Meet Natasha Wilson: Photographer

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

Hi Natasha, what role has risk played in your life or career?
In 2011, I graduated from photography school feeling pretty lost. I understood that I loved photography and had a passion for it, but I didn’t understand how to jump from student to a high fashion photographer like I thought I wanted to be. I traveled around for a while, immersed myself in different cultures and climates, and eventually moved to Los Angeles in January 2015. My roommate Cole convinced me to start an Instagram account to display my work and cultivate an audience. I started posting images from my portfolio daily and to my surprise, I saw a quick response. I jumped to about 4,000 followers after just a few months. During this time, I was working at a furniture company, daydreaming about being a freelance photographer. In June I decided to take a leap of faith and put my two weeks in to pursue my dream. The last day at the office I had butterflies in my stomach about what the future held for me, and if I was going to be able to “make it” by being my own boss. I almost ran back to tell them I changed my mind and I needed to stay. In the middle of my thoughts, a direct message from Instagram popped up on my phone, congratulating me for becoming a Suggested User. At first, I actually had to hold in my scream of excitement so I wouldn’t scare my colleagues in the office. Suddenly I was getting hundreds of followers per minute, and my account ended up with around 50,000 new followers. Because of that exposure, I was booked solid with freelance jobs every day for the next month. Freelance, of course, has it’s ups and downs. But I’ve never been happier – and things have been super steady since I left my 9-5, which every day I’m grateful for. Without taking that risk to follow my dreams, I wouldn’t be standing where I am today. 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
(I told most of my story in the first question!) One really important lesson that I have learned over the years is that it’s important to be confident and believe in yourself *first.* Once you believe that your work has value, that the price you are asking for yourself is worth it, that your work deserves to be seen, others will believe the same. It doesn’t come over night, but once that foundation is set business is a whole lot easier!

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?
Great question! My favorite restaurant is Elf, a vegetarian Lebanese restaurant located in Echo Park. I would also recommend Bulan Thai – my favorite Vegan Thai restaurant that I have only heard incredible reviews from, including meat eaters! Favorite dessert is Magpies, Corn Almond flavor only! Thank me later! For activities I would go to one of my favorite hikes, Millard Falls, it’s short and sweet and has a waterfall at the end. Then maybe show them the Bourgeois Pig and Clifton’s downtown to have a drink.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I have to thank my good friend Cole Kiburz that encouraged me to even start an Instagram 6 years ago! I have to thank my mom for supporting my career choice and all my endless calls of doubting myself along the way. And I have to thank the audience I have on Instagram for supporting my work these last 6 years!

Website: natashawilson.co
Instagram: natashawilson.co
Other: Tiktok: natashawilson.co