Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Costello.
Hi Natalie, 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 grew up in a family of artists and travelers, immersed in an environment of creativity and curiosity, always moving to a new place. Before I learned how to take an impactful photograph, I learned how to be a traveler at the age of ten where I was engaged, inspired, and challenged by all the new places I visited. I met the locals and took in all the sights, scents, sounds, and feelings of a new culture. This is when I felt most alive and was able to create unique concepts. I continue to feel this way to this day.
I began cultivating my passion for photography at the age of sixteen, processing images in the high school darkroom, even during lunch breaks. I enrolled in the same photography class three times, enjoying all of the creative processes from start to finish, especially directing my subjects, which led me to study film at Arizona State University. I then studied abroad in Auckland, New Zealand, getting lost in a van surrounded by sheep with just a roadmap and camera. It was at this point I realized documenting moments was more valuable than directing. I decided to transfer to Brooks Institute for professional photography, graduating with a BFA in 2013.
At the age of thirty-three, I now have a studio in Los Angeles and enjoy traveling and working with clients all around the world. With over eight years of professional experience, I have worked with many local brands and startups in the health and wellness industry such as M/body and Bodhi Tree.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been a mostly smooth road…with a few bumps along the way! After Brooks Institute, I knew the only way to find my niche and become a well-rounded photographer was to explore and work with talented photographers and learn real-world experiences. I started as a studio manager and retoucher for a high-end wedding photographer (Duke Photography) for a year which was an amazing experience, however, I knew it wasn’t my avenue. I wanted to photograph a subject I was passionate about, and boom, there it was…health and wellness. I was constantly surrounded by friends who educated me on nutrition and I quickly became interested in everything I was learning. I loved how fitness and healthy foods made me feel and I wanted to share and inspire this lifestyle with others through photography.
When I saw a colleague post an open photographer position at Bodhi Tree, I jumped on it! This was the perfect place for me to thrive. I was surrounded by a community of spiritual seekers, healers, activists, and book lovers and had the opportunity to meet leaders such as Deepak Chopra and Marianne Williamson. I slowly worked my way up to lead photographer and by the third year, decided it was time to freelance full time. This was when I first experienced bumps along my journey. I had lots of college debt from two schools and not a lot of experience in running a business. I decided to go for it anyways and slowly built my business, buying gear throughout the years and saved for a live/work studio. I gained all my clientele through word of mouth, mostly from the yoga studio I currently teach at. One gig led to another and I am happy to say it was worth it! Never give up.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an editorial, product, and lifestyle photographer based out of Los Angeles, CA. My current focus is connecting brands to their markets through visual storytelling. I am known for my controlled lighting techniques, vibrant colors, attention to detail, and capturing motion. I am most proud of being featured in Vogue and on billboards for Hot 8 Yoga. What sets me apart from others is my work ethic; I am extremely personable and genuinely want to connect with the client first to fully understand the vision for their brand so I can exceed their expectations.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
The role of good luck has recently been in my path. I believe it is part of my giving nature to help up-and-coming artists by offering them more of my time. I recently photographed my friend Justin Payne, who goes by Staje. He is a very talented singer/songwriter and has a recording studio in Los Angeles. We decided to do a shoot together for fun and now the images are currently being published in several well-known magazines. Check him out @stajeofficial.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.nataliecostellophoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natcostellophoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nataliecostellophoto
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/natalie-costello-photography-los-angeles
Image Credits:
Natalie Costello
