Meet Natalie Sofia | Photographer

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

Hi Natalie, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
For many years since I was 14 years old I’ve always loved the quote “she believed she could so she did”. This quote has helped me accomplish my goals & dreams. If I just believed and had faith in myself I know I was able to do anything in this world. Sounds cliche, but it is true. This quote plays a huge role behind nataliesofiaphotos. Running a business at 23 years old was out of my comfort zone. Meeting new people every week, my clients trusting in my vision, learning how to improve in my skills was all new to me, but it was the best feeling at the same time. I believed in myself so much I gave my all to every session. I would watch videos on how to improve my skills, I will practice so much, and believed I was talented enough to run a business no matter how young I was. If you are going for something in life you need to believe you could do it even if you don’t know so much about it. Life is all about learning and believing.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
At 20 years old is the year I took my business serious. I had no clue what I was doing at all. I learned through Youtube videos, my photography friends, and from experience. This is not easy! So much goes behind the scenes. Marketing, emails, editing & shooting! It does get hard to balance everything. I had to learn to not overbook, to set time aside for emails/ messages & for editing. I decided to work certain days for shooting, and learn how to say no. There were times I was fully book for the month & I did not learned how to say no. I needed to learn to say no & it gave me the opportunity to share other talented photographers. Running a business is all about balance. I needed to learn how to separate my personal life with my business life, recently. At the end of the day I am a photographer but I am Natalie. I started to do what does Natalie love to do beside photos & it has helped me find myself more. What sets me aside from others is making connections. I love what I do & meeting everyone. I try to connect with my clients! I want to know their love story, who they are, and hear stories! I would say making connections with them because I truly care & what to capture my clients being themselves. At the end of the session I want to hope I make a friendship with them and see them very soon for their next session.

I want the world to know about my kindness and my heart. I would like for people to know my story as well- I started photography when I was at my lowest & lost. But, doing what I loved helped me overcome my depression & anxiety. It helped me make friends & was my relief from stress. Photography changed my life in a 360, it has opened so many doors for me & helped me find myself.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If you know you know I love my stockyards! I am a city girl who loves country music & anything western! Since I am always shooting nearby the stockyards I will say to go eat at my favorite Mexican restaurant which is called Nuevo León! I love me some enchiladas & aqua de Jamaica. The Chips & Salsa is superior. Another spot – which is a few minutes away from the Stockyards but it is a MUST after a country concert at Billy bobs is called Taqueria Temos or Munoz. I love me some TACOS! Some places I would hangout in the stockyards area would be at second rodeo, they have live music & some amazing drinks! I love to go there with friends & catch up. If there is a concert in town at Billy bobs I will for sure would recommend going. That is one of my favorite places because my Mom use to take me for concerts and those were my favorite memories. I would say walking around & visiting at the local shops in the stockyards. If you like to dance to some country or just want to be around good energy my favorite spot is Cadillacs.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My Mother Angel Reyes is the one who told me “You are so talented I wish you took it serious”, is the day I picked up the camera and just did it. If she wasn’t there to told me this & was so honest with me. I really do not know where I would be. I am super thankful for her honesty and that day she told me to just do what makes me happy.

Another person is my partner Anthony Q. The year I met him is the year my business blossom into what it is, today.. he shared my work, pushed me and has supported me. He has been there when I doubted myself, took me to every photo session, and seen me grow to photographer I am today.

Website: nataliesofiaphotos.com

Instagram: nataliesofiaphotography

Facebook: nataliesofiaphotos

Image Credits
My photo Samantha Sanguino