Check Out Nat Ng’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nat Ng.

Hi Nat, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started my creative journey during the 2020 pandemic by capturing quiet, precious moments of my family and the little details of indoor life. In 2021, I joined The Smart Local as a photographer, videographer, and editor, working on documentaries and campaigns for brands like Zalora, Sephora, L’Oréal, and BOSCH.

While studying at Boston University, I deepened my creative identity through editorial shoots, fashion shows, and collaborations centering people of color. As Director of Photography for Charcoal Magazine, I became passionate about storytelling through the lens of intersectionality—creating space for conversations around gender, race, and sexuality.

My dreamy, ethereal editing style reflects my interest in building alternate dimensions of experience, exploring themes like girlhood, East-West identities, and breaking gender norms. I hope my work brings comfort and reflection to those who see it.

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?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is navigating the weight of telling stories around gender, race, and intersectionality. As a person of color, there’s often pressure to represent these narratives with care and authenticity, while also educating or challenging audiences who may not fully relate. Creating in spaces that aren’t always inclusive can be emotionally exhausting.

At the same time, building safe, inclusive creative communities requires deep emotional labor—holding space for complex conversations while staying grounded in my own values. Collaborating with larger institutions or brands often means negotiating or compromising parts of my vision to align with their guidelines. Balancing authenticity with professional expectations is something I’m still learning to navigate, with intention and care.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m most proud of creating work that holds space for marginalized identities—especially around gender, race, and intersectionality. Whether through photography, editorial direction, or visual storytelling, I’ve been able to build platforms that center people of color and open up conversations that are often overlooked. Being part of Charcoal Magazine as Director of Photography was especially meaningful—it allowed me to collaborate with other creatives of color and shape narratives that felt honest, bold, and deeply personal.

I specialize in visual storytelling that blends dreamy, ethereal aesthetics with intentional narratives. My work often explores themes like girlhood, East-West cultural identity, and breaking gender norms. With a background in photography, videography, and editorial production, I bring a multidisciplinary approach to projects—balancing artistic direction with emotional resonance. Whether I’m working on a brand campaign, a fashion shoot, or a zine, I aim to create visuals that not only look good, but feel like something real.

What’s next?
In the future, I see myself working with major magazines and platforms that value bold, identity-driven storytelling—spaces where I can push creative boundaries while staying true to my voice. I want to build a body of work that lives in both editorial and commercial worlds, without losing its depth.

Eventually, I’d love to start my own photography studio—somewhere that feels like a creative home, especially for underrepresented voices. A space to experiment, collaborate, and build community. I’m also working toward stepping into a Creative Director role, where I can lead visual narratives on a larger scale and help shape meaningful projects from start to finish.

More than anything, I just want to keep creating work that feels real, intentional, and honest—work that opens up conversations, challenges perspectives, and makes people feel something.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://canyoufeelmyjoy.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canyoufeelmyjoy/