We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Natosha McCrary a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Natosha, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I acquired my photography expertise through a diverse range of experiences. Initially, I received a DSLR camera as a gift and delved into the intricacies through trial and error. As my interest deepened, I turned to online resources, particularly YouTube, to enhance my skills. Transitioning from a casual hobbyist to a more serious pursuit, I enrolled in beginner classes at the Atlanta School of Photography. My commitment led me to advanced courses and various workshops offered by the school. Actively engaging with the photography community, I joined groups, participated in meetups, and attended conventions to connect with fellow enthusiasts.

Networking played a pivotal role in my learning journey, allowing me to shadow established photographers. It was during such experiences that I encountered Shoccara Marcus, an exceptional dance photographer based in Atlanta. Her mentorship became invaluable, offering me profound insights as we collaborated.

In the realm of photography, mastering technical skills is crucial—comprehending camera functionality, lighting techniques, and composition is foundational. Creativity is equally vital; photographers should embrace innovative approaches. When photographing people, interpersonal skills are indispensable to create a comfortable atmosphere. Effective communication and teamwork skills are also pivotal. Additionally, patience and adept time management contribute to success.

One significant obstacle I faced was the fear of making mistakes, compounded by my analytical nature and perfectionist tendencies. Overcoming this, I learned to appreciate the beauty in both flawless and imperfect shots. Embracing the realization that photography is a continuous learning process, I acknowledged that I will forever be on a journey of exploration and improvement within the realm of photography.

Natosha, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Natosha McCrary, a portrait/boudoir photographer with a passion for pole photography. I’m excited to share a bit about my journey and purpose.

Growing up as a military child, my family and I traveled a lot. I was given a camera at an early age and would take pictures wherever we traveled. One of my jobs in high school was taking pictures at JCPenny’s Portrait Studio. After high school I stopped taking pictures. I went to college for business and after college, I had my son and then went into the field of education as a digital design teacher. Later in life, I faced issues of domestic violence. As a domestic violence survivor, I embarked on a journey of self-rebuilding. A transformative moment occurred when I completed a fitness challenge and was rewarded with a photoshoot. Seeing myself in a new light ignited a passion within me. I decided then that I wanted to use photography to empower and uplift others, helping them feel confident, empowered, and beautiful. My purpose revolves around celebrating and showcasing the unique beauty of each individual, connecting with them on a deeper level through photography. That’s when I discovered my passion for photography. One of my ultimate goals is to do a photoshoot with domestic violence survivors to showcase their beauty and strength.

In addition to being a portrait/boudoir photographer, I do a lot of photoshoots in the pole fitness community. Pole photography involves exploring movement, and showcasing dance and strength while celebrating the body. My photography is a combination of creativity, technical skill, and a commitment to supporting and empowering individuals. I’ve opened a home studio to create a safe and respectful space for clients to showcase and embrace their uniqueness.

Three qualities I deem crucial are promoting body positivity, challenging conventional beauty standards, and staying true to the purpose behind one’s passion. I aim to contribute to a culture of self-acceptance and celebrate diverse forms of beauty.

While I consider myself early in my career, I actively network to collaborate with other photographers. Continuous learning is essential in the ever-evolving field of photography. I follow photographers from various genres, studying their processes and staying updated on trends and techniques.

I’m open to collaboration with anyone who shares a passion for photography and believes in its transformative power. You never know what insights and growth can come from working with others. You can follow me on Instagram @amour_desoul_photo.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my journey, purpose, and vision with you!

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

My primary source of new clients is undeniably word of mouth. At this stage in my career, I haven’t developed a formal marketing strategy. However, I’ve engaged as a vendor in a few events and actively network to spread awareness about my services. I also network through social media.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Certainly, I believe my ongoing career evolution involves a significant pivot. Throughout the years, my primary focus has been on commercial photography, catering to clients’ specific ideas and perspectives. However, I’ve reached a point where I aspire to redirect my photography towards a fine arts direction. This shift is driven by a desire to tap into my creative side and convey narratives through my photos.

The allure of pursuing fine arts photography lies in the prospect of gaining more creative freedom and having complete control over the content I produce. While I will continue to engage in commercial work, I am committed to exploring and refining my artistic vision. This pivot represents a conscious effort to strike a balance between commercial assignments and the pursuit of a more personal, creative expression in the realm of fine arts photography.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @amour_desoul_photo
• Facebook: Amour DeSoul Photograohy

Image Credits
Headshot Image: Jamercina Thomas