Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Marotta.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always considered myself an artist. From a very young age I have been drawing, painting, sewing and dreaming of every little detail.
Photography has captured my soul. My husband once said “You are the most passionate, soulful, Type “A” I know.” I have found that to be one of the truest descriptions of myself. I am passionate about many things, but photographing families and capturing images meant to be remembered, loved and imagined over time has stolen my heart. I believe childhood is magical.
I am a hopeless romantic, whom dreams in the beauty of delicate details. I have extremely strong family values, reinforced by my childhood and extended family. The strength I gained, I apply to my business and life; being honest, trustworthy and incredibly organized. I’m a huge list maker, carrying notepads everywhere! I have to be as I’m constantly on the go with our four children. With them, and my career and passions I find my center and sooth my soul with silence, or the sounds of classical music. I grew up on the northwest side, and raise our children here, in our village of friends, neighbors and family that allow me to also pursue my artistic dreams.
How did I get here?
I was born and raised in Chicago, but will go anywhere as long as my family is with me. I have a Bachelor’s of Fine Art from The Art Institute of Chicago where I studied painting and fine art. Thirteen years ago, I began my entrepreneurial journey as a freelance Prop Stylist. Whether through my studies, or career I’ve been fortunate to have worked with many incredibly talented commercial photographers. In the last few years, I’ve applied my eye for light, and details to focus on a new venture; Family Photography.
Why Family Photography? Whether a stay-at-home-mom or working-mom, we are always on the go. Photography allowed me to artfully capture the joy of childhood’s magic, whether it’s exploring our relationships, the block, or Chicago’s cultural, food, music and neighborhoods. Life, and the moments captured exploring the parks, conservatories and the joy expressed as a family is wondrous. So too are the dreams on a lazy Sunday in PJs, sipping on coffee or having a dance party. That is family. That is life in the details.
I launched the Family Photography business because I believe in chasing your dreams at any age. I teach my children to dream big: “May you touch Dragonflies and stars, dance with Fairies and talk to the moon”
It’s this soulful, artful passion that I bring to my family and child sessions – and capture timeless moments meant to be remembered, loved and imagined.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My artistic vision and passions have always been with me, but technology is where I have found the most struggle, understanding, keeping up and wanting to learn it. After my fourth child was born I was looking for another creative outlet and decided I would attempt a long life goal of tackling my DLSR in manual mode. After signing up for my first class, within the first week I e-mailed the teacher to quit. I was overwhelmed with life at home and that little voice in my head was scared to tackle this. After a day or so I came to my senses and stuck with the class and from that first day I was hooked. Like everything else I do, I was determined.
I spent hours with my camera and made thousands of mistakes. Slowly, with practice and a supportive community of mentors, friends and ‘strangers across the digital void – the technical aspects started to click. I picked up my camera every day to practice, and with each day it became easier to capture what I saw on ‘film’.
My eyes saw light in everyone possible way in my house. And from my house I have taken that elsewhere out into the world. I will always struggle and will take a little longer than the next person when it comes to technology, but what I have realized is that through determination, practice and a lot of questions I can overcome those fears.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Natalie Marotta – what should we know?
My business encompasses myself as an artist. I am a trained fine artist who has branched in many fields. After I graduated, I learned the commercial prop styling world from incredibly talented mentors. I’m applying similar concepts – detail, light, layout to build my own family photography business.
My company blends the artist I am into all my work. I use my unique style and vision to create expressions of the brand, a detailed set with props or families, using my artful vision to capture moments in time – raw connections.
I am known for my attention to detail, artistic crafts such as painting and design, and my artistic eye. I am most proud of having a business that is built on relationships and referral.
What sets me apart – is the trust between my clients and I. My clients trust my vision and allow me to capture images of their treasured moments in time. My images are seen as art. I create stories that will document the history of your family and over time will be loved by generations. I create work that is remembered, loved and imagined.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I have been lucky enough to have numerous mentors in my life. First and foremost my parents who saw my passions, supported them and encouraged me along the way. My mother inspired me with her own artistic talents at a young age. From home, I was fortunate enough to have an art teacher, Wanda. She taught me technique and everything I needed to know to hone my drawing skills.
My High School art teacher Sr. Pauline always encourage me to pursue the arts and not look back. At the age of 80 she is still one of my biggest cheerleaders always anxious to hear about my latest artistic adventure,
After college I landed my first job with a set design studio where I was the shopper for the design department. My colleagues there took me under their wings, taught me everything they know and gave me the opportunities I needed to grow. I believe it’s because of all the mentors, teachers and cheerleaders like Karen Young and Tracy Fitzmaurice that I have had throughout my early life and career that have allowed me to have the confidence to blend my talents into my business.
I found this wonderful photography communities of artists, mom’s and teachers. My first class was with Courtney Slazik, who stuck with me when I wanted to quit and encouraged me to keep moving forward.
It was Faye Sevel of Faye Sevel Photography that still is to this day my dearest photography mentor who has been able and willing to answer any and all my questions and help critique my work along the way. And I also believe my fellow Instagram friends and many online teachers that have helped encourage and critique my photography work to help me get to where I am today. It is because of all these people that I have the courage and strength to believe in myself and business.
Most of all I want to thank my husband for his countless hours of support and love. He is always encouraging me to pursue my dreams and helping me to make them a reality.
Contact Info:
- Website: nataliemarotta.com
- Email: natalie@marotta-style.com
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