Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalee Dowdle.
Hi Natalee, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
There are three things in my life that I was born passionate about; photography, animals and motherhood. Ever since I can remember I was always walking around with a camera in my hand, a baby(doll) on my hip and taking photos of everything I could. I have always had such a burning love for these things that it has truly shaped who I am. I grew up in a very chaotic and dysfunctional household which is why I was able to feel a sense of escape and my own creativity and control over my life through these things.
As I got older and became a driving teenager, not much had changed (minus the baby doll). I was then able to start posting on Facebook offering free photoshoots just for fun. I very quickly became very busy doing photos for free because I just simply loved doing it, and one day someone said “why don’t you just charge people at least a little, your photos are worth it”. It was like a lightbulb had gone off and thought, maybe she’s right! I then started charging $25 and $50 for photo sessions and spent about 3 years educating myself, doing over 150 sessions a year, learning through trial and error, and absorbing any kind of photography information that I could get my hands on. While some people can’t believe that I’ve never taken any real photography course, it is true. I dedicated many hours on YouTube and shadowing other photographers.
When I had finalized my own unique preset and was able to use it consistently for all of my shoots, I felt a sense establishment and my own encouragement that “I’ve made it this far, I can keep going”.
Throughout all of these years, my love for animals never stopped. I grew deeply in love with a breed of chickens called silkies. They are extremely fluffy, sweet and beautiful little creatures and provided me with so much peace during some of the most difficult times of my life. In 2017 I decided I want to breed them and make the most beautiful and healthy chickens that I could. In 2019 I started my own little chicken business selling the chicks that I was not going to use for my breeding program and called myself Magnolia Silkies. While breeding silkies, I have been able to collaborate with my photography side and capture my art through chickens in the most beautiful way. Fast forward to today, I now have a Facebook page with over 7 thousand followers because of my love for beautiful chickens, with a *real* baby on my hip, living in a purely peaceful household that my husband and I have built.
All of this has been possible because of my husband and our faith and I have no words for the amount of gratitude I have for our life we have now.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There have been many struggles throughout my journeys such as camera issues during a photo shoot, computer issues crashing and deleting files, fighting off chicken predators, and the biggest one of all, is moving from Maryland to Georgia in 2023 and building up new clientele while establishing myself and my businesses.
My husband and I moved to Georgia to get away from our hometown and create a new life of pure peace, but with that comes not knowing anyone and having to work hard at meeting people and advertising my businesses.
Our first year of living here I was pregnant and spent that time investing in myself and our first born child. Now that she is 1 year old, I am getting back to putting myself out there and working on growing my businesses!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
A question like “what do you do” always makes me want to answer with “what don’t I do?”. I am first a wife and a mother, I am a photographer, a chicken breeder and a homesteader. The common denominator amongst all of these things for me is quality. Every day I strive to be the best wife and mother that I was made to be. I work to have the highest quality photos and giving my clients the best photography experience. I breed my chickens not only for their beauty but their health and longevity of the breed. I grow (most) of our own food for my family or purchase from a local farmer to have the best and nutrient dense foods to nourish our bodies.
What sets me apart from others is that none of these things are a job for me, nor do I do them just to make money. These are the things I am deeply passionate about, enjoy doing and have a lot of experience in.
What sets me most apart in the photography world is my pricing. While I do believe photography is worth the money, I personally am a photographer that is unable to afford another photographer. I am a regular middle class family so I understand what it is like to want quality, beautiful photos without needing to take out a small loan.
My pricing is very thought out and I only will ever charge something that I’d be willing to pay.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I love collaborating and connecting with people in everything I do! The best way to get in contact with me is through social media messaging or by filling out a form on my photography website.
Pricing:
- 1 hr session: $175
- 30 min session: $115
- **special** mention this ad and get a $75 30min session
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nattybeephotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nattybee_photography?igsh=MTJmcnFxbDAyY2FyOQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr https://www.instagram.com/nattybee_photography?igsh=MTJmcnFxbDAyY2FyOQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1GSaFxzhS7/?mibextid=wwXIfr https://www.facebook.com/share/1GSaFxzhS7/?mibextid=wwXIfr
