Today, we’d like to introduce you to Natalia Aguilera.
Natalia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Natalia, and I was born and raised in Barcelona, Spain. Since I was a little girl, I have been drawn to the audiovisual world. My mother used to take me to castings, but I always knew that my place was behind the camera and not in front of it. When the time came to decide what career to pursue, I chose photography.
At 18, I started my career and was given an internship at my fashion photography teacher’s studio, where I found my passion. I worked with him in the mornings and attended classes in the evenings until late at night. It wasn’t easy years, but they were worth it.
Meanwhile, I was doing photo shoots for DJs in Barcelona as I knew that I wanted to focus my career on the world of music. I have always been a passionate music lover. At the same time, I fell in love with fashion photography and started combining the two styles. I worked with various clothing brands on photo shoots and with many models in Barcelona. I also had the opportunity to photograph several music projects.
At age 25, I decided to take the leap and leave everything behind in pursuit of my dream of being the photographer for my favorite artists. I first moved to Puerto Rico for a few months and finally to Miami, which was not easy. I started working on photo shoots for the most prestigious model agencies in the city and joined the Imagen Miami magazine, where I have been working for eight years and have had wonderful cover shoots, among other things.
I dedicated myself to fashion photography for many years in Miami, seeking my opportunity to enter the music world. 2019 I finally got that opportunity through a great artist like J Balvin. We talked and did some photos that would change my career forever. After J Balvin, I started entering the music industry, something I had always dreamed of, and more artists, magazine covers, and many album and single covers came my way.
Today, I have worked with the most important Latin artists in the world, such as Romeo Santos, Maluma, Rauw Alejandro, Karol G, Ozuna, Anitta, Prince Royce, Myke Towers, Tito el Bambino, among many others. I have also been on the most important music labels in the world, like Sony Music, Warner, and Universal.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
It has been a very difficult journey and career. In the world of fashion photography, there are many talented people, and standing out is challenging.
You have to have impeccable work or know the right people. As for the music industry, I believe it is even more difficult. Just because you are breaking into that industry, if you don’t know anyone, you have to make contacts for years until someone believes in you and gives you your first opportunity.
Being a woman and coming from outside the Latin world, I consider it a double challenge as I operate in an industry where men predominate, and sometimes it has been twice as hard to earn the respect of the work teams.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe you can tell us more about your work next?
My main line of work is portrait and lifestyle photography. I love shooting outdoors and always try to make the most of natural light; that’s my preference.
However, when working with artists, most of the time, we have to do everything in the studio because it’s more practical. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work on covers and features for globally renowned magazines such as Elle, L’Officiel, Sports Illustrated, Billboard, and Imagen, among others.
Personally, the work I’m most proud of is the promotion I did for Formula Vol III with Romeo Santos, as I’m a huge fan, and he’s an artist I’ve been dying to work with since I was little. I’m also very proud of several personal projects I’ve done with models whom I admire a lot.
I believe what sets me apart from other photographers is the type of photography I do. I enjoy capturing natural moments, utilizing natural lighting, and embracing simplicity and elegance. I strive to blend fashion photography with urban elements which is not commonly seen.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My fashion photography professor in college, Mariano Blanco, believed in me from the beginning and brought me to work with him, where I learned a lot from his experience. In Miami, there are several individuals worth highlighting. When I arrived, Imagen magazine welcomed me as if I were family and introduced me to spectacular people who have opened more doors for me.
In the music industry, the first artist who believed in me was J Balvin, and I will always be grateful to him because, after him, many others followed suit. And to Norma Castro, the stylist who has believed in my vision since the first time we met on set, a professional, affectionate person who believes in the women around her. Many people have helped me get to where I am, but I felt it was important to give a special mention to them.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nataliaguilera.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natalyaphoto
