let's be friends, wanna?

I’m coming to Hawaii! Thus a celebratory giveaway from the amazing, Everything’s Jake!!!

click here to open post Apr 15, 2012 | posted in giveaway, on the agenda | 76 comments

Winner is Jana Neser!
Congratulations, Jana!

That’s right! I’m headed to Hawaii! And what better way to celebrate than a giveaway from the AMAZING Etsy shop, Everything’s Jake!? (Yes, I will be available for a limited number of photo sessions; information available at the bottom of this post.)

Enter to win this Retro Hawaii Map (27×19)! I bought one for Richie for Valentine’s day and it’s even better in person. Slap a frame around it and you’ll die. LOVE.

PS. My family’s Hawaii roots run deep: Here‘s what I gave my mother in law for her birthday, and here‘s what I gave my sister in law for hers. I guess you could say I’m a BIG fan.

To Enter:

1. Leave a comment below, any comment will do.
2. Like this post on Facebook (using the button on the bottom of this post) and then COMMENT to that effect, and you’re entered again!
3. Tweet or Facebook the link to this post with the following text “Enter to win a retro Hawaiian map from Natalie Norton and Everything’s Jake.” And BAM, you’re entered again (be sure to come back and comment again, so I know you’ve posted).
4. Be awesome.
5. Share some aloha today!!!

Winner will be announced Friday, April 20th (on this post, so be sure to scroll down to see if you won)!  Good luck!

Hawaii Session Information:

Like I mentioned! I’m coming to Hawaii!!

June 4-July 17th! I’ll be available for A VERY LIMITED NUMBER of sessions on Maui the second week of July and Oahu the rest of the trip. Again, only very limited availability so I can snuggle up my babies (and my besties) and soak up some sun (and some RAIN). Contact me for session information. First come, first served.

Alooooooooha!

