I am a lifestyle pet and family portrait photographer based in Bedfordshire and many of my shoots take place in the beautiful parks around London and Hertfordshire. I love photographing kids and their dogs, capturing their personalities and the bond between them. The biggest compliment I had recently was from a mum when I had photographed her dog and children saying "Thank you, you have really captured the essence of Poppy and brought out the smiley, outdoorsy side of my children". I love working with natural light and two of my favourite seasons for photoshoots are Spring and Autumn because of the beautiful colours and gentle lighting.

I am also very passionate about wildlife and conservation and when I am not working I am taking photographs of some of the beautiful wildlife that can be found in the countryside and zoo’s across the UK, I have a special interest in Elephants and the Big Cats that are becoming critically endangered and donate many images to the conservation charities. Many of my wildlife images are for sale on Etsy https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/NatashaBalletta

I first picked up a camera when I visited Australia in 2007 for a holiday and that is where I discovered my passion for photography. I have always been passionate about wildlife and it was my dream to visit Australia. I am lucky to do the two things I love the most. With photography you see the world differently and appreciate the beautiful scenery that is around you more.  My goal is to travel more and to inspire people through my images to visit places they have never been to before. Despite being partially sighted, with photography I have found something that I love doing with a passion and I do not let my visual problems get in the way. When I am out photographing wildlife or pets I always try to capture their character and I hope that my photos tell a story.

Causes Close To My Heart

My first published book 'Nothing Beats a Staffie Smile' https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/666536390/rescue-staffie-stories-book-true-rescue?ref=shop_home_active_8&pro=1

Inside the book are heartwarming stories based on interviews with Staffie owners, foster carers and dog walkers of this misunderstood breed. You will read some shocking stories of how these dogs were not only used as breeding machines but how one was even found abandoned with a broken jaw! Changing people's perception on the Staffie breed is a cause close to my heart.

Online Photography Shops, Wildlife and Travel Gifts

I have set up some online shops through Etsy and Zazzle where I have some of my wildlife, flower, nature and travel images available for sale on prints, a variety of products including Throw Pillows, Tote Bags, Invitations, Mouse Mats, Phone Cases and Greeting Cards. Shipping is worldwide. If you would like to view any of my products please visit

www.etsy.com/shop/natashaballetta

www.zazzle.co.uk/natashaballetta

Charity work

All Dogs Matter Charity and helping to raise awareness of puppy farming.

Since July 2015 I have been a volunteer photographer for All Dogs Matter Charity and really enjoy photographing their events, I have met so many lovely people and their dogs. All Dogs Matter are based in North London, they are dedicated to helping dogs needing homes.

Photography Training and Workshops

I am a self taught photographer and over the last few years I have attended many photography training workshops which include Dog photography with Nick Ridley, Equine photography with Emily Hancock and Urban Rascals Course in London with Aspire Photography Training which I really enjoyed as it gave me a chance to photograph children in an Urban setting giving my customers something different to choose

I am proud to be a member of The Guild of Photographers where I have received awards for my images and attended some of their training days including Photo Hubs Training with Nikon Ambassador Kate Hopewell Smith.

 

“Photography is not
Just something you learn
It's not just taking a photo
It's something you feel and naturally see
It's a passion"