Today we’d like to introduce you to Natasha Borden.
Hi Natasha, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I started in a group home in Cincinnati, Ohio. During the 3-month summer, if you were 15 and older, you would be entered into a work program there, earning between $300 – $500 per month, mowing the facility’s property—5 days a week for 6 hours daily. I would also wash and detail the foster parents’ cars for extra money. After saving up every penny I earned; I purchased my first camera, a Canon Rebel T6i. I ended up being in foster care for 10 years with little to no evidence of my childhood and life experiences. So, after purchasing my first camera, I started making home videos and took photos of myself to understand and learn more about my camera. Little did I know that would change my life forever! One evening, my foster mom had to give me a stern talking to because I was becoming obsessive and didn’t return home till dust because I was so consumed with the art. “Chasing sunsets” is what I told her, hoping she understood that I was in love with my new craft. Eventually, she took me in on her own and enrolled me in a photography class at a school off campus. Quickly after that, my senior friends asked me to take their senior portraits, and then their moms wanted family photos. Eventually, it transpired into “Our daughter is engaged; photograph the wedding!” Since then, I found myself in the wedding photography industry at age 16, my sophomore year of high school. Shortly after that, I formed my own LLC photography business, traveled to Europe twice to co-host content workshops, and worked for myself full-time.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
They were being self-taught while a young high school student had its disadvantages. Some challenges were that only a few would take me seriously when I put my work out there, a lot of experienced photographers would gate-keep their knowledge when I asked for guidance, and COVID put me out of business for a year and a half.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in couples portraits, wedding photography, and wedding videography. I am known for my moody edits that reel people in emotionally. I’m most proud of myself for showing up, learning, trying, and being brave by going against the grain when it comes to my creative work. I attempt to get to know each couple on a deeper level, to know them as people, not just a paycheck, which helps set me apart from other photographers.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
When networking with other artists and creatives, I like to have a “we’re all winging it” mindset. With that, I find it easy to start conversations about what we must do to get to where we are. Then, the conversations become open and insightful, leading to genuine curiosity about the person and their work. Finding a mentor takes consistency. What worked best for me was appreciating and supporting their work by booking with them, reposting online, and letting them know I looked up to them. The more you show your support and genuine interest in others’ work, the more likely they will open up and invite you to learn from them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tothemoonmedia.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tothemoonmediaa?igsh=Mm9kMnFwMTMwcmI0&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/Y3vjCE8BHVGNzirp/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Photographed and edited by Natasha Borden owner of To The Moon Mediaa LLC
