Natiah Jones
Photographer / Creative Director
New York, NY
www.natiahjones.com
instagram @natiahjones
linkedin @tiahjones
Q What do you do?
“New York-based photographer, conceptual storyteller, marketer, and author.”
I help people and brands tell stories through meaningful visual art and purpose-driven strategies built off of human connection. Notable clients, partners and work: The Jones House, NBCUniversal, Souls in Focus, MPB, W Magazine, Nike, Spotify, GQ/Conde Nast, Frontline PBS/Storycorps, Jopwell, Seatgeek, Barclays, Michelob Ultra, Brooklyn Museum, Forbes, America on Tech, Current, Museum of Modern Art, TONL, Boys & Girls Club of America, Photoville, NYC Department of Transportation, The Culture LP.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
All the steps on my journey have looked and felt different throughout various stages and phases of my life. Some years involved constant hustling, others had aligned connection with like-minded partners and brands, now I'm more stoic and meditative with my work in particular. "What is for me will not miss me."
Q How do you stand out in your field?
Community, compassion, and connection. My work feels most purposeful if I have people to my left and right who want to make beautiful work with me.
Q What are you working on right now?
I own two community rooted businesses: @thejoneshouse.co and @soulsinfocus. I'm always accepting clients who want to tell stories through photography and creative direction.
Q What’s your style?
My work is very human-centered - filled with love and empathy.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Traveling with clients and brands around the world, helping tell their stories.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Finding balance has always been challenging. I’ve lived in New York for 8 years now and each year my life gets busier and busier. Having time to schedule shoots, edit photos, learn new skills, build social content, authentically capture my story, eat and call my grandmother are all so hard to do living here.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Well, for starters it would need to be someone young, wise, and innovative. I could use a youthful and sharp eye to help me connect with different audiences. These people could be models, other creatives to build with, or just people that like my work. I consider myself a storyteller over anything else and I’d love to solely focus on creating. If I could have someone to do the administrative and outreach part of things, that’d be great.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I'd tell my 12 year old self to close my eyes and breathe until I feel centered...everyday.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
World travels, food, culture, ancestors, meditation.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Portraiture and video production that speaks to the beautiful of humanity.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
I love when a client comes with a clear brief and budget on what they need from me: photos, creative direction, production management, and/or experiential. If I can't do it, I'll build a team (more than likely from undervalued communities) to create something beautiful.
Q What is your rate?
TBD on client and brief.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Send me a note to chat: info@natiahjones.com
This member profile was originally published in January 2019, Updated February 2024