Conversations with Natalia Borda

Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalia Borda.

Hi Natalia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I graduated from the Art Institute of Atlanta with a degree in Photographic Imaging in 2002. I had an interest in product and architectural photography, and I assisted several local photographers, including Kieran Reynolds and Blue Tack Photography. After a while I moved back home to Colombia, where I worked as a freelancer for an important national magazine called Semana, and its affiliates, Fucsia, Decora and Novias. A little later on I became a mother, and having a baby didn’t go well with the demanding studio and printing deadlines, and just 3 years later my husband’s job took him to the USA again, this time to Florida. That’s when I established my business as a portrait photographer, because I wanted to structure my schedule around my family’s needs. I eventually expanded my focus to include headshots, events and branding photography, never abandoning product photography as my original interest. As we have moved around (Canada, California) I have discovered that I love connecting with people through my lens by helping them reach the ideas they want to showcase.

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?
Working as a freelancer is a double-edged sword when it comes to smoothness on the road. It’s great because you choose how and when you work, but it’s tough because it all depends on you. You are in charge of your own promotion, bookkeeping, scheduling and timely delivery. You are the only face of your business, and you need to make sure you bring your best game to every aspect, there is no room for procrastination or sloppiness. But I consider it has been a rewarding experience even if it has had difficult times, because in the end I know I am doing what I love and enjoy, and that is worth every effort.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in headshot, event, branding and product photography. For headshots, I always tell my clients to think what is the image of their professional selves they want to show, and we work according to that, whether they are corporate people, chefs, artists, etc. I strive to show their true image. For events, I really get in the mood of the particular celebration, and that way I am able to chase after the emotion of the moment in a genuine manner. For branding and product, I always have detailed conversations with clients to understand the service, brand or product they offer, and how they want it to be seen by their potential clients and customers, and showcase it in a faithful and effective way.
Having lived and worked in three different countries and several different cities has given me the ability to truly connect with people and understand where they are coming from and where they want to go with their images. I think that my clients feel very comfortable with me as the process moves from an initial conversation about a potential project to the delivery of images that speak for themselves or their product/service.
I feel satisfied and proud to have worked in several different areas of photography because it has given me the ability to be flexible, creative and adaptable, and use all the knowledge I gained in each one to support what I do and how I do it.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
I think in any artistic field it’s important to stay true to your vision and your style. Every photographer has a style, and there are clients for every style of photography, so it’s important that as a photographer you speak with your own voice, regardless of what the trends are. Your style can evolve, as well as your interests, but the way you create your images has to always be yours. For anybody starting out, I would say keep at it, keep showcasing your talent, be very professional, bring a strong work ethic to your business, never slack off with clients, and really put your heart into it, because it will show.
I don’t think there is anything I wish I knew when I started, because the learning curve is how you improve. When I studied things were still done on film and in the darkroom, and it was a steep curve to transition into digital, but new knowledge is always welcome and exciting, so I wouldn’t change it.

Pricing:

• Headshots: $175, sliding scale if more
• Events: $550 first two hours min. $180 extra hour
• Branding: $550 for two-hour session
• Product: according to needs

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nataliabordaphotography.com
• Instagram: @natalia_bo_go

Image Credits
All images ©Natalia Borda