Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Cruz.
Hi Natalie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My creative journey actually started with music. As an artist, I was always drawn to the way a single song, image, or moment could tell a story and make someone feel something. Over time, that passion expanded beyond being in front of the camera. I found myself falling in love with capturing the moments happening around me through photography and videography.
What started as another creative outlet eventually became something much bigger. I began working with brands, businesses, events, artists, and other creatives, helping them capture not just how something looked, but how it felt. That experience has allowed me to build my own style and grow into the photographer, videographer, and content creator I am today.
What sets me apart is that I approach every project as both a creator and a storyteller. Coming from a music background taught me to pay attention to emotion, energy, timing, and the details that can turn an ordinary moment into something memorable. I don’t want my work to simply look good—I want it to make people feel like they were there.
I’ve continued to grow by challenging myself creatively, learning new skills, and working with people across different industries. At the heart of everything I do is the same passion I started with: creating something meaningful, capturing moments that can’t be recreated, and helping people tell their stories in a way that feels authentic to them.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the biggest challenges along the way has been learning just how time-consuming creating quality visuals can be. People often only see the finished photo or video, but behind every project are hours of planning, shooting, editing, color correction, and perfecting the smallest details.
I’ve had to learn how to balance creativity with time while still holding myself to a high standard. I never want to rush the process just to get something out. That challenge has ultimately made me more intentional, patient, and confident in the quality of work I deliver.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
By day, I work as an electrical solar engineer, but outside of engineering, I’ve built a creative career centered around marketing, photography, videography, and visual storytelling. Through my marketing business, I help brands and businesses strengthen their presence through high-quality content and visuals that are created with purpose.
I specialize in photography and videography, particularly capturing content that feels authentic, cinematic, and engaging rather than overly staged. My experience in marketing also allows me to look beyond simply creating a great visual—I think about how that content can actually connect with an audience and represent the brand behind it.
I’m most proud of being able to build a creative business while maintaining a demanding career in engineering. What sets me apart is that combination of technical thinking, creativity, and marketing strategy. I bring all three into my work, which allows me to approach every project with both an artistic eye and a bigger-picture mindset.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
For me, family will always come first. They are a huge part of the person I’ve become and a constant reminder of what really matters beyond work, business, and accomplishments. A lot of what motivates me is creating a life where I can make memories, experience new things, and have the freedom to share those moments with the people I love. No achievement means as much to me as being able to look around and know that the people closest to me are proud, happy, and part of the journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.instagram.com/shotbycruz_?mdxt=dm9iY3Nybms0YXB4
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natcruzmusic?mdxt=MzcxeHh3cmFpbW1m&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Bv7xUJ8Vv/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-cruz-25939237a?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios
- Other: https://linktr.ee/natcruzmusic
