Daily Inspiration: Meet Vincent-Natasha Gay

Today we’d like to introduce you to Vincent-Natasha Gay.

Hi Vincent-Natasha, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My creative career began when I came out as a queer genderfluid human in 2018. During this time, I was a middle school educator and athletic coach; but soon discovered that I was looking to do something different with my life. As I began to explore my newly understood gender identity, I turned to the arts. I began modeling in 2019 as a way of expressing my gender and gaining self love and acceptance. I continued to model for local artists in the Columbus market until the pandemic began. At that time, the need for modeling was not very high, so I picked up a camera and turned to photography as a hobby. Quickly I realized I had an eye for photography, especially in portrait and editorial styles. From there I began to understand that I could align my social activism, my gender identity, and my art into one, and so began Mx. Gay’s Creative Direction. My art is built on the motto “Empowering Beautiful Creativity.” With my art, I seek to show people how truly beautiful they are, just as themselves. Imperfections are beauty; therefore, I challenge myself to empower people to see that for themselves. When I capture photos and edit them, I do not touch the skin, or edit features of the subject. I want the subject to see themselves truly as they are, and see that they do not need anything done to them to be beautiful. I used this message especially with the transgender community, because several feel that they must change so much about their exteriors in order to “pass” in our society as their gender. Rather, I want everyone to just be comfortable in who they are and see that it is not them who needs to change; rather societies expectations on how gender and beauty are “supposed” to be presented.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
For me, the journey has definitely been a winding road. I have see a ton of growth in my art, and lately have been able to receive opportunities such as this to show my art and tell my story.

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?
I am a photographer who specializes in empowering people in self love and acceptance. My art is created in a collaborative environment, where I work with the person to tell their story. My goal is that people choose to work with me because I create a safe and accepting environment with them, where they feel like they can truly be their authentic selves. I am very proud of all the work that I create, because each piece tells its own unique story and statement to the world.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My advice for those who are just starting out is to figure out what you are passionate about. Determine what you want your work to say. Too many photographers are in this business for the wrong reasons. The camera gives us a unique opportunity to freeze time, and capture those special moments that will live forever.

Pricing:

• $150/hour

Contact Info:

• Email: natashagay09@gmail.com
• Website: www.vincent-natasha.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mx.gay_photography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mx.GayPhotography/