The Stick Of The Week! is Diana Nazareth. Diana is in the NOW as photographer and founder of Diana Nazareth Photography. Diana is a lifestyle family and child photographer, who also specializes in maternity, newborn and headshot photography. Her modern approach to photographing families is evident in the natural, warm and expressive quality of her work. A photojournalist by training, she is adept at capturing the quick and candid moments that unfold during a family photo session. As a result, her sessions are often described as real, relaxed, fun and creative.
Diana Nazareth
Diana Nazareth's ability to make kids feel comfortable and playful in front of her lens, is rooted in her calm and nurturing disposition and the experience that comes from raising two young and active boys of her own. She strongly believes that photography transcends by simply bringing a family together to have their picture taken and also provides them with a unique oppportunity to document the love they share. Diana takes great pride in crafting a family’s ‘visual story’ that is treasured for years to come.
Tell us about your NOW (Noodle On the Wall)
I am a lifestyle family photographer, which basically means I take a less traditional approach to family portraiture. My style is more candid, natural, authentic and my goal is to capture that unique bond that each family radiates when in front of my camera. I believe parents these days want candid images of their early family lives because they’re more in tune with how special and fleeting time is with their children. They want keepsake images that portray their level of involvement and commitment to each other, as opposed to static portraits with forced smiles and outdated clothing. Besides, I love being granted access to the love a family shares with one another. Documenting it makes me feel very fulfilled as a photographer. Lately, I’ve also been doing a lot of lifestyle headshot sessions for creative entrepreneurs interested in images that reflect their true personalities for their websites and social media needs. I also shoot a select number of weddings per year.
I am a lifestyle family photographer, which basically means I take a less traditional approach to family portraiture. My style is more candid, natural, authentic and my goal is to capture that unique bond that each family radiates when in front of my camera. I believe parents these days want candid images of their early family lives because they’re more in tune with how special and fleeting time is with their children. They want keepsake images that portray their level of involvement and commitment to each other, as opposed to static portraits with forced smiles and outdated clothing. Besides, I love being granted access to the love a family shares with one another. Documenting it makes me feel very fulfilled as a photographer. Lately, I’ve also been doing a lot of lifestyle headshot sessions for creative entrepreneurs interested in images that reflect their true personalities for their websites and social media needs. I also shoot a select number of weddings per year.
Is your NOW simmering, al dente or fully cooked and why?
I would say it’s al dente. Ideally, I’d be photographing about 4-5 families a week. I love it that much. But being a photographer also means being a business person and I have to invest a lot of time trying to attract families interested in my style of work.
I would say it’s al dente. Ideally, I’d be photographing about 4-5 families a week. I love it that much. But being a photographer also means being a business person and I have to invest a lot of time trying to attract families interested in my style of work.
What recipes can you give other Creative Moms Taking On The Creative?
Try and stay in shape while pursuing your dream. I still struggle with this, but I have to admit that there’s always time to dedicate at least 3 days a week towards exercise, whether it be simply going for a run, or taking my early morning spin class. Try to buddy up with a friend or even a fellow mompreneur. I’m more motivated when I know I’m being held accountable by my friend Natalie! I’m better at eating well and preparing healthy meals for myself and my family, but when I stay on track with an exercise routine of some sort, I instantly notice an increase in energy and over-all well being. And we all know Moms need a lot of energy!
What motivated you to throw your noodle?
I was burned-out from working full-time from home as a music publicist and desperately needed to make a change in my life. I had always wanted to return to my first love of photography and knew I had the skills and vision. In my twenties, I graduated from university with a track in photojournalism. Also, the advent and affordability of digital photography convinced me that making a living as a photographer was attainable. Ultimately, I really just wanted my boys to see me happy and in love with my work. I know this is not possible for everyone, but I wanted them to never hear me say I had regrets for not pursuing what truly fulfilled me.
What inspires you as a Mom and as a creative person?
Children really inspire me. I heard a well-known child photographer say that every person carries a light inside of them and when photographing children, that light is radiating, vibrant and alive. When photographing anyone, regardless of their age, I’m always looking for this child-like light.
