For over seven years, Natalie Nishioka has been pushing the boundaries of fine art landscape photography, blending physical and mental challenges to capture stunning images. From amateur to professional photographer, Natalie has gained recognition for her breathtaking landscape shots in Kaua'i and beyond. As a self-taught photographer, her passion began at the age of 11 during a family trip to Alaska, where she first picked up an old silver Sony digital camera to photograph an eagle.
In 2008, at just 11 years old, Natalie embarked on her first RV fishing trip in Alaska. Amidst fishing, watching Twilight, and soaking in Alaska's beauty, she became fascinated with capturing the wild landscapes and wildlife through her camera lens. An unforgettable moment came when she ventured dangerously close to an eagle while her parents were cleaning fish, sparking her first adrenaline rush and solidifying her love for photography.
In middle school, Natalie's interest deepened with her first Finepix Z Fuji-film camera, and by high school, she was gifted a Canon T3i. Social media, particularly Instagram, fueled her drive to capture and share more compelling images. A photography class during her senior year allowed her to refine her skills and explore new techniques.
College introduced Natalie to the Sony a7 camera, elevating her photography quality and further igniting her passion. Graduating in December 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Business (Marketing) and a minor in Environmental Studies, Natalie faced a turning point with the onset of the pandemic in 2020. With more time on her hands, she decided to monetize her skills, launching her photography platform and focusing on landscape photography in Kaua'i.
Balancing multiple jobs, including roles as a marketing specialist and service administrator, Natalie spent three years developing her business. In 2021, she officially registered her company, Nataliearth LLC, while continuing her administrative job. Over the next two years, she attended markets, built her brand, and learned the art industry’s intricacies.
On January 17, 2023, Natalie took a leap of faith, leaving her job to become a full-time photography business owner. With Nataliearth LLC, she now embraces new adventures and the joy of pursuing her passion full-time.
For anyone looking to start their own business, Natalie offers this advice: Begin with small steps, allocate time wisely, and utilize resources like YouTube and Google for business insights. Market your product or service through various channels and take it at your own pace.
To support Natalie and her work, visit www.nataliearth.com to purchase a photograph and brighten your space. Each order helps her continue her passion and explore new opportunities.
Discover more about Natalie’s journey in her first blog interview with ShoutOutLA here.
Mahalo nui for your support!
xo,
Natalie
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