Coterie Spotlight – Get to Know Natarsha N Wright Photography

Oh how we love pointing the spotlight on our Coterie members.  This week were chatting it up with Natarsha of Natarsha N Wright Photography.  Aside from her stunning photographic talent which you can see here in her portfolio page, we totally enjoyed getting to know more about her DC based photography firm.  Learn more about how Natarsha got started in the photography business, and a couple of things you may not have known about her.  Enjoy!

Tell us a little about your background and how you got started in the photography business?

I was born and raised in Washington, DC. I graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice and I am currently finishing up my Masters in Management. If you would have told me 8 years ago I would be a wedding photographer I would have thought you were crazy. I set out to be a Criminal Investigator and then as a part-time job I wanted to plan weddings. About 8 years ago I participated in an event planning apprenticeship for 2 years and within that 2 years photography found me. I then moved overseas and while there I did lifestyle portrait work for a year. When I returned to the U.S. I worked for a wedding photographer as a second shooter for 4 years and this year I decided to step out on faith and start my own photography business.

What did you do before starting your photography company?

I was in an apprenticeship program to foster my interest in becoming a wedding planner. I now use the experience that I gleaned to assist my couples in their wedding planning process from both the planner and photographer perspective.

What are your dreams for your company?

My dream is to be one of the top 10 African-American woman wedding photographers in the wedding industry. My goal is to commission no more than 15-20 weddings per year in order to maintain a work life balance.

What do you love most about your job?

I love hearing about the love stories of the couples. The ups and downs and most importantly how couples believe in the value of marriage and will fight to break generational curses of divorce in their family. I glean valuable “love nuggets” that help me visually tell the couples wedding day love story.

Favorite part of the wedding to photograph?

The reception! I’m on the dance floor for all line dances…lol

As it pertains to photography, what trends are you seeing with 2013, 2014 brides?

The brides that I have encountered this season have been planning the wedding themselves to invest more money into their life after the wedding.

What would you say to brides-to-be who are confused on how to hire a good wedding photographer?

My advice to brides-to-be would be select a photographer based on quality.

Why should brides choose you as their photographer?

Brides should choose me as their photographer because I’m a quality photographer that believes weddings are a courageous act of love. However, I know that I’m not a good fit for all brides and I am ok with that. The brides who connect with me the most are brides who connect with my philosophy and my approach. My philosophy is no matter how many struggles and difficulties in relationships I see, I choose to celebrate the courageous act of marrying your best friend in spite of it all. My approach is to document intimate love stories that inspire couples to celebrate and value the commitment they have for each other despite adversity.

Now let’s have some fun!

What’s in your handbag right now? My journal/calendar, my current read(s) The Shack and Where Did Our Love Go: Love and Relationships in the African-American Community, tissue, chapstick, comb, usb drives, mouthwash, toothbrush, business cards, umbrella, lunch for work, and snacks.

iphone, blackberry or android? iPhone

nikon or canon or _____? Canon

Mac or pc? Mac

If you could travel to any location right now, where would it be? My bed…LOL Seriously, I try to relax as much as possible. Working a full and part-time job is exhausting, but rewarding.

Favorite song? book? tv show? Favorite song – Go Get It by Mary Mary. I’m in a Go Get It season, so this song is definitely my anthem for the year! #teamgogetit//Favorite book – The Shack//TV show – Law and Order: SVU, Scandal, and 24!

Guilty pleasure? Chipotle bowl w/dressing and Cold Stone Creamery’s Founder’s Favorite

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It was a pleasure getting to know you Natarsha!  To learn more about her company, use the links below.