Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Wilcox.
Hi Natalie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Hi, I’m Natalie Wilcox. I’m a wife, mom to 3 boys and a photographer based out of a small town just south of Columbus, OH. My love for photography began in 1st grade when my mom sent a FUJI Film Camera in my bookbag for a field trip. I can still vividly remember the excitement of taking my classmate’s photos and the joy I felt that day. That love for taking photos has followed me through every season of life. In high school you could find a camera in my hand for most events, games or time spent with friends. During that time it really began to open my eyes to how much I enjoyed getting to capture these memories and being able to give that back to others. After I graduated high school, I started my business with the hope to see my passion grow into something successful. I will never forget my late nights of holding my sweet firstborn baby while taking notes from Youtube videos. Trying to learn as much as I could on how to become a better photographer and grow a business. Those moments were pivotal building blocks for my future growth.
I believe my growth as a photographer comes from the kindness of my family and friends who gifted me with time behind the camera. The greatest way to see growth in something you’re passionate about is by putting yourself out there and being willing to fail. That’s where you learn your core values as an entrepreneur. As of today, I have photographed close to 100 weddings, have been published in magazines, collaborated with exciting brands, traveled out of state to photograph weddings, and have had the opportunity to mentor other young aspiring photographers. I am so grateful for my family, friends, and community who have trusted me with their most special moments.
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?
I am the photographer I am today because of the struggles I had to walk through to get here. When I finally decided I was going to take my hobby and make it a business, I felt the imposter syndrome set in. I allowed myself to feel like I couldn’t belong in an industry with so many talented photographers that had been established before me. I didn’t even own my camera when I became an LLC. I was borrowing my mom’s camera for my sessions and I didn’t even know that any other setting than “auto” existed. I remember reading a poster in the 7th grade that said, “The Expert At Something Was Once A Beginner,” and that always stuck with me. If you are someone that right now has a dream to create a business but fear has a hold of your ear, I just want to encourage you to take that first step. Once you press through all your doubt and start putting action behind your dream you are going to one day look back and be so thankful you did. Your future self cannot get you to where you want to be without making that decision to begin today. Sometimes we have to do it messy and learn along the way. It’s when we mess up and sometimes even fail that we learn the best lessons that help us to become even better.
Even today, I still face struggles. It’s a part of the process. You can never stop learning from your struggles.
We’ve been impressed with Natalie Day’s Photography, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Natalie Day’s Photography is a business that’s mission is to create an heirloom that you can be pass on for generations. I want my images to tell your story – bringing you back to those fond moments. This heavily effects my work as a photographer.
It’s more than a photo, it’s a gift of time preserved and ready to share with the ones you love most. While I have loved my time as a wedding photographer, I specialize in family and seniors portraits as well as brand photography. When working with small businesses I want to create images that reflect their brand and heart for their websites, socials, and advertisement that give their ideal clients a look into who they are as a company. When working with families, my goal is to create warm, joy-filled photos, that help capture the sweet moments of being together. And as for senior sessions, I love getting to see each person’s personality come out and be represented in their session. Alongside photographing my clients, I have also taken the step to add photography education to my business. This is something I’m extremely passionate about and very excited to give back to new photographers dreaming of growing in this industry I love so much. During the last 10 years, I feel like I have been able to connect with my dream clients and create a community of people who are truly the most amazing and I am so honored I get to document their most special moments.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
A lesson I learned from the Covid-19 crisis was how resilient people can be with their weddings. COVID-19 was a learn as you go experience and the wedding industry was constantly adapting to the changes. I photographed weddings for couples who had rescheduled their wedding multiple times and decided to elope just to be together and married, I photographed weddings where the minister was FaceTimed into the wedding via an iPad, I photographed weddings that were Facebook Live Streamed for their online guests and I photographed many small, intimate weddings in between. Without a doubt, that my 2020 couples faced many highs and lows getting to their special day but one thing that always rang true was that the most important part of their day was that they were together. My greatest take away from the Covid-19 crisis was learning how to be flexible and resilient when you have no control of out side factors. You can only focus on what is before you and give it your best.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.nataliedaysphotography.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/nataliedaysphotography
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/nataliedaysphotography
Image Credits
Ashlee Layne Photography and Natalie Day’s Photography
