Who We’re Following: Natalie Christensen aka @Natalie_Santafe

Name:

Natalie Christensen

Location:

Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA.

Full-Time Job:

Retired psychotherapist and now full-time consultant.

What Are Your Earliest Memories Of Photography?

I grew up in the 1970's and 80's....I remember my first Polaroid Instamatic so vividly. I took a lot of bad photos on that camera. I always loved looking at family snapshots and still do.

What Was The Image/Location That Made You Fall In Love With Photography?

I didn't start exploring photography as a creative outlet until I moved to Santa Fe a few years ago. I found my muse in Ricardo Legorreta's architecture and that was all it took. My subject matter has evolved but I still love a beautiful abstracted architecture shot.

Who Were Your Early Influences?

My mother was a painter and designer of interiors. She was always playing with colour and taught me about placement of objects in space. We were always rearranging something in the house. I was introduced to Mark Rothko's work in the 1980's and fell in love with his approach to conveying deep meaning through colour fields. Once I started making images, I found so much inspiration on Instagram and I still do. There are so many fantastic artists sharing their heart and soul through the images they make. I am lucky that they share it with me.

What Is Your Favourite Photograph On Your Instagram Page & Why?

An image titled “Are these chairs taken?” I am very drawn to swimming pools for their psychological symbolism and this one has a feeling of being a familiar scene but is very open to projection by the viewer. What just happened here? What is about to happen?

What Are Five Simple Steps To Taking The Perfect Picture?

I have no idea...I don't think I have taken one! I always start with strong light, a subject that has a psychological element, and a formal composition.

The Last Photograph That Took My Breath Away Was…

"Abby sees Hugh in the Front Hall" by Jessica Todd Harper.

I Don’t Think Photography Should Be…

Devalued. It is still in its infancy as an art form and has a long way to go.

Three Of My Favourite Instagram Accounts Are…

@llssfoto for her poignant exploration of American suburbia, @jimeyrejimeyrejimeyre for his emotive minimalism of London street elements, and @jokalinowski_ for her portraiture of the elderly and exploration of what objects are most important to us at the end of life.

Follow Natalie Christensen on Instagram, @Natalie_Santafe and check out more of her work on her website. 

Want to see more in the series? Check out our exclusive interview with independent photographer and architect, @Irini_Ioto.