Meet Natalia Cortes | Freelancer Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Natalia Cortes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Natalia, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
The principle that matters to me the most is honesty. I believe honesty is the key to a successful career, not only as a professional individual but among the members of a team; being honest with the client is also extremely important. Another value I would highlight is empathy. Being empathetic to others helps us develop a deeper connection and work with the same passion, which will be reflected on the end-result.

Please tell us more about your art. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
“Photography chose me” I often repeat that phrase because I had never forced my way into this art form. Instead, I have let myself be shaped by its beauty. I discovered my passion for art and crafts at an early age through my father (a Fashion Designer) and during my elementary education though my Stepfather (a Photojournalist). After graduating from High School in 2010 in Bogota Colombia, my family and I moved to New York City and it was over the course of this trip that I decided to go back to Colombia to study Photography and make it my career. My first professional opportunity as a Photographer came in 2013 while working as a Street-Style Photographer for a Fashion Magazine covering NYFW. After that, I fell in love with Fashion Photography and continued to focus my energy into sharpening this particular form of photography, which has given me distinguished success. I started gaining clients, and not just clients, but opportunities, friends, and experiences. This happened over the span of three years of having discovered that my true calling was being a Fashion Photographer. Without a doubt I am still learning, growing and discovering new aspects of this beautiful career.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well, nothing is the same anymore due to the current pandemic situation; however, I definitely have my spots around the City. If I could choose the season, I would say it would be during spring or summer so we could enjoy doing outdoor activities. First, we would ride bicycles from midtown all the way down to the heart of Soho for a couple drinks at Crosby Bar. Then we would go to one of my favorite spots in the city, Domino Park in Brooklyn. We would cross the Williamsburg Bridge, walk around the park along the East River while the sun sets behind the city skyline. We would grab a bit at Cheeseboat and share some deserts at Martha’s Country Bakery, one of the most famous bakeries around the city. Now, what would New York be without its art galleries and museums? Can’t even picture that! My favorite museum is MoMaPs1 located in LIC Queens; never too crowded. We would enjoy some art exhibitions which are always so intense UGH! I love it! Lastly, we could wrap up this magnificent weekend trip with a free Kayaking experience in the Hudson River and top it off with a toast at one of the 25,000 bars and restaurants across the city that never sleeps.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
During this process I have met very supportive human-beings who have put their trust in me and my talent as a photographer. I cannot stress enough how thankful I am for having met these people, as well as my clients, who gave the opportunity to prove myself and push the envelope to do a better job and to grow exponentially over the course of this journey.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natcors/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalia-cort%C3%A9s-b63008b9/

Other: https://www.behance.net/ncortes17cefd

Image Credits
Photos by Juan D. Villamil https://www.instagram.com/juan_d_villamil/