Meet Natan Pena | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Natan Pena and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Natan, how do you think about risk?
Risk is essential in life, chasing your dreams and building a business. I have always looked at risk as a catapult for growth in any area of your life. Risk teaches you many things but mainly that, to grow you need to be uncomfortable and face the unseen. When you comfortable you don’t have the will or strength to move forward or take that step that can launch you forward. For me one of the biggest risks I have taken was opening up my business about a year ago, it was uncertain how my business would do, or if I’d be able to survive financially going completely freelance. But taking that risk has allowed me to see how important time and money are and just the idea that you can grow so much by making that one decision.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Something I aim for always is loving others the best that I can, especially with the gift of photography. Ive grown to know that I have a special gift that isn’t given to everyone. Sure anyone can buy a camera and learn to photograph, but the ones that make an impact and do this for a life time, live and breath photography. And thats something I am for. Working with clients these past years has taught me a lot about people, most importantly that a photograph can change the course of someone else’s career to just lifting up their self esteem. I will say I got to a professional level fairly quickly but it definitely wasn’t easy by any means. A lot of it was a mental battle. We live in a world where there is so much comparison and that can make it difficult to believe that you’re capable for so much more and there is a purpose for you. I named my business “Gifted Vision” to represent that the eyes that I have been given are a gift, but not for myself but to serve others. From portrait sessions to capturing a special day for a couple all the way to creating content for a brand to grow in revenue. Photography was never for me, it is a tool for me to bless others and to spread a message to everyone around me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Definitely the first spot would have to be a breakfast joint here in my hometown South River, it’s called Xiru. I grew up around mainly Brazilians and Xiru is such a good spot to eat and start off the day. From there it would be a tough decision between going off-roading in our trucks or going to the Ford dealership. We are big on driving trucks but especially off roading. We like to go every year and it is always a ton of fun especially when its a big group of friends. From there we would stop by a pizzeria 100% but specifically Brazilian pizza. If you have ever eaten a Brazilian pizza you know just how delicious they make their pizzas. Not only is it amazing but it’s so unique. After I know we would stop by a rodeo and watch cowboys. My friend group love wild and rowdy activities, dudes being dudes. Ending off the day would always need a hot cup of coffee, we’re huge coffee drinkers and it’s a necessity.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
100% my mother. She has always believed that I had a special gift ever since I just started taking photos with a cheap dslr camera. She has also supported me when I was at my lowest lows and has been used to lift me up and keep me afloat when times go really rough. I would definitely say that my close friends have played a part in my success. Having a solid friend group that works hard and supports each other no matter if we succeed or fail is crucial. Your circle will either make or break you.

Website: https://giftedvision.photography/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialnatanpena/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natan-pena-21b4411a7/