Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Jones.
Hi Natalie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My photography journey started when I was just a kid. My grandpa was never without his Polaroid camera at family gatherings, and I was mesmerized every time a blank print popped out. Watching it slowly transform into a memory I could hold in my hands felt like magic. Those photos are all I have left of that time, and I’m so grateful they exist. That deep appreciation for preserving moments has always stayed with me.
Also, I was constantly sneaking my dad’s old SLR, trying to capture anything interesting I could find, even if most of my shots were out of focus. In high school, I finally got to explore photography more seriously through darkroom classes, yearbook, and graphic design. I entered a district-wide art show and won first place with one of my images, and that experience really solidified my love for photography.
I started college as a psychology major, but after a few semesters, I knew it wasn’t what I wanted to do with my life. I quickly shifted gears and majored in photography instead. While earning my associate degree, I started working as an assistant for a husband-and-wife wedding photography team. It was an incredible hands-on experience, and I learned so much from being in the field with them. I worked with them for two years and still carry that knowledge with me today.
During that time, I also launched my own photography business and took on just about any session I could. Over the years, I found myself most drawn to photographing couples and weddings. There’s something extraordinary about being invited into one of the most meaningful days in someone’s life.
The true weight of what I do really hit me after photographing a wedding where the groom’s father gave a toast about how his son had been diagnosed with cancer just months into dating his now-wife. She stood by him through it all—chemo, dark days, uncertainty—and never wavered. That’s when his father said he knew she was the one. Sadly, the groom’s cancer returned and he passed away the following year. Now, those wedding photos are among the family’s most cherished possessions. That story has stayed with me, and it’s a powerful reminder of why I do what I do.
I believe photography is more than just taking pictures. It’s about preserving the people we love and the stories that shape us. That belief is at the heart of every wedding I photograph—because I know these images might someday become someone’s most treasured memories.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. I came into this with a solid understanding of photography, but what my program didn’t teach was how to actually run a business. I had no idea what I was doing on that end, and I had to figure it out through a lot of trial and error—probably more error than I’d like to admit. Honestly, 17 years later, I’m still learning to this day.
Over time, I’ve gained a much stronger grasp of the business side of things, from client communication to workflows and pricing. But the learning never really stops. The industry is always evolving, especially with new technology designed to improve the client experience. The challenge is finding ways to incorporate those tools while still keeping everything personal and true to who I am and what I want my business to feel like.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a wedding photographer who specializes in smaller, more intimate weddings—for every couple. I focus on capturing the real, in-between moments that tell a deeper story. Most of the couples I work with are looking to do things their own way. They aren’t too concerned with following every wedding tradition, they want a day that reflects who they are, and I love that. It’s such an honor to be invited into those personal, meaningful celebrations.
What I’m most proud of is being able to create space for couples to feel seen, comfortable, and truly themselves in front of the camera. I want them to look back at their photos and say, “Yes, that was us.” I believe all love deserves to be documented beautifully, no matter what that looks like.
What sets me apart is that I don’t approach weddings with a cookie-cutter mindset. I bring a balance of calm presence and deep emotional awareness, so my couples know they’re not just getting someone who will show up and snap photos. They’re getting someone who understands the weight these images can carry, especially years down the road when those moments become memories.
My style and approach are rooted in storytelling, with a touch of nostalgia. I like to say that photography isn’t just about creating pretty images, it’s about preserving the people we love and the stories that shape us. That belief shows up in everything I do, from how I shoot to how I connect with each couple.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Oh my gosh, yes! One resource I always recommend to fellow business owners is Profit First by Mike Michalowicz. That book completely changed how I manage my finances. It teaches you how to structure your income in a way that makes profitability a priority from day one. I truly wish I had found it when I first started—but it hadn’t been written yet!
Aside from that, I rely heavily on a handful of apps to help keep my business running smoothly. I’m a creative at heart, so the back-end admin stuff has never been my strong suit. Tools that let me stay organized with color-coded calendars, automated email reminders, and streamlined workflows are absolute lifesavers. If it helps me create a better, more personal experience for my clients while keeping my sanity intact, I’m all for it!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nataliemaephotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliemaephotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nataliemaephotography
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalieschultzmi/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/natalie-mae-photography-pinckney
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataliemaephotography
