Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Hopes.
Hi Natalie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been drawn to visuals—my brain naturally thinks in pictures. That love for imagery led me to earn my bachelor’s degree in photography from the University of Utah. Since then, I’ve been building a career around what I love most: creating frozen moments in time. I’m passionate about setting scenes, designing sets, and telling stories through a single frame. My style blends fashion, editorial, and fitness photography—bringing high-energy, powerful subjects into a visually creative space. Whether it’s an emotion, a vibe, or a look, I aim to capture it in a way that feels bold, intentional, and visually striking.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. With the rise of photographers in Utah, it’s easy to feel lost in the crowd—especially when your style doesn’t always align with what’s popular in the area. I focus on editorial and fashion-inspired work, which isn’t always the norm here, so carving out space for that has been a challenge. Social media has also made it harder at times—getting shadow banned for my imagery limits how I can connect and grow online. But even with those struggles, I’ve stayed committed to my vision and found ways to keep evolving creatively.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in editorial, fashion, and fitness photography, often blending those genres to create bold, high-impact imagery. I’m most proud of earning my degree in photography and staying true to what I love, even when it doesn’t always align with local trends. I’ve never been one to follow the rules just for the sake of fitting in—my work is driven by inspiration, not algorithms. I think what sets me apart is my editing style, my eye for visual storytelling, and the fact that I shoot purely out of passion. This isn’t just work for me—it’s something I genuinely love doing, and that energy shows in every image.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was the youngest with one older brother who was passionate about film, so creativity was a huge part of our world. We spent hours making up stories with nothing but our imaginations. That sense of play and creative freedom really shaped who I am. I’ve always been loyal, loving, and someone who stands up for what’s right—even as the younger sibling, I was the one standing up for my brother and anyone I care about. I’ve always had a bit of a stubborn streak, but in the best way—I go after what I want and don’t stop until I get there. I loved being different, standing out, and embracing the weird—and honestly, I still do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://highhopesvp.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highhopesv_p/
