Natalie Szczechowski, a dynamic photographer and event producer in New York City, has built a career around her passion for storytelling and visual expression. Originally from Texas, where she spent her early years and developed her interests in film and cinematography, Natalie’s journey has been anything but conventional. After moving to New York ten years ago, she tapped into the city’s vibrant creative scene, eventually founding Channel NYC, her own platform for sharing compelling visual narratives.

Before photography became her main focus, Natalie’s interests were diverse. "I grew up with a natural gravitation toward all things visual," she recalls. Her early exposure to film, television, and even acting led her to major in Film and Television at college. It was here, amid her studies and personal interests, that she began experimenting with photography.

What started as taking family portraits and weddings during her college years grew into a full-fledged career as demand for her work increased.

Channel NYC was born out of a simple need to showcase her evolving artistic vision. "It started as a zine influence," Natalie explains. "I used to make fake magazines as a kid, so it felt natural to want a platform to tell stories." Today, Channel NYC serves not only as a creative outlet for Natalie’s photography but also as a space to highlight diverse voices through artist interviews and visual storytelling. The brand represents much more than just a photography portfolio; it embodies Natalie’s mission to give a platform to marginalized voices and elevate underrepresented communities.

While photography remains her primary passion, Natalie’s career has unfolded in several directions. From event production to modeling, her diverse income streams reflect her multifaceted approach to the creative world.

Each path has contributed to her understanding of the importance of community and collaboration, which is evident in the projects she undertakes. "I think what sets me apart is my deep involvement with the various cultures that want me to capture them," she notes, reflecting on the diverse group of creatives she works with. "It’s not just about taking photos; it’s about recording moments that reflect the stories of the people involved."

As her career has flourished, Natalie has learned to navigate the complexities of work-life balance. “The last two years have been a learning curve,” she admits, acknowledging that for a long time, she struggled with burnout and imposter syndrome. But through these challenges, she found the confidence to set clear boundaries and demand the rates she deserved. "The more I realized my worth, the easier it became to say no," she says.

This newfound confidence has enabled her to focus on projects that genuinely align with her values, including collaborations with brands such as Only NY, New Balance, Nike, Dermalogica and several restaurants in the New York City area.

Looking ahead, Natalie envisions further growth personally and professionally. She continues to balance her work while keeping an eye out for new opportunities. "I’m excited to keep growing Channel NYC and expand the conversations around the work I do," she says.

Beyond photography, she also has a long-standing goal of moving to South Korea to teach ESL and eventually open an after-school program to connect kids to creativity. "I’ve always believed in the power of creative tools to shape a person’s life," she explains. For Natalie, her creative journey is just beginning, and she is determined to keep elevating stories, both through her lens and in her community.

Natalie Szczechowski Doesn’t Capture Just One Channel. She Captures Them All.

From Bronx Streets to Virgil Abloh Postmodern Scholar: The Rise of Jefferson Linares