Natalie Alvarado
Q What do you do?
“I’m a photographer, creative director, and producer. I create beautiful images and guide the entire visual process from idea to final shoot. I love exploring new places, and I speak several languages—so if you need a remote photoshoot, especially in a Latin American country or Italy, I’m your go-to person.”
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I’m mostly self-taught. I studied Fashion Design and Merchandising, but photography was always calling. When I was 12, I asked to take a photo class—but my mom said it was too expensive. So in college, I bought my first camera with a credit card. Later, I moved to NYC and Italy, running around Fashion Week—getting into shows through friends or simply shooting street style on the sidewalk.
Eventually, I transitioned from Fashion Merchandising to the Photo and Creative departments at Forever 21, then worked as a Photo Editor at Playboy, and most recently at an agency where I shot, produced, styled, managed props, and built out their entire DAM system.
What began as a passion slowly turned into a career—people started hiring me, and I haven’t looked back since.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I think what sets me apart is the intersection of cultural depth, and emotional storytelling. I was born in California but grew up at the border. My family is originally from Mexico, so I was raised in a bicultural world. That perspective naturally informs how I see my surroundings.
I have been shooting more 35mm film, which gives my work a nostalgic, soulful quality — but what really drives me is capturing human connection, softness, and spirit in a way that still feels elevated. I try my best to connect with my subject to make them feel comfortable.
Q What are you working on right now?
Right now, I’m fully stepping into my freelance career as a photographer and creative director—an exciting (and slightly scary) shift after years of balancing side projects alongside full-time roles. I’m also launching my fine art print shop and planning upcoming shoots across Europe.
Q What’s your style?
My style blends editorial with raw emotion and natural beauty. I’m drawn to soft light, real textures, and storytelling that feels both elevated and grounded. I try to capture that layered perspective in everything I create.
A project that really represents this is a recent campaign for Tropic of C, shot in Egypt. We captured models moving through Cairo, the Siwa Salt Pools, and Adrère Amellal.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
If I could focus more on one area, it would be video. Not because I want to replace photography — that will always be my first love — but because I’m drawn to how video deepens a story. I’ve been gradually experimenting more, learning, and expanding my visual language through motion.
I also have a deep appreciation for curation. When I worked as a photo editor at Playboy, I loved reviewing portfolios, hiring talent, and shaping the visual narrative.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Not necessarily frustrating but time consuming keeping up with all the unsexy backend stuff that comes with going full-time freelance — systems, spreadsheets... You know, the glamorous side of being creative.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
I’d hire someone to help me with all the admin and content flow tasks — organizing files, prepping client galleries, uploading to platforms, and metadata. Basically, the behind-the-scenes magic that frees up my brain to stay creative and focused.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I’d go back to my early 20s, just before moving to New York, and tell myself: “You don’t have to have it all figured out — just keep showing up.”
I used to think I had to follow one path perfectly or have the full plan mapped out. But it’s the detours — like studying fashion, moving abroad, assisting, editing, even the slow seasons — that shaped my voice as a photographer. I’d remind myself that curiosity is a compass, and that being self-taught is a strength, not something to hide.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
Someone who’s mastered the business side of being a creative — how to scale without burning out, maintain artistic integrity, and still thrive financially. That balance is the real magic.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I’m looking for fashion and lifestyle projects — whether that’s campaigns, lookbooks, content for social, or full production shoots. I especially love working with brands that care about culture, and craft.
Also open to travel-based shoots, or editorial collaborations that allow me to bring emotion and place into the frame.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
My ideal client is a brand that trusts the creative process and values true collaboration. I love when there’s space to build a visual story that aligns with both their mission and my creative perspective.
Q: What is your rate?
My rates vary depending on the scope, but as a general starting point:
Creative shoots (photo + light video) typically start at $2,000/ for half-day
Lifestyle or fashion campaigns with full production (creative direction, casting, location, etc.) start at $3,500–$5,000+
For smaller content projects or ongoing collaborations, I'm happy to discuss monthly or custom packages
Print licensing and travel-based work are also available on a case-by-case basis
If you have a project in mind, I’m always open to tailoring something that fits your needs and vision!
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
DMs are welcome @hey.nat, emails are golden nat@nataliealvarado.com, and I’m always down to chat over matcha 🍵
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Two fellow former Playboy girlies—don’t blame me, we just had an amazing team back then!
Photographer: Sasha Netchaev – Her eye for detail and dreamy, cinematic lighting but also her raw composition when shooting in the wild.
Art Director: Regina Rosato – Her creative direction is sharp, witty, and visually bold—she knows how to craft a vibe and elevate any shoot.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Travel fuels me, sunshine sparks ideas.
This member profile was originally published in July 2025.