Meet Natalie Andersen | Photographer

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

Hi Natalie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I honestly never thought I would start my own business, not in a million years. I had always worked in the corporate world, but when I had my daughter (now 7) I felt the need to stay home and raise her as I was working 12 hour days. I’ve always had an interest in photography. My mom had a Canon camera when I was growing up and I remember always taking it from her and taking photos at whatever event we were at (usually a sporting event). I started to appreciate the art of capturing a specific moment in time and turning it into a memory that would last a lifetime. My husband bought me a semi-professional camera after my daughter was born. My hobby became my obsession, which has now turned into my profession. I’ve always wanted to do something that I absolutely LOVE for a career, and I am so fortunate to be able to capture those precious moments for my clients. I remember taking photos of my best friend’s family and her telling me I had a special gift. So really I owe my business and my success to her!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think what sets me apart from other photographers is that I started my career AFTER I had my first baby. I am not professionally trained in photography like a lot of others that I know. I decided to make my hobby a career after knowing what it was like to have a baby and wanting to document all the special moments that came along. I had only done family photography (outdoor, candid and lifestyle) until recently when I decided to start shooting weddings. I’ve been taking pictures professionally for six years, and it has NOT been easy to get to where I’m at today. Compared to others I still feel like I have a very long way to go, but I am so happy with the work I’ve done. I love my clients. I love watching their families grow. I love shooting their weddings knowing that I will one day take their family photos as well. I feel so blessed to be where I’m at today. I’ve had some trying times in the past as far as making clients happy. I’ve learned that you can’t please everyone. I’ve learned that not everyone will be pleased with the end product, not because of how you’ve done the work but because of how they see themselves. I pride myself on helping see others through my lens, seeing them as beautiful or strong or powerful, not how they’ve been taught to see themselves.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh gosh, what isn’t there to love about Denver and the surrounding areas?! Red Rocks would definitely be at the top of the list. It’s one of the most beautiful, amazing natural parks in the US! Empower Field at Mile High would be my second stop. I am a Colorado native and have been a Denver Broncos fan for as long as I can remember! Broncos games are seriously some of the most invigorating events I’ve ever been to. Everyone that goes to the games are TRUE fans…we bleed orange and blue! Golden is another amazing spot to visit. It’s set so close to the mountains so you have those amazing views along with the Denver skyline. Seriously, you can’t go wrong being anywhere in Denver.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
As I mentioned before my best friend, Jen, gave me the confidence to continue on and turn my hobby into something I could make a living off of. I would also like to thank my wonderful mentor, Heather, for showing me the ropes and for lifting me up when I’ve had a bad shoot or just needed a little encouragement.

Website: www.natandersenphotography.com

Instagram: @natalieandersenphotography

Facebook: Natalie Andersen Photography