My two boys also always inspire me but ironically, they don’t like being photographed so much. They’ve taught me to put down my camera and listen, listen, listen. And on the rare occasion that they allow me to take their photos, I’m truly grateful. This is usually when as a mom, I’ve given them what they really need…my time.
Try and stay in shape while pursuing your dream. I still struggle with this, but I have to admit that there’s always time to dedicate at least 3 days a week towards exercise, whether it be simply going for a run, or taking my early morning spin class. Try to buddy up with a friend or even a fellow mompreneur. I’m more motivated when I know I’m being held accountable by my friend Natalie! I’m better at eating well and preparing healthy meals for myself and my family, but when I stay on track with an exercise routine of some sort, I instantly notice an increase in energy and over-all well being. And we all know Moms need a lot of energy!
What motivated you to throw your noodle?
I was burned-out from working full-time from home as a music publicist and desperately needed to make a change in my life. I had always wanted to return to my first love of photography and knew I had the skills and vision. In my twenties, I graduated from university with a track in photojournalism. Also, the advent and affordability of digital photography convinced me that making a living as a photographer was attainable. Ultimately, I really just wanted my boys to see me happy and in love with my work. I know this is not possible for everyone, but I wanted them to never hear me say I had regrets for not pursuing what truly fulfilled me.
What inspires you as a Mom and as a creative person?
Children really inspire me. I heard a well-known child photographer say that every person carries a light inside of them and when photographing children, that light is radiating, vibrant and alive. When photographing anyone, regardless of their age, I’m always looking for this child-like light.
My two boys also always inspire me but ironically, they don’t like being photographed so much. They’ve taught me to put down my camera and listen, listen, listen. And on the rare occasion that they allow me to take their photos, I’m truly grateful. This is usually when as a mom, I’ve given them what they really need…my time.
Elijah and Andreas
How do you juggle Mamahood and your NOW?
I try to get as much work done as possible while my boys are at school. Juggling motherhood and my passion for photography means I have to be very organized. Every night, I make a list of everything I need to accomplish for the next day. This helps keep me focused. However, I’ve become very good at determining how much I can handle in one day. There’s always tomorrow.
What is your ultimate pasta dish?
This year my focus has been on teaching photography in schools. In May, I took a “Literacy Through Photography” workshop at the prestigious Centre for Documentary Studies at Duke University. I returned to Toronto with a profound sense that I needed to bring this program, which uses photography as a catalyst for self-expression, critical thinking and visual literacy, to Canada. So, my ultimate pasta dish would be to find a non-profit organization that would facilitate the introduction of this program to schools and youth and community centers across Canada. I’ve already begun piloting "Literacy Through Photography" workshops in Ontario, and hope to work with a few more schools before tackling a non-profit status. So, the water is boiling for my pasta dish!
Diana Nazareth Photography can be found on FACEBOOK and TWITTER
Also, check out Diana's BLOG
I try to get as much work done as possible while my boys are at school. Juggling motherhood and my passion for photography means I have to be very organized. Every night, I make a list of everything I need to accomplish for the next day. This helps keep me focused. However, I’ve become very good at determining how much I can handle in one day. There’s always tomorrow.
What is your ultimate pasta dish?
This year my focus has been on teaching photography in schools. In May, I took a “Literacy Through Photography” workshop at the prestigious Centre for Documentary Studies at Duke University. I returned to Toronto with a profound sense that I needed to bring this program, which uses photography as a catalyst for self-expression, critical thinking and visual literacy, to Canada. So, my ultimate pasta dish would be to find a non-profit organization that would facilitate the introduction of this program to schools and youth and community centers across Canada. I’ve already begun piloting "Literacy Through Photography" workshops in Ontario, and hope to work with a few more schools before tackling a non-profit status. So, the water is boiling for my pasta dish!
Diana Nazareth Photography can be found on FACEBOOK and TWITTER
Also, check out Diana's BLOG
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