Today, we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Moore.
Hi Natalie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in a rural town in West Tennessee, where I developed a love for photography from a young age. Living on a farm provided plenty of opportunities to practice taking pictures. There was always a pretty sunset, new crops blooming, or livestock to photograph. When I reached high school, I became the editor of our small yearbook team and continued to hone my skills.
When COVID-19 hit, many of my friends in the Class of 2020 were devastated to learn they wouldn’t have a graduation ceremony. So, I started offering cap and gown photo sessions for $30 to ensure every senior had some good pictures of themselves in their graduation attire. From there, I began receiving requests from families for portraits and newborn sessions, among other things.
After a successful two years of growing my photography business in my small town, I decided to attend the University of Tennessee in Knoxville to study marketing. However, my freshman year was challenging, as most of my clients were in West Tennessee, and I didn’t know anyone in Knoxville.
Fortunately, a few of my sorority sisters invited me to photograph events for the sorority, and this helped me build my business in the Knoxville area. Today, Natalie Jo Photography has grown into a thriving business. I am grateful for everyone who has helped me get to this point, and I am overjoyed at the opportunities I awake to every morning because of those $30 cap and gown sessions so many years ago.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Although it has not been a smooth road, I wouldn’t trade my “occupation” for anything in the world. I come from a tight-knit community where marketing was easy through word of mouth, which travels fast in a small town.
However, when I came to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, I had to challenge myself to put myself out there, which was scary in such a large school. Apart from the challenge of making a name for myself and establishing a presence on campus, I have had to juggle being a full-time student, working a part-time job, and booking and executing photoshoots during my available time. There are occasions when the burden of managing the weight of my responsibilities – schoolwork, a part-time job, and personal life – can be overwhelming.
However, I am fortunate to have a strong support system at home and in Knoxville to assist me when things get tough. My boyfriend, in particular, has taken the initiative to learn how to capture and edit images, which has helped me to balance my schoolwork and part-time job more effectively.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar with what you do, what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in photography for seniors, couples, and families. This includes high school and college graduates, engagements, weddings, milestones, and family portraits.
My most notable works include my series of shoots with a few University of Tennessee football players and their girlfriends inside Neyland Stadium. It’s amazing that I’m now able to stand on the field of Neyland and do what I love. Taking images inside Neyland Stadium has been my dream for as long as I can remember, and I’m grateful for the opportunity every time I step foot in the stadium.
My seniors are another group of clients that I hold dear to my heart. Many of them were strangers at the beginning of our shoots on the UTK campus, but we often finished as friends. My seniors teach me so much, whether they know it or not. As an undergrad, I feel lucky to watch such role models through the lens of my camera, and I only hope to capture them as much as they captivate me.
I have to admit that my proudest works are my wedding photographs. During my senior year in high school, I attended a photography clinic/retreat in Salt Lake City, Utah. I learned a lot and took some of the most amazing pictures of my career during my time in Utah. I had the privilege of visiting some of the most beautiful places in the area, including the Albion Basin, the Little Sahara Dunes, and The Booneville Salt Flats. I was fortunate enough to capture a wedding at each location, which remains a cherished memory for me. Even today, I still use many of the lessons I learned in Utah.
I believe that what makes me stand out from others is my unique position in life. I am a sophomore Marketing student at the University of Tennessee, which often surprises my clients. I do not fit into the mold that most photographers in my market and area have established. I have been working in this field for over four years now, and I believe I can easily connect with my clients. As a student and a worker myself, I can relate to their experiences and understand their needs. This is where we find the most common ground, and I believe that this is what sets me apart from my counterparts.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I love Knoxville with all of my heart. I cannot wait to continue this chapter of my life in East Tennessee.
I am excited to meet all of my future clients, who I know will undoubtedly become like family.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity and platform to share my story. I hope that my words will inspire at least one reader.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliejphoto?igsh=cGd1Yng4OXQxNXRw
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-moore-5285412a2?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
Image Credits
Natalie Jo Photography
