About Me, Natasha Leigh

I love trying to find the right words to talk about myself. It’s this entertaining string of words because you actually want to know about me and I really don’t like talking about me. Self is a touchy subject. It’s a little humorous that as a photographer I ask my subjects to be real and they let me into some of the most private parts of their lives, and then I cower a little when the camera gets turned on me. We all have something to offer this world and it took me a long time to see that. I wondered how I would fit in or exactly what I was bringing to that table. As arrogant as it sounds, I was pretty good at whatever I did naturally. That’s not to say it didn’t take work; I just learned that artistically and academically I fit in. If I wasn’t very good at it, I didn’t invest any time into it. That might explain why I broke 5 different bones all relating to activities that revolved around sports. But, I hope that’s all of us (not that you break bones too, just that you’ve learned about you!). The most important things – relationships, art, our talents, whatever – are worth working at. Once I picked up my camera, everything changed. I had just purchased my d60 and I was having lunch at a pretty fancy restaurant. I brought it in from the car (this new purchase couldn’t sit outside all alone) and  was slightly spontaneous as I took it out of the box right there. The battery wasn’t even charged to play with it. The anticipation killed. My life has never been the same.

Think of that one thing that drives you. And I do hope you have at least one, we all need it. Imagine that thing. Think of how it makes you smile, makes your heart race, makes you feel anxious to be just sitting in your seat and not doing it. It fills all your thoughts. For me, that thought is photography. The moment I realized I should be taking photos instead of (insert other job here) is when a friend of mine made the “mistake” of asking me about what kind of camera he should buy while we were sitting at work on a slow day. He was interested in purchasing a dSLR and wanted to learn more about photography. I went on and on for about 20 minutes, and then laughed, apologized for rambling. He looked at me and said, “You know, you’re a different person when you talk about photography. Seriously.” It made me actually stop and think about it for a second. I did love it. Not too long after that, while on our deployment in Krygyzstan (supposedly a safer location), our base turned into a mini-battlefield with full on with gun fire and everything. It was at that point I really realized I should think about changing my Air Force career to something else.

I’m quirky and loud. I’m definitely a hugger (so if you’re meeting me for the first time…ooor fourteenth be prepared-I like to hug). If it’s got an Apple logo on it, I’m in love but really if it has an off-on switch I’m intrigued. I received my undergraduate at AIU with a major in Visual Communications, concentrating in Graphic Design and I absolutely LOVE typography. I am now attending UNCW for my Masters focusing in Instructional Design. My parents just celebrated their 31st year anniversary this year, I can not believe how awesome they are. I have one little sister, and she’s not that little anymore. She just moved into her own apartment this year, how did that happen?! I’m so glad we live closer together!

My husband and I spent 2 years in a long distance relationship, almost 3000 miles long. I love telling people that our love is strong and that he plays the bagpipes, I think that is just too cool. He’s my biggest supporter and best friend. I recently separated from my last year of Active Duty in the Air Force and am now in the North Carolina Air National Guard. I have made photography my full time gig and I focus on taking portraits of High School Seniors. My life is so different than where I was a few years ago; I couldn’t be more grateful for that. I couldn’t even tell you where I would be if it wasn’t for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. If you think you can do it without his grace I’m here to tell you I tried and failed. I’m inspired by His love and the love of the people around me. I truly immerse myself in my passion for photography. Seeing the reaction my clients give when they see their pictures makes me truly happy. I feel most comfortable behind my camera and if you haven’t already gotten yourself in my viewfinder you really, really should.

“Beauty can be seen in all things, seeing and composing the beauty is what separates the snapshot from the photograph.” – Matt Hardy