About Me
I’m an Atlanta based photographer who takes great pride in capturing the true spirit and personality of the people I photograph. Taking pictures has been a part of my life since I was a child. My love for photography was realized with the help of the first man I would ever love, my father. I recall how fascinated I was with my father’s 1967 Minolta camera and how he was able to “make a picture tell an entire story”. I could sit for hours and imagine what adventures or tales were behind a single snapshot. When I finally got my very own camera (yes it was a Minolta) my world, as I knew it, was engulfed and overwhelmed by the endless possibilities that can be captured behind the lens with the perfect shot! It was here where I learned the definition of passion.
"We are making photographs to understand what our lives mean to us"- Ralph Hattersley
While creating images has been a constant passion and interest, I spent my college years studying Child Development at Spelman College, then went on to pursue a career in Nursing. While this may seem off topic, I now know it was all apart of the plan. I gained immeasurable insight into what it means to work hard with passion; engage with compassion; and understand that vision, intention, and artistry are the key elements to ensuring that every photo captures its intended essence. My work is an obsession, where every day and every shoot is an opportunity to learn and to further develop my craft - discovering more about myself, and the beauty within my subjects. I’m passionate about creating experiences that bring attention to the mystery, wonder, and beauty of the in-betweens. I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to feel beautiful in a photograph. I’ll challenge you to see your beauty inwardly first and I’ll help guide you through the outward nuisances that will allow your beauty to be brought to life on film. Through posing, coaching, encouraging and easing your “I’m awkward” fears, even the most camera shy will find themselves reveling at their own strength and embracing their beauty in a relaxed, and oftentimes, cathartic atmosphere.
As a photographer, I am humbled by the trust I am given to catch a glimpse into the soul of another and capture their spirit through my lens. It is an understated honor and blessing that I consider a gift not taken for granted, but treasured deeply.
Natalie Anona
