Today we’d like to introduce you to Bella Natale.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
Two years ago, I was faced with a 8-month recovery period after knee surgery, a time when I knew I’d be immobile. Rather than succumbing to the circumstances, I chose to find a new creative outlet. I purchased a camera off Facebook Marketplace, a small step that marked the beginning of a transformative journey. Photography, a long-standing passion of mine, became a way for me to see the world in a new light, capturing the beauty of minimalistic patterns amidst the chaos of everyday life.
My journey began in 2022 while working at an Outstanding in the Field event. During downtime, I seized the opportunity to capture behind-the-scenes moments, focusing on the stories of those often overlooked. Posting these images on Instagram garnered attention, including from a winemaker at the event who later invited me to photograph a collaboration event. From there, my photography journey flourished organically, allowing me to showcase the beauty of Charleston’s businesses and events.
Over the past year and a half, I’ve honed my craft and refined my focus to highlight my true passions. I love capturing the intricate processes behind various endeavors. In our modern culture, we often overlook the origins of products and services and I strive to bridge that gap through authentic storytelling. I’m particularly drawn to documenting our local food systems, as food serves as a universal language of connection. Incorporating sustainability education into my work adds another layer of purpose and meaning to my photography. Additionally, I aim to keep my images as natural as possible, preserving authenticity and genuine emotion. I prefer minimal editing and posing, allowing the inherent beauty of the moment to shine through.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
While I’ve been fortunate to attract a steady stream of clients, navigating my business’s rapid growth posed challenges. With everything happening so quickly, I found myself juggling the demands of a full-time job while diving into photography. As my workload intensified, I left my full-time job to pursue photography. However, despite the initial satisfaction of this decision, I struggled with imposter syndrome as I transitioned photography into my sole source of income. Realizing the toll this mindset took on my creativity, I acknowledged the importance of diversifying my income streams. This led me to split my time between photography and working with ReFED, a nonprofit combating food waste, aligning with my values and deepening my understanding of local food systems.
Furthermore, my journey has been filled with learning curves, as different photography scenarios have revealed gaps in my knowledge. It’s challenging to anticipate every aspect of photography, from unpredictable lighting conditions to limited space. Nonetheless, I love refining my skill set through practice.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might need to become more familiar with what you do, what can you tell them about what you do?
Saltina Graphics is my photography venture, where I combine my love for capturing moments with a passion for storytelling. Through my lens, I aim to showcase the beauty of everyday life, from the vibrant colors of nature to the intricate processes behind local businesses and events. While sustainability and food are central themes in my work, Saltina Graphics is about much more than that. It’s about understanding the world around us. Whether photographing a farmer’s market, a yoga session, or a community event, my goal is always to capture the moment’s essence, educate, and share it with others.
What truly sets Saltina Graphics apart is my commitment to capturing not just the final product, but the authentic emotion and process behind it. I firmly believe that the most impactful photographs are those that evoke genuine feelings. My passion lies in highlighting the often overlooked details—the small moments that can speak volumes about the world around us. By educating people about the significance of these moments and sharing their stories, I aim to deepen their connection to the origins of the things they encounter daily and cultivate a greater appreciation for our world.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
For me, the key to success is not just my skills, but my personality. I thrive on making genuine connections, whether it’s with clients or at events. I love to make people feel valued and have their work be seen. When I photograph food or the process behind something, I’m drawn to the incredible people behind it. It’s that excitement I bring to every shoot that sets me apart. Plus, my eye for detail helps me capture those subtle moments that others might miss. It’s all about my unique perspective and the joy I bring to my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://saltinagraphics.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltinagraphics/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bella-natale/
Image Credits
Saltina Graphics
