Meet Natalie Costello: Professional Photographer

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

Hi Natalie, career-wise, where do you want to be in the end?
My end goal is to discover emerging health-conscious brands, and bring awareness through impactful images with trusted influencers to endorse the value of the brand, and be published in magazines on a global scale.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

About my art: My photography is always evolving every year, based on my experiences and interests. My style is known to be clean and colorful with a touch of movement.

What sets me apart from others? While it is important to have consistency and style, it is equally important to try new lighting techniques and to find new environments best suited to the subject. This keeps my content fresh and unique.

What am I excited about? I am excited to make an impact on new brands and create meaningful images that bring a smile to the client’s face. It is a similar feeling to giving someone a gift. Having a niche allows me to photograph what I love and value.

How did I get to where I am today professionally?
Graduating from Brooks Institute, a professional photography school, allowed me to level up my photography and confidence in lighting all subjects. It gave me the opportunity to gain real-world experiences with many talented photographers such as Kevin Steele, Isaac Alvarez, Duke Khodaverdian, and Daniel Collopy. Specializing in health and wellness has strengthened my images, and has carved a clear path to success.

Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?
No, it was not easy, but this is what brings fulfillment in the long run and allows me to appreciate the art. Anyone can learn a skill if they put the time in, but it is more than learning a skill, it is learning how to channel the subconscious, where all your creativity lies. No one can take that from you. And this is why all artists should share their techniques. I have overcome challenges knowing they are good for me. Practicing and teaching high-intensity hot yoga is a challenge for me; it might not feel great in the “heat” of the moment, but it’s effects boost my endorphins and make me feel alive. I take this approach with me when I work. 90% of my time is consumed by the business side of the trade, but that 10% of shooting is what makes it all worth it. I’m grateful to be able to consider myself a successful, happy photographer.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

EAT 

-Openaire in Koreatown, a rooftop restaurant at the Line Hotel. Great for breakfast

-Republique in Mid City, known for its homemade pastries and beautiful architecture built by Charlie Chaplin

-DAMA in Downtown LA for Latin American food

-Bestia in the Arts District for fine dining

-L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele in Hollywood for great pizza and craft cocktails

-Tao in Hollywood for Pan Asian food and its wonderful lively environment

-HomeState and All Time in Los Feliz for a good breakfast

-Citizen Public Market and Platform in Culver City for variety

-ROW in Downtown LA for a more contemporary feel to shop and eat

DRINK 

-Wine tasting located up Mulholland highway

-Covell in SilverLake for amazing wine and charcuterie

-Seven Grand in Downtown LA for cocktails and live music

-Mama Shelter in Hollywood, for a fun rooftop bar vibe

-Cafe Stella in Silverlake for a mixology experience. Also great breakfast

HIKE 

-Chantry Flats in Arcadia

-The Grotto Trail in Malibu

-Bridge to Nowhere in La Verne

SELF CARE 

-The Den Meditations to relax in a spacious room with tea, candles, and pillows everywhere.

-Hot 8 yoga in Koreatown for great classes and beautiful natural light. Very Metropolitan.

-The Now in Silverlake for a good massage in a spiritual environment. Bonus, it’s surrounded by plenty of charming boutiques and coffee shops.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The “Obstacle is the Way” by Ryan Holiday is my go-to book, especially during this pandemic. It highlights how to thrive when there are obstacles in front of you, through your perception, action, and will.

Website: www.nataliecostellophoto.com
Instagram: @natcostellophoto
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nlcostello/
Facebook: @nataliecostellophoto

Image Credits
Natalie Costello