Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Embry.
Hi Natalie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Photography has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember — a way for me to freeze the world exactly as I see it and share that perspective with others. My grandparents gifted me my first camera when I was in junior high, and from that moment on, everything changed.
All throughout high school, I had the privilege of creating content for the athletics program, and that experience is where my love for photography truly began to flourish. While attending Legacy Christian Academy in Frisco, I spent my final four years pouring into the craft and dreaming of one day turning it into a career.
I graduated in May of 2019 and moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma to begin my next chapter at Oklahoma State University. I thrived during my time there, but in March of 2021 — during the height of COVID-19 — the Lord called me back home. I transferred to the University of North Texas and went on to earn my Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising in May of 2023. Although returning home wasn’t an easy decision at the time, it became the biggest blessing in disguise.
Shortly after moving back, my photography business — Natalie Catherine Photo — blossomed into the dream I had been chasing since I was a teenager. Upon graduating, I had the honor of joining the staff at FriscoSTYLE Magazine as their photographer. My time with FSM has pushed me, shaped me, and given me incredible opportunities that have taken my work to the next level.
Today, I’m continuing to grow and evolve in my business, capturing the Lord’s beauty through a lens just as I always prayed I would. If you had asked me as a college freshman where I’d be in five years, I never could have imagined this would be my reality. I am beyond grateful to do what I love every single day — and to give God the glory through it all.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Building a photography business from the ground up has definitely not been a smooth or simple road. Photography is so much more than taking pictures — it’s learning how to run a business, market yourself, gain clients, build trust, and stay consistent, even when things feel uncertain. There were many seasons where I questioned myself, wondered if I was doing the right thing, or worried about whether I could truly make this passion a career.
But even in the hardest moments, the Lord has been so faithful. Every time I felt unsure or overwhelmed, He opened doors I didn’t even know to pray for. He placed the right people in my life, brought opportunities at just the right time, and continued to guide me step by step. Looking back now, I can clearly see how His hand has been over every part of this journey.
The challenges have shaped me, stretched me, and helped me grow — not just as a photographer, but as a person. And because of that, I’m incredibly grateful. What started as a childhood dream has become a thriving business that I feel honored and blessed to run every single day. I truly couldn’t have built it on my own, and I give God all the glory for where I am today.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work as a photographer is rooted in a deep love for people and an even deeper desire to capture the beauty God has placed in them. While I truly enjoy photographing anything and everything, my heart naturally gravitates toward portraits — especially senior portraits. There’s something incredibly meaningful about photographing someone at a pivotal moment in life, giving them images that reflect not just how they look, but who they are. I see portrait photography as storytelling, and I love bringing that heartbeat into every session.
Through my role with FriscoSTYLE Magazine, I’ve had the opportunity to photograph a wide range of businesses, restaurants, and local features, which has stretched me creatively and helped me grow in ways I never expected. On the personal side of my business, Natalie Catherine Photo, I focus more on lifestyle photography and portraits. Whether it’s seniors, families, couples, babies, weddings, or branding sessions, I love creating natural, joyful images that feel true to who people are.
What I’m most proud of is that this business was built completely from the ground up — something that started as a childhood passion and grew into a calling I never could’ve imagined for myself. The Lord has been faithful in every step, guiding my path, opening doors I didn’t even know to knock on, and turning a dream into a reality. I am constantly reminded that this gift and this career are from Him, and I’m grateful for every opportunity to honor Him through my work.
What sets me apart is both my creative style and the experience I give my clients. I approach every session with intention, energy, and personality. I want my clients to relax, have fun, and genuinely feel like themselves. My goal is that when they receive their gallery, the photos feel honest, natural, and uniquely “them.” Creating that comfort and connection is just as important to me as the final images — and I think that combination is what makes my work stand out. At the end of the day, photography is my way of reflecting the Lord’s beauty through a lens — capturing the light, the emotion, and the story that He has woven into each person. That is what drives my creative process and what makes this work so meaningful to me.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
As a creative photographer, social media has definitely played a big role in sparking ideas and inspiring fresh perspectives. The creative world is always evolving, and being able to see how other artists approach storytelling, light, color, and emotion has pushed me to keep growing. But at the same time, I really try to stay grounded in who I am. I never want to lose my own voice or get caught up in comparison. My goal is to let my work reflect my heart, my style, and the unique way God made me to see the world.
When it comes to life itself — staying centered, grounded, and intentional — my biggest source of guidance is the Lord. His teachings shape my mindset, my work ethic, my decisions, and the way I show up every day. Spending time in Scripture, prayer, and worship keeps me aligned with His purpose for my life and reminds me that everything I do is ultimately for His glory. That’s what helps me do my best, both in my career and in my personal life.
So while I’m inspired creatively by the world around me, my foundation comes from Him. That balance of creativity and faith is what keeps me moving forward with clarity, peace, and purpose.
Pricing:
- portrait sessions have various packages ranging from $350-700
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliecatherinephoto?igsh=MWZ1aGEyZncxdWFlMw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-embry-a79670127?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios
- Other: email — nataliecatherinephoto@gmail.com
Image Credits
Natalie Catherine Photo
