Nature-Inspired Ceramics: Natalie Totterdell's Journey and phone Photography Tips
Interview with Natalie Totterdell
Natalie creates handmade, natured-inspired ceramics on the Far South Coast, NSW.
I met Natalie Totterdell via my online Phone Photography Course community and fell in love with her earthy ceramics.
Natalie already had a love of photography which is a place great when you want to grow your skills. I've asked Natalie some questions about her business and phone photography.
questions about natalie’s work
When is your favourite time of the day in your studio space, and why?
I love early mornings in the studio 0 the day has so much potential and I have visions of getting a lot done.
Do you have a ritual that helps to prepare you for creating your work, if so, can you describe it?
No ritual - I just need to be flexible with two children around and grab whatever time is available, but I find I can still be creative this way.
Image - Photographed by Natalie on her phone camera.
I know I'm constantly filing visuals in my memory for later, and I wonder if you do the same? What are you inspired by?
I'm inspired by nature. Watching Honeyeaters glitter between blossoms, listening to Black Cockatoos shredding hakea nuts, watching fairy wrens more in the undergrowth - these moments are what I try to share when I carve some of my vases.
Can you describe to me your creative process?... do you sketch ideas out in a little book, or do you dive straight into the final piece?
I always sketch ideas on paper while attempting more intricate designs. I do this to do justice to the proportions, although it has become less necessary with practice. I then refer to my drawings when I carve.
What are some of your favourite tools you work with?
My favourite caving tools are the diamond core range from America.
Images - Ceramic vases photographed by Natalie on her phone camera.
How does living on the far south coast shape your life and your work?
I love the climate and culture on the Far South Coast. We are so lucky to be surrounded by so much beautiful coastline and bushland.
How do you replenish your creative energy?
Spending time in the garden by the beach or in the bush is how I become inspired to keep making and trying new things. Sitting in my garden with a cup of tea is my perfect start to the day.
questions about natalie’s photography
What drew you to the phone photography course?
I was starting to take a lot of product photos for marketing/social media, and I wanted to improve the quality of my photos. Being able to do the course online, from home, was ideal.
What photography tip/s really stuck in your mind?
Some of the Phone Photography tips that stuck in my mind were leading lines, rule of thirds and depth of field whenever I compose a photo. I may not think of all these every time I take photos, but I try to include some.
What branding/planning tips really stuck in your mind?
I found the moodboard activity incredibly useful. It's not something I would have even considered necessary, but after completing it I had a really focused idea of the aesthetics I needed to aim for when taking my photos.
Did you have any background/expertise in photography prior?
I've taken lots of photos of landscapes and wildlife but this was before phones however and I had neve done any still life/product photography.
How did you get started in taking photos for your business?
Experimenting with settings/backdrops kept me busy to begin with. I was inspired by all these amazing photos other creatives were taking and wanted to do likewise..
Image: Photographed by Natalie Totterdell (edit in google Snapseed).
