’s such a gift from God to see them grow, and I’m constantly reminded of how quickly time passes and how precious life truly is. My husband and I absolutely love being parents and want to do our best to teach our twins to be kind, compassionate and loving humans. Our idea of fun these days is heading to the beach, park, San Diego Zoo, Legoland, or doing anything that makes our twins smile. I’m so grateful to God for my amazing husband and our children.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering and going through hard things has taught me so much. I’ve learned that the trials we face are never for nothing. I truly believe that Jesus has carried me through the hardest seasons of my life and has even used those challenges to help me support others. Because of those experiences, I’ve become a more compassionate and understanding person. As painful as some of those trials were, I’m grateful for how they’ve shaped me into who I am today.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I’d say my closest friends would tell you that what matters most to me is following Jesus, being a loving wife, and raising my twins. God and family are truly at the center of my life!

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I feel so blessed to be doing what I was born to do. Being a photographer has been such a gift, and I’m so thankful to have worked with so many incredible clients, hair and make-up artists, models, art directors, and stylists. I love that I get to create art through the lens, collaborate with other artists, and bring my clients’ visions to life! I’m so thankful for this beautiful journey.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Nat Warr Photography

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