Nataki Hewling Interview | Respect the Shooter
Where are you from?
Virginia but lived on Staten Island for over 20 years.
How did you get into photography/videography?
When I was a freshman at VSU, my photography professor gave me an assignment and to make a long story short, she praised my work and told me that I had a great eye. After that, I continued to pursue photography and all things visual! When I moved to NYC in the late 90s, I rediscovered it and started shooting more and more.
What was your first camera?
Canon 35mm (It was my father's camera)
What camera do you currently use?
Nikon D800. Hoping to try out the Leica. I hear it's amazing. But I do love my Nikon.
How did you learn your craft and advance your skills?
Apart from taking a few classes here and there, I'd consider myself "self-taught." The experience I've had shooting everything from food to landscapes, and portraits has helped me a great deal. I'm still learning but hands-on experience has been a great teacher.
Do you have any nicknames? How did you get that name?
They called me Chyna in college. When I arrived on the VSU campus, I was 16 and excited to be there. I was walking on campus one morning and a guy asked me my name. I said Nataki like 6 times but he couldn't understand. I thought back to a name I had used to sign my work in screen-printing class in H.S., "Chyna," so I said loudly to him, "Just call me Chyna." He said "Okay Chyna Dollllll!" After that word quickly got around what my name was and I went with it. My college friends still call me Chyna. It's my alter ego.
If you could take photos of any 2 people who are alive today, who would they be?
Bethann Hardison and Grace Jones
If you could take photos of any 3 people who are no longer living, who would they be?
I'd love to photograph Langston Hughes, Eartha Kitt, and My paternal grandmother, Fidella Alexander
If you could take photos in any 3 cities what would they be?
I recently visited Nairobi and Masai Mara in Kenya and it was definitely on my list to photograph the Safari and I did. It was amazing. I'd love to go to Addis Ababa and shoot the people and the food, I love the blue hues in Greece, so Mykonos is on the list, and I can't get enough of photographing in Jamaica, take me back to JA any day.
What is your goal when you capture photos of someone?
My goal is always to show them being as real as possible. I don't like when anything is forced. I like it to be organic and natural.
What is your dream as an artist?
I want my visual stories to inform, inspire, and entertain my community and beyond. I don't know specifically what I'll do yet, but I definitely want to do all things food, fashion, and culture in a documentary-style way.
What music do you listen to when you edit photos?
I love to listen to Jasmine Sullivan when I'm in a mood, but usually just some nice smooth Jazz or a nice Quiet Storm mix.
What is your dream as a photographer?
I'd love to write and host a series in the style of Anthony Bourdain's "Parts Unknown" that showcases my photography of food, fashion, and culture as well.
What is some advice you would give to someone with a dream to be a photographer/videographer?
I find it very important to be confident and authentic. Educate yourself on new practices and techniques as photography continues to change.
What's your favorite app on your phone?
TikTok right now. I love how it allows me to create content about food, fashion, and culture including my videos and pics. It's a fun way to share all the things I love with my circle of friends.
Connect
Instagram: http://natakihewlingphotography
Facebook.com: http://natakihewlingphotography
Photography credit: Courtesy Nataki Alexander-Hewling
Website: http://hershotproductions.com
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