BRI Featured Artist
Natalie Licini
How long have you been shooting pro?
My artistic journey started 3 years ago, but only 3 months ago as a full-time photographer.
Describe your education & training in photography.
Believe it or not, my education and training in photography started when I worked on Wall Street. Having a finance background and economics degree from New York University not only helped me build a thriving business, but it gave me the tools and support to focus on my art. I continue to travel the world to study with some of the greatest masters in the photography industry and never stop reading whether it’s a photography book or marketing and sales books or fiction.
What challenges did you face early in your career?
Some of my early challenges were navigating the technical aspects of photography since I didn’t go to school for photography. I also had challenges with pricing and valuing my services. After I rebranded my business in 2011, I dropped the number “one” in front of items on my price list. My eight by tens were no longer $29, they were $129. It was scary, and I encountered resistance at first.
What is your secret to balancing your
photography business and your personal life?
My grandfather used to say if you do something you love, you never work a day in your life. This past year, as I’ve grown my business I’ve been able to outsource a great deal and build a fabulous creative team. My greatest contribution to my bottom line is photographing clients. It’s not editing, or marketing or housework and chores. With opening my first studio this year, I plan to work on the studio setting as well as build a full time team of artists with a shared vision. I have two young daughters and really want to find a bit more balance at home with my family. My long-term hope is to focus on my art when I’m in the studio and my family when I’m home. I’m almost there…
Define your photography style.
My style of photography is emotional and tugs at your heartstrings. I strive to create images that are profoundly communicative, to draw the viewer into wondering who the subject was, imagining their story. Last year, I looked at my portfolio and selected my top 5 images, which were all emotionally charged with dramatic lighting. None of my subjects were looking in-camera and they were all shot with a wider-angle lens. These portraits spoke to me. I said to myself, “how cool would it be if I only photographed clients in this style.” And then I did just that. I spent 3 months rebranding my business and relaunched my fine art photography studio in May 2011. I exclusively offered fine art photography and displayed images with a very old world, painterly style. I knew this was not for everyone, but it was precisely what I loved and wanted to share with my clients.
What inspires you artistically (a person, place, movie,
you name it!)?
Old homes, history and relationships between people really inspire me. Love stories inspire me.
When going into a session, what motivates you?
Before my photo shoot, I spend time getting to know my clients and I start creating and designing a powerful visual formula that tells a story about my client long before we even meet. And on the day of the shoot, I don’t pick up the camera immediately, I continue to build my creative recipe of their life and try to tell their story to the best of my ability, in hopes of leaving them speechless or emotional during their presentation. I love the relationships between people. Delving into the soul of a person to capture their true spirit really makes me excited.
When working with your clients, how do you evoke the
perfect expression
and pose?
I believe my clients hire me because they trust me and like my work (or love my work). We start to develop a relationship and this trust continues into the photo shoot and allows them to feel at ease with me. I have a funny sense of humor and that makes people relax. Seriously! Have you ever laughed so hard, that it jolted your mood? Here’s my favorite joke: Why can’t a bicycle stand on its own? Because it’s two tired. Hehehe! See! I know you’re laughing or rolling your eyes, but either way I would have gotten a great photo of you just now.
What business tip would you give the new photographer?
Outsource whenever possible until you build a team. There’s a reason why the CEO of big successful corporations aren’t also the General Counsel and the CFO. It’s hard to wear many hats successfully. Recognize your specialty and let the experts handle the rest. Set weekly and monthly goals. Create a 1, 3 and 5-year plan. Monitor your progress and adjust it as necessary. I believe in providing great customer service. Don’t forget to live life and learn from your mistakes. Invest in your education. Research what the best tools are and get the necessities or you’ll be paying off your debt while you pay for your kid’s college tuition.