Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Korlatowych.
Hi Natalie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 2020, I opened my freelance photography + graphic design business for the first time. I began gaining momentum in clients and projects, but my sense of self wasn’t at the place it needed to be to answer my calling.
But if it is your calling, it will keep calling you. And my calling is to create.
In October 2024, I announced the reopening of my creative business. It’s been six months, and I have since booked a variety of photography and graphic design clients with projects including modeling digitals, brand photoshoots, and small business logo designs. I have expanded my personal modeling portfolio, and I started an artist blog on my website for self-portrait editorial photoshoots with corresponding conceptual essays.
Today as a portrait photographer, graphic designer, + independent model in Cleveland, Ohio, the aesthetic foundation of my work is inspired by fashion and editorial photography with a bold use of color. The experiential foundation of my work is based on a state of presence.
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 think the expected answer goes something like, “Being in the Creative Industries is not for the weak!” And while I won’t disagree that it comes with its challenges, truthfully nothing about running a creative business has ever been as difficult as it was being on a path that wasn’t aligned with who I am. There is no struggle like the struggle you face after not being brave enough to pick up the phone when your calling is trying to reach you.
It is never too late to answer the call and recommit to yourself.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work as a portrait photographer includes birthday sessions, seniors + graduation, boudoir, couples, and my personal favorite —editorial photography. I offer an editorial package for clients and models looking to bring a unique photoshoot idea to life. Whether I create our concept from scratch or they propose a theme, we end up with a gallery of distinctive photos starring them as the model and muse. My graphic design areas of expertise include branding + identity, logo design, social media content creation, and digital marketing materials.
As a model I have experience in signed and independent industries, but my heart lies in freelance modeling because of the creative freedom it allows me. Being in front of the camera brings me into a space of total presence where I fully let go of any expectations outside of listening to the inner voice that becomes my Creative Director. Modeling is like dancing for the camera — it’s a total release of my body into a performance of the present moment. The resulting photos are truly just an added bonus. The act of modeling is a gift. I am so lucky to have a space to be fully present — and on top of that, it results in art!
I bring my passion for photo movement into assisting all of my photography clients with their posing. It is a huge comfort and relief knowing there’s someone to guide you in an environment that may feel new or intimidating. My goal is for all of my clients and models to leave our sessions feeling more confident than when they arrived.
There is a radiant glow that appears in your clients and models when you learn how to become fully present in a session to create a comfortable, non-judgmental environment for them to fully express themselves. It is such a beautiful process to watch the expansion of confidence radiating from those who first came to our session with the mindset that they are “camera shy” or “not photogenic.”
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Instead of looking at networking as strictly business, look at it as a way to meet the friends of your friends, to explore new hobbies, and to adventure to new places! Opportunities may be closer than you think — look around to the people you already know.
Old mindset: “Every person I meet is a potential networking connection and an opportunity to grow my business.”
New mindset: “Every person I meet, place I visit, and activity I try is an opportunity to expand my life.”
I’m a big advocate for learning how to tune into your intuition. Your intuition is the most powerful mentor and Creative Director you will ever be guided by.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nataliekorlatowych.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliekorlatowychphoto/
- Email: nkorlatowych@gmail.com
Image Credits
Selected images include photography by: Dana McKinney, Natalie Korlatowych, Risen Vintage, + Stephanie Nguyen
