Words and Images by Natalie Grono

Interview by AnnaRose Goldwitz

What made you pursue photography?

I had always loved storytelling. This began with a love of film and books and being a keen chatterbox. I originally studied to become a journalist and, by chance, ended up in a photojournalism class, and then a few weeks in, I fell in love with photography. I ended up preferring this method of storytelling for its visual creativity and a career path that was more physically active.

How did you develop this series?

Series: Invisible threads

The series was born when I became a mother. It examines the daily rites and symbolism of the everyday life of my two daughters. I was intrigued that in childhood, somewhere between the creative world of fantasy and the sacred are moments that give birth to love and fears. I loved to witness my daughter's continuous dance between light and shadow, creating an invisible thread between one another and the places and landscapes they inhabited.

What challenges came up during this project?

Choosing what moments to share. When to capture and when to parent. Like many series, time is fleeting before you know it; childhood is just a memory.

Describe your creative process in one word.

Engagement

Can you walk me through your creative process from concept to final image?

It is about connection with energy and tuning into that.

What inspires you to pursue image-making?

It is my gateway to the world. I love engaging in life moments, observing them, and recording their relationship to light and shadow.

Do you prefer black and white or color photography?

For a long time, it was BNW. Now, I love them both for different reasons and various occasions. I recently photographed Holi in India; I felt it would be sacrilege to capture that in BNW.

Do you have any post-processing or editing techniques that you prefer?

Keeping things simple. When I learned on film, I loved my time in the dark room. Now that things have moved digitally, it's all about taking the photos for me and less time at the screen.

Natalie Grono ©
Feather and the Goddess Pool

Is there a selection of your work that you are most proud of?

I love the portrait Feather and the Goddess Pool.

I love that from my meeting with Feather, a friendship bloomed and that this portrait is the photo that people contact me the most about to let me know how it has inspired and empowered them and has changed or calmed their views and anxiety on aging and womanhood.

Was there one particular photographer and teacher who inspired you to pursue photography?

I learned a lot earlier in my photographic studies from photography books. The haunting beauty of Immediate Family by Sally Mann was a standout.

What do you enjoy most about being a photographer?

I am getting a front seat in life. I thrive on the fact that I never know where I am going, what I'll see, or who I will meet.

What was the last book you read or film you saw that inspired you?

I visit the cinema weekly. Recently, I was inspired by the film Freemont by Babak Jalali. And I am currently reading The Creative Act by Rick Rubin.

What advice would you give to people just starting out in photography?

Engage with what you're most passionate or intrigued about and hunt down photo books.

What is your favorite thing (podcast, album, audiobook...etc.) to listen to?

I am a typical Gemini; I love to listen to a wide range of material. Recently, I've been really into listening to mind-bending esoteric podcasts. Anything that challenges the status quo.

How do you take your coffee?

Old school, a strong flat white on cow milk.