Our Featured Photographer of the Month for June is Natalie Howe from Natalie Howe Photography (Howe Studios Pty.Ltd).  Natalie has been in the industry for over 14 years and runs a wedding and portrait studio in Wallacia, New South Wales.  I recently visited Natalie’s gorgeous new studio and caught up with her for a chat.

So tell us Natalie, what do you shoot?
I shoot emotion, love, joy and happiness.  This involves being a part of people’s lives during their special moments, capturing their weddings, newborns and family portraits.  I LOVE to photograph people and show them how beautiful everyone else see’s them. 

 Tell me about Natalie Howe Photography!
I started my business back in 2004 but I had a camera glued to my hands long before that.  My Studio is a gorgeous cottage style brick building, nestled in over an acre of gorgeous gardens and landscaping.  I feel the work the studio creates is timeless, natural portraiture that clients want.  I try not to overdo it with props or ‘staging’ a session (although I can admit to a slight newborn prop addiction, my assistant would say this is the understatement of the year)  and I have been told my weddings are creative and romantic.  I want everyone who has ever purchased work from me, to be proud to hang those images in their homes, for many many years.  To me, this is paramount, and far surpasses any fads or styles that may easily come and go.  The business wouldn’t work as well as it does without the help I get, I have an amazing assistant Kate who assists on large sessions, weddings and in the office – helping with admin and editing.  I have Bronwyn who assists with all my beautiful newborn retouching work as well as my amazing accountants, bookkeepers and marketing assistant.  The business is always busy, there is always something to do and I love that I have been able to create work out of something I absolutely love. The saying goes, choose a job you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.  This is so true.

What is your best advise for new photographers?
Oh so much, how do I cram it all in one little sentence!!!!  Learn how to read and use light correctly and find your niche, which will make you stand out from the crowd.  Price yourself so you are earning more than the 16 year old down at Woolies.  Don’t skimp on insurance!  Don’t forget, it’s not a popularity contest, some of the most successful photographers in the world are unknown.

What is your favourite Seldex product and why?
The 11×14 Boutique Book with fine art matte paper.  It’s just divine, my clients love it and when I hand over a wedding album the are all in awe of how stunning this album is.  Another product I use obsessively is the beautiful Portrait Envelopes in Asahi silk, they are beautiful and classy way to present loose prints to my clients.

If you would like to see more of Natalie’s work please visit her website, Facebook page and Instragram #nataliehowephoto!

Natalie will also be speaking at this years Baby Summit from the  6th, 7th and 8th of August in Tweed Heads, Queensland.  This is a great opportunity to hear her speak about studio workflow, sales, product presentation and more.

Natalie has also been asked to speak at Incite 2016 (formerly known as the AIPP Nikon Event).  Nat’s presentation will be “Learning Light and Perfect Posing Tips” for newborns.  Another not to be missed event!

Great chatting with you Nat!  I look forward to see you at the Baby Summit!