Natalie Thomas
Family & Maternity | Last Updated: October 30, 2023
My name is Natalie Thomas and I like to call my family and myself modern-day gypsies. We never stay in one place too long. Thanks to the military, we’ve gotten to explore some pretty amazing parts of our country and the world.
I’m a born and raised Californian, where sunlight is second to breathing. My journey with photography began before I even knew it started.
My Opa was a photographer in the Army during the Korean War and my mom was always the one with a camera in hand during family get-togethers. So I feel like it was almost a part of me before my passion came to surface.
I took my first photography class in high school – black and white photography and development in the darkroom. I was hooked; then reality set in, I had wild hair, joined the Army and became a medic.
Fast forward a few more years, marriage and deployments in between, I separated from the military to become a stay-at-home mom. I found myself with hours upon hours of time I didn’t know how to fill. Add a second kiddo and another move, I picked up and dusted off my Nikon D3100
and my 50mm f/1.8 Nikkor
lens and that’s when my passion truly formed.
My husband was on his second deployment and I had two little kids and he was missing everything. I needed a way to connect both our worlds.
I love when my images speak for themselves. No caption needed. Fusing light, movement and connection together is always my goal. I strive to capture genuine feelings and connections.
Cameras:
Nikon D750
This is my main body I shoot with. Its dynamic range is incredible (although I do like to shoot for correct exposure) but when I want to push the boundaries or I’m shooting in non-ideal conditions, it never lets me down.
Nikon D610
This was my first upgrade to a full frame. It was my workhorse for many years and is such a solid camera. I always carry it as my backup during sessions.
Nikon FG
This is the same camera that my mother used to take pictures of me as a kid, so not only is it sentimental, it’s a great option when I get into a creative rut and turn to shooting film.
Lenses:
Sigma ART 35mm f/1.4
This lens is on my camera 90% of the time. I’m really drawn to this focal length because it lets me fit in tight spaces (I will shoot from a client’s closet if need be) but it also lets me get some nice pull backs as well. Wonderful, versatile lens.
Sigma ART 50mm f/1.4
The other 10% I shoot with my 50. It’s perfect for my outdoor lifestyle sessions. My second favourite focal length.
Nikkor 50mm f/1.8
My very first prime lens. It got a lot of use in the beginning of my journey. Now I mainly use it when I want to freelens.
Nikkor 85mm f/1.8
I don’t use this lens as much anymore, but it’s always in my camera bag. When I feel like some extra creamy bokeh, and if I remember it’s there, I’ll try and take it out during my outdoor sessions.
Nikkor 20mm f/2.8
Definitely haven’t shot with this lens in a long time. But it was my go-to when I lived up in Alaska and wanted a wide angle to capture the northern lights in all its glory.
Accessories:
Langly Alpha Pro Backpack
I’ve had this backpack for nearly four years now and haven’t needed anything else, so that says a lot. It can hold two camera bodies and two lenses, more if I use the top compartment. But I’ll be honest, the top section is for gummy bears for clients kids … most definitely not for me. Totally not for me …
Extra batteries – Because you should always have a spare.
Spare SD cards – Same comment as above. And I shoot and use both memory card slots for each session, just in case.
Apple iMac 27″
Where the magic happens. But really, I’ve been editing on this for years and I love this thing.
www.nataliethomasphotography.com | @the.natalie.thomas
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