Meet Natalie Beck | Wedding, Portrait and H.S. Senior Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Natalie Beck and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Natalie, why did you pursue a creative career?
When I was working on my bachelor’s degree in Social Work, I started taking photography classes just for fun—and quickly realized it was my passion and created a spark in my that didn’t waver. I had always loved photography, but learning more about it and photographing as much as I was made my soul sing. I began assisting wedding photographers and completely fell in love with all that was professional photography. Eventually, I switched my major to what had been my minor (which, funnily enough, wasn’t even photography), and later returned to earn my Master’s in Humanities with an emphasis in Photography and English.
I don’t think it was ever a fully conscious decision to pursue a creative career—it felt more like I was swept up in this momentum and just kept following it. Looking back, I might’ve approached things with more intention, but sometimes creatives aren’t wired to take the most linear or organized path. We follow the pull of what inspires us, and for me, that pull has always been storytelling through images.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When I first started photographing, I was always chasing the idea of a beautiful image. I was focused on what the final image would look like. I wasn’t focused on capturing something that belonged in a magazine. I was drawn to a different kind of beauty—one that came from real moments, genuine interactions, and meaningful connections between people.
Over time, I’ve learned that the best way to create those kinds of images is by truly connecting with the people in front of my camera. Now, I focus far less on the final image and more on how the people I’m photographing feel in the moment. If a gorgeous riverside location is full of bugs and someone is uncomfortable, we move. Yes, we’ll grab a shot or two, but we’re not going to stay there and sacrifice their experience for the “perfect” image. Because I’ve learned that real connection—and ultimately beautiful photography—comes from people who feel comfortable, seen, and at ease.
One of the things I’m most proud of is how people feel after a session. I want seniors and families to walk away feeling amazing—like they just came back from a weekend away or like they are a rock star. I never want them to leave feeling stressed or unsure about how the images turned out. If they feel empowered and joyful, then I’ve done my job.
Getting to this point wasn’t always easy. It took a lot of personal growth to become the kind of person who could create that safe, fun, and freeing space for others. I had to learn how to be comfortable in myself before I could truly help others feel that way in front of my lens. That’s probably been the most valuable lesson of all: that the work we do internally directly impacts how we show up for others creatively.
What I want people to know about my work is that it’s not just about pictures—it’s about people. My goal is to help others feel seen, celebrated, and strong. Whether it’s a high school senior stepping into a new chapter or a family freezing time in a season of life, or a couple starting a new chapter, I want them to walk away feeling connected—to each other, to themselves, and to their story.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
To think up an entire week is hard, I hardly ever have that much time available! But, the first thing I would do is go get pedicures, eat a quick dinner at Snarf’s – super casual I know! But I wouldn’t want us to be weighed down for our best friend photo session in Downtown Denver. When we were finished, we would have some drinks on Linger’s rooftop. If we were really feeling extra that night, we would do ice cream at Lik’s or Sweet Cow.
The next day we would head to the mountains and do some hiking and just hang out. Chances are we would be near Boulder and end up on Pearl Street. After some people watching and shopping at Lush, we’d either eat dinner at Pasta Jay’s or head home and grill and sit on the back porch under twinkle lights.
During the trip, we would have to hit up the Selfie Museum or the Museum of Illusions. I know it’s a little cheesy, but who else do you want to be cheesy with??? And think of all the images we are going to get! Throughout the week, it would really be about soaking up time together—revisiting places they might’ve missed since moving away, and checking out new favorites like the Denver Central Market or a fun new fusion restaurant. And of course, we’d have to squeeze in a classic picnic at Cheeseman or Wash Park like the good old days.
In the end, the best part wouldn’t be the schedule—it’d be the laughter, the catching up, the silly selfies, and just being together in a place that feels like home.
things like the Denver Central Market or checking out some new fusion place. Maybe have a picnic at Cheeseman or Wash Park like we used to.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family has always been my biggest supporter and drive to do this. They have had to put up with me being gone on weekends and evenings, vacations in the early spring and winter while their friends were having fun in the summer, all because I was photographing weddings or with another family. I think this was harder on them then I really realized at the time. But they have been so wonderful and helpful. I think they have felt like they were a behind the scenes helper and that made them feel incredibly useful. I truly couldn’t have done it without them. But really, the credit of that little seed of my love photography is my great grandmother. She had so many photo albums from when she was a child and throughout her life. I would lay on the ground and pour through those albums at a very young age. And when I think about her access to photography in the early 1900s, that is truly amazing. Her family was not well off, so for her parents to have access to photography, that cost them something. They went without in order to do portraits in the studio and eventually have their own camera. Because of that sacrifice, I was able to see my great grandmother as a young child, a young woman, a mother, a grandmother to who she was when I was born. That gift is greater than anything they could have ever imagined.

Website: https://www.nataliebeckphotography.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/natalie_beck_photography

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-beck-4a537517

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Natalie.Beck.Photography

Youtube: @NatalieBeck343

Image Credits
Natalie Beck Photography