INTRO: We are SO excited to be launching our FIRST EVER, Fab Photog Blog interview! This blog is a source of inspiration, motivation, information and creation for "Newbie" and "Pro" portrait and wedding photographers alike! We will be interviewing one Fabulous Photographer once a week to start out. As we get more followers, we will post an interview twice a week! If you have a favorite photographer and would love to pick their brain, LET US KNOW! We will take your requests for interviews! Also, any feedback or comments are MUCH appreciated!
So...Stay awhile, kick back and soak in the fabulous-ness! (Is that even a word?!) Enjoy!
Questions for you...You Fabulous
Photographer, You!
Name: Natalie Bray
Business Name: Natalie Bray
Photography
Location: San Diego, CA
Website/Blog: nataliebray.com,
nataliebrayphoto.blogspot.com
What gear is in your camera
bag?
Canon 7D
28 2.0
50 1.4
85 1.8
Holga 120
Holga 35mm
Pentax vintage
Shootsac
Epiphanie bag
Q: What caused your interest in
photography?
A: "A part of my heart has always been with photography, but it took
me 28 years to be brave enough to put myself out there artistically and
personally. When my husband and I got married 4 years ago I saw our wedding
photographer sharing in one of the most intimate commitments of my life, and a
huge light went off, why am I not doing this?…and the journey since has been
amazing!"
Q: What is your favorite lens to
use?
A: "Right now it's the 50 1.4 because it is great for lifestyle shots and to
get close-ups. Love it! Although, I am saving up for the 50 1.2, that thing is
like butter I tell you, butter!"
Q: What is your favorite thing to
shoot?
A: "Life, as it happens. All things that bring smiles, joy, love, and
whatever truly reflect my client's passions. Oh, I can't forget Weddings!
Goodness me, I am a Wedding addict! Also, my niece is too cute for words. She
is less than a year old and must be one of the most photographed babies ever, I
just love her sooo much! As you can see I have lots of favorites:)".
Q: Do you use studio equipment? If
so, what would you say is the most crucial piece in your studio?
A: "I adore
natural light! The light the sun shares, in my opinion, brings a truth to each
image and makes my clients look their best. Although, I do use flash and other
gear for Wedding receptions to add depth."
Q: How long did it take you to
master your skill and discover your style of photography?
A: "One of the things that has drawn
me to photography is that it involves constant learning; every day I strive to
learn something new. As a result, my skills are always growing and my style is
becoming clearer."
Q: Give us one sentence to describe
the style of your photography...
A: "Genuine and joy filled
photography for the those inspired by love!"
Q: How long did it take before you
felt that you established a solid portfolio?
A: "Honestly, I am still building my
portfolio. To me a portfolio is ever evolving and I am always seeking new
photos that represent my brand. My website is constantly being updated to be a
true reflection of my current work."
Q: What inspires you most?
A: "L-O-V-E"
Q: How long does it typically take
you to edit your work?
A: "For a Portrait session maybe 1-3 hours to cull, back-up,
edit, and prep for client. For Weddings, each Wedding is different based on
client's wants."
Q: What are you looking most forward
to this year...Both professionally, and personally?
A: "Personally, I am looking forward
to celebrating my 6 year anniversary with my husband, seeing my niece grow, and
our vacation driving up the coast later this year. Professionally, the sky's
the limit! I am really honored to be a part of this blog and I am excited about
an upcoming collaboration for a Bridal Fashion Shoot happening later this month
at The Ace Hotel in Palm Springs. And this summer, I am gitty over the lovely
Weddings we have the honor to photograph."
Q: What's the one piece of advice
that you feel a person just starting a photography business would benefit from?
A: "Be yourself, stay true to your
vision, and follow your heart"
Q: What's the one thing about your
work that you feel sets you apart from the big sea of photogs?
A: "My photography is not about me,
it is all about my clients. My aim is to create artistic photographs that truly
reflect them."
Q: Do you have an idea for a shoot,
but have no clue how you are going to make it happen?
A: "Gosh, I have a ton of ideas. One
I have been thinking about lately is shooting a vintage style engagement
session at Disneyland, but the catch would be to arrange for it to happen at
the perfect glow of sunrise and before the park opens that way we don't have to
fight the crowds ;)"
Q: If you could live anywhere, where
would it be?
A: "San Sebastian, Spain I adore it! Ooooh the food, the
people, the history, the beach… it's paradise!"
Q: Is there anything more important
than your photography? If so, what is it?
A: "Yes, my husband, family, friends, and
God. Another thing I love about photography is that it is complimentary to all
of these important things in my life."
Q: Where do you see yourself in 10
years?
A: "I would love to have a family and build our own home out of sustainable
materials. Professionally, I see our business growing to focus mainly on Weddings
and Portrait photography. I hope to
collaborate with a videographer, other photographers, stylists, planners, and
florists to offer an all inclusive Wedding experience."
Q: Describe in one paragraph what a perfect
day for you would look like.
A: "Sleeping in until 11am, reading
on my lap top until noon, then making blueberry pancakes, french toast (the
kind from scratch) with fresh fruit and whipped cream with my husband, going
antique shopping near the ocean and popping in to see an afternoon movie, then
just a relaxing night at home, and followed by late night sky diving. . . gotta
keep things interesting :)!
I love to live simply, but
purposefully and I think that is reflected in my photography as well."
Q: What are you most proud of? Both
professionally and personally?
A: "Personally, my relationship with my husband. And
Professionally, my eagerness to learn and challenge myself to be better each
day. Also, I have some blog features coming up in the next few months, so that
is really exciting too!"
Thank you so much Natalie! It was so great to get to know you!
Natalie is definitely someone to watch out for in San Diego and So Cal this year! You've inspired us and we can't wait to see where your passion for photography takes you!
Next week....Interview with Photographer, Tonya Poitevint from Jacksonville, OR!
Stay tuned, and follow us to get updates of our most recent interviews!
Loving photo! Amazing!
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