Nate Black
Nate Black is an Atlanta based photographer who has worked with the likes of Brandon Lake, Allen Stone, Miranda Lambert, Cody Carnes and Kari Jobe Carnes, Young The Giant, Passion Music and many more. He has learned to bridge the gap by capturing the life of the artist from behind the scenes to the stage. Using his documentarian style of storytelling he showcases how these artists/ bands are just like us and they use the gifts God has given them to create incredible music.
What dream are you currently turning into reality?
Since I was little I have wanted to be in the music scene, at that time I thought I was going to be a drummer, but God had a different plan. Then I started picking up a camera and taking photos of my friend’s band for their local gigs, and I realized that I wanted to be a music photographer. Now I am getting to work with artists across multiple genres and help people see the off stage side of some of these artists.
When did you first realize you discovered your dream?
Probably around 2013 or 2014 - I took photos for a local band here in Atlanta. I took my time editing the photos (on VSCO cause I didn’t know how to use Lightroom) and I thought “these are actually really good, I could make a career out of this”.
How does your faith go hand in hand with pursuing your dream?
There is a moment before I capture anything for any event or any project where I pray as I am walking into the venue - “Lord guide my hands, my eyes, my feet, my mind, and my heart”. Ultimately those are the moments where I understand why God wanted me there.
What’s one or two practical steps you take to keep moving forward?
I have had honest conversations with other creatives because they will hopefully push you to be better. Whenever I talk with Quincy Rice, Roxy Moure, Joe Royston, Lillian Sapp, or Austin Brayton - I get pushed to shift my perspective and take a new approach to the creative process, but also we get to bounce ideas off each other.
What encouragement would you share with someone who’s going after their dream?
Don’t try to be the best, just be willing to learn and grow from the many successes and mistakes. Jesus wasn’t looking for the best fisherman, He was looking for those that would put the work in.