Hello!

I'm Natalie and I am the one behind the camera and the Wild Oaks Photography business!

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I am a mom to four beautiful children here on earth, and two in heaven. I'm a born and raised Oklahoman, and love living the rural life. Fun facts about me; I have never lived in a town! I'm a country girl to the core and horses, nature, and hard work have always been a part of who I am. I also LOVE to travel and explore - not so much touristy areas, but more so places that really highlight other cultures and ways of life. My goal is to travel a lot more internationally once my children are older! 

 I also love history and literature. Charlotte Bronte & Jane Austen books/movies, The Lord of the Rings, Phantom of the Opera, Poldark and Outlander are some works that I could watch/read a thousand times and that give me inspiration! On my way to sessions, you'll most likely find me listening to cinematic movie soundtracks or listening to photography podcasts to set my mood right and get me in the groove. 

My husband, Josh, and I enjoy gardening and working with our animals on our little homestead. Nature truly is my happy place and a little dirt, mud, & wilderness never hurt my soul. I have a deep passion for caring for the environment and working with nature - not against it. Though I am far from perfect, I always try my best to respect the environment and leave no trace at my sessions. You will not find me popping plastic confetti into the air outdoors where it cannot be vacuumed or swept up. You will also not find me threatening the existence of fragile wildflowers by posing clients in a delicate patch. It is always important to me to leave a location better than I found it and be a good steward of creation.

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I first picked up a "real" camera while working for the Christian camp (Oakridge Christian Camp) I interned with as a teen/young adult and where I met my husband. A passion was born. 

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*A note on my AI convictions.

When AI first became available, I was fully on board. I downloaded all the things and attended a multi-day workshop all on how to incorporate AI into my business and get the most out of it. 

Since then, I started realizing the negative impacts of this new industry. I no longer choose to use AI for the time being until more regulations and safety precautions are incorporated. My photos are hand-picked and hand edited and I do my very best to avoid AI in my work. There are some situations where it cannot be avoided due to being built into the systems I use, but if this is also a subject you care deeply about, rest assured that I am not someone who is automating large parts of my business through AI. I do not hold anything against anyone who does but just wanted to share my personal convictions for those who also have that same view. 

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Love, Natalie