About Sweetpea

 

Hi! I’m Natalie, a portrait photographer based in South Philly, PA! Here’s a little bit about me!

I’ve been a photographer for the past 8 years and I just LOVE working with families and couples to create long lasting memories. My passion for photography stems from my grandparents, who cherished their camera and instilled in me a deep appreciation for capturing life’s moments. I just love looking through the boxes of photographs that my grandmother has saved and the stories those images bring back (here’s 2 photos of us together!). These images are invaluable to me, cherished beyond measure. It brings me immense joy to play a part in helping couples and families preserve their love through visual storytelling

I’m all things city of brotherly love, calling South Philly my home for the past 16 years (writing that number blows my mind, gosh how fast time flies). From the history and beautiful architecture to my favorite restaurants (BingBing Dim Sum (bring it back, RIP), Zahav, Wilder and Bud and Marilyn’s to name a few), you can find me around the neighborhood, camera around my neck, taking it all in. 

I’ve got some major love for kids. For over a decade, I’ve poured myself into my full-time job as a Special Education Coordinator for a charter school in the city, my capacity for compassion, empathy, flexibility—and yes, silliness—growing along the way. In 2021, the birth of my baby girl took that to another level! Bring on the drool and giggles. They’re the best! 

Even after the kids, I’ve got plenty of room for my love of plants and coffee. Truth be told, I have over 20 houseplants—and the collection seems to be multiplying. Plants, for sure, bring vibrancy and dimension into any image, and I love when they’re surrounding me. I also feel an artistic boost with an iced coffee in hand, preferably one from my favorite neighborhood joints, Grindcore, Ox Coffee, and Shot Tower.

Lastly, I love being a dependable, reliable, and creative artist. I pride myself on being on-time and prepared to make your shoot everything you want it to be. Whether you’re feeling funky filters, unusual angles, or more traditional portraits, I’ve got you. Working with clients to realize their inspiration or vision excites me. 

sagittarius zodiac chart:  idealistic, enthusiastic, and warm-hearted. She is independent, has a taste for travel and freedom. She is curious and fair-minded. She is drawn toward the Arts, music, song. She always looks on the bright side. Very adaptable. She is extremely observant and astute, always reading between the lines and looking for the real meaning behind things.

thanks to Laura Olivia Photography for the photos!

Natalie was absolutely wonderful to work with and she captured such beautiful photos of our family! We were beyond happy that she was able to squeeze us in for a session even though she was almost completely booked for the season. She picked the perfect spot for the shoot and that was after having to call an audible due to the originally planned location being closed. You can tell she really thinks of every detail, arrives early, and is ready to work with your family in whatever way needed to get the best results! She was professional, patient, and great with our 3 young kids. 10/10 definitely recommend!!

-Molly, Philadelphia