for Papa Smokey 🖤
My name is Natalie, I’m from the US, and I’ve been living in Munich, Germany since 2023. Losing my grandpa a year after the move made me feel the distance. Papa Smokey was a photographer in the US Army, which led to him documenting so much of our lives thereafter. So, in his honor, I attempt to do the same.
When my camera’s in hand, I feel totally in touch with myself and my surroundings — absolutely grounded in the moment. To me, this is the beauty of analog photography. A moment in time made tangible. It’s therapeutic. I am only sorry I didn’t start sooner.
But hey, better late than never. I love the challenge of capturing spontaneity on film, but what drives me is the pursuit of capturing moments of purity between human beings (or dogs) and their environment. I’m developing my style, finding my stride, and will forever be a work in progress. And this is what I’m here to do — keep capturing moments that speak to me and tell you a story, remaining open and curious for what’s to come.