Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Curtis.
Hi Natalie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My love for photography began at age 7, when I would borrow my mom’s camera and “waste too much money” on film and developing. (This was back in the day when we had to buy the film, then pay to send it off for developing.) My dad liked to remind me, “It costs $0.37 every time you push that shutter!” But I couldn’t help it. Something inside me was always drawn to capturing people, emotions and the beauty of everyday life. Later in high school, I took Photography 101 from Mr Martin. I was so excited to learn how to develop my own film in the dark room photo lab.
I went on to attend college and graduate with a bachelors degree in communication and marketing in 2011, but photography was always my passion. I saved up and bought my first “real” DSLR camera and in my free time, I was always taking photos for friends and family members. I worked in corporate communication for several years while still doing photography on the side. When my son Calvin was born in 2014, I decided to take a leap, quit my job, and jump into my photography business full-time. It was scary, but also the best decision I’ve ever made!
White Elm Photography has continued to grow over the years, as did my family. I have three children (ages 11, 9 and 7.) My photography business that started as just a hobby and a dream has been my full-time career. Even after 11 years, it continues to fulfill both my passion and helps provide for my family.
I love capturing the beauty and happiness of real life. I find it in the giggling smiles, sweet forehead kisses, little chubby toes, the natural light of windows, and tender, soft snuggles of a newborn baby.
I feel so grateful I get to spend my life working in a career that I have always loved.
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?
The biggest challenge I face is trying to balance the workload of both motherhood and a career. As my kids get older, they are more independent, which helps. However, they are also busy with sports, school and activities. I love supporting my kids in everything they do, but the schedule of a photographer can be difficult to manage with everything they have going on. It’s like a giant game of tetris trying to get everything to fit each week and sometimes I fail. Another obstacle is that as an entrepreneur, it’s easy to feel guilty for resting… there is always work I “could” or “should” be doing… another session to edit, perfecting the website, growing social media, etc. I’m not always great at having a healthy work-life balance, but I know it’s important.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a portrait photographer who specializes in maternity, newborn and family photography. I am known for my light and bright, timeless style. I love to capture genuine emotion and interactions – especially action photos. My clients toss their babies in the air, swing their kids in circles, jump and giggle together. I consider my brand “documentary style,” with a few traditional “everyone smile and look at the camera” poses mixed in. I have spent 11 years photographing families with young kids (and I have three young kids of my own.) Throughout the session there may be a small puppet show, an array of songs that I sing, a treat, silly games to play… I will do whatever it takes to try and get the kids (and adults) to smile!
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
I love to bring joy to others through capturing memories and moments that they always want to remember… a first (or last) pregnancy, the birth of their baby, a journey of surrogacy, a child’s birthday and annual Christmas cards. Documenting families as they grow is my favorite.
Pricing:
- $250: Mini Session (15-minutes)
- $350: Regular Session (30-minutes)
- $450: Extended Session (60-minutes)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.whiteelmphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/white_elm/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whiteelmphotography