76 comments | add comment
  • Sharalee: Oh baby. We're headed to Maui next month and I was actually going to see if you would be on the islands at all for a session! But it looks like we'll miss you this time. Would still love the print, though! April 15, 2012 10:22 pm
  • Sharalee: liked it. like you! April 15, 2012 10:22 pm
  • Victoria: Oh! How fun! I would love to go to Hawaii! maybe some day! April 15, 2012 10:25 pm
  • Stacy: Enjoy your trip! Weather has been really nice here lately. April 15, 2012 10:42 pm
  • Melanie Toutai: Love love love his stuff!! And of course love you! What a fun giveaway :) April 15, 2012 10:51 pm
  • Melanie Toutai: Liked on fb! Xx April 15, 2012 10:53 pm
  • Melanie Toutai: Tweeted a link back to this post! Xx April 15, 2012 11:03 pm
  • Echo Allred: I need this. No really. I NEED this map. To help me on the days I wonder why we ever left this magical place. April 15, 2012 11:04 pm
  • Heather: I love this, nothing better than a little retro Hawaii! April 15, 2012 11:23 pm
  • Heather: I liked your post on facebook! April 16, 2012 12:36 am
  • Heather: and I tweeted it! April 16, 2012 12:40 am
  • Carol: I love that print! April 16, 2012 12:47 am
  • Carol: liked it on FB April 16, 2012 12:47 am
  • Carol: shared on FB :) April 16, 2012 12:50 am
  • Liz: How exciting!! Having just been home for most of March, I can relate to that feeling of anticipation - you'll have such a great time!! April 16, 2012 4:14 am
  • Kelly Crawford: Oh I would love to win this! April 16, 2012 4:59 am
  • Kelly Crawford: Liked it and reposted it on Facebook! April 16, 2012 5:00 am
  • Ashley: We were at BYU-H for the first 2 years of our marriage. This would be amazing!! April 16, 2012 5:26 am
  • Kate: Congrats on getting to go "home" for a while this summer. So excited for you! April 16, 2012 6:10 am
  • Heather: I want this! April 16, 2012 6:22 am
  • Erin Faye: Love that map!! I have the perfect wall for it to hang in my house! April 16, 2012 7:08 am
  • Megan: Love it! Would be the perfect gift for my hubby who is dreaming of a move to Hawaii :) April 16, 2012 7:08 am
  • Nancy: You are fabulous as is Hawaii! April 16, 2012 7:08 am
  • Megan: Liked it! April 16, 2012 7:09 am
  • Megan: tweeted too! April 16, 2012 7:12 am
  • Sylvie R.: i'll be in hawaii at the same time but sans family, otherwise, that would have been awesome to have you take our pics. I WANT THE MAP SOOOOO BAD! April 16, 2012 7:36 am
  • Sylvie R.: me likey on FB! April 16, 2012 7:37 am
  • beka: i love this print!!! i hope i win. thanks! April 16, 2012 8:31 am
  • amanda: not kidding- i MUST have this! i LOVE IT!!! April 16, 2012 8:37 am
  • Ashley Daley: Hawaii became my second home once I started at BYUH and my parents moved away from my childhood home in Southern Ca. This is where I grew up, this is where I made some of my best friends ever, this is where I learned very very valuable life lessons, and this is where I met the love of my life. I would LOVE to have this hanging in our apartment. Thanks for this opportunity! I did all the above steps. Aloha! April 16, 2012 9:08 am
  • Ashley Daley: Oh, I also liked your post and facebook shared it. :) Thank you! April 16, 2012 9:10 am
  • Jen Fritz: I miss you my Hawaii! April 16, 2012 10:29 am
  • AJ: oh cwap! I don't usually enter giveaways but this was is just too damn dreamy. count me in! April 16, 2012 11:25 am
  • Tina: Love this! I'm actually going to Hawaii (still can't believe it!) and will be in Kauai during those dates. Any chance you'll be on Kauai for a workshop? :). April 16, 2012 11:51 am
  • Tina: I liked it on FB! April 16, 2012 11:52 am
  • echoallred: entered twice. bam! April 16, 2012 12:05 pm
  • Traci Spries: I've seen this print before on etsy, LOVE IT! April 16, 2012 12:22 pm
  • Cathy: I would love to have a family session done in Hawaii! April 16, 2012 12:58 pm
  • Cassie Lee: I love this! I want to win!! April 16, 2012 1:04 pm
  • Cassie Lee: I posted this to my FB page!! April 16, 2012 1:06 pm
  • Becca: Amazing! April 16, 2012 1:09 pm
  • Jullee: Fun map..I would love to win it. I hope you have so much fun on your trip back. I haven't been back to Hawaii for a while and would love the chance. April 16, 2012 1:28 pm
  • Jenn A: Is there another word for jealous? Like BEYOND jealous you get to go back to the islands? Because that's what I am. April 16, 2012 1:36 pm
  • Jenn A: I posted it on Facebook, and I promise that if one of my friends enters and wins, I won't be mad. Well, maybe just a little. . . April 16, 2012 1:39 pm
  • JulieAnn: Aloha! What a fun giveaway. And I totally wish I could meet you in Hawai'i... April 16, 2012 1:58 pm
  • JulieAnn: I "liked" this. And I like you :) April 16, 2012 1:59 pm
  • Terra: I would LOVE this. We moved here just after you guys left but I feel like I know you since we took Jordan as our babysitter and have similar friends. :) Hope you are loving AZ. April 16, 2012 2:56 pm
  • Jana Neser: Oh I love it!! April 16, 2012 3:18 pm
  • Jana neser: I liked it on FB yo April 16, 2012 3:20 pm
  • Michelle: Maui No Ka Oi! April 16, 2012 5:22 pm
  • mary elizabeth: oh la la, that print is GORGEOUS! April 16, 2012 6:17 pm
  • mary elizabeth: i also tweeted about it! twitter name: maryplusvince April 16, 2012 6:22 pm
  • Nicole: ummm... yes please! April 16, 2012 7:20 pm
  • Nicole: Facebooked! April 16, 2012 7:21 pm
  • Athena: Oh how I miss the islands. Loving the retro map, I really need one to hang up and remind me of home. April 16, 2012 7:28 pm
  • Meagan: This map is amazing! I'd love to have it in my home as a reminder of our time at BYUH! April 16, 2012 8:43 pm
  • Donna N.: What a beautiful map. Would love to have it of course! I really like all his stuff on etsy. Nice!!!! April 16, 2012 9:18 pm
  • heidi: These are awesome!! Even if I don't win, I am so happy you posted this etsy shop! I've been looking for something like this. Thanks! April 16, 2012 9:25 pm
  • Carl B.: Rad map! Enjoy the Aloha state. We had a blast living there. April 17, 2012 6:14 am
  • Matti Parker: Hooray for Hawaii!! Way cute map! My favorite colors. April 17, 2012 7:16 am
  • Matti Parker: Shared it! Easy Peasy. I was laughing super hard and throwing my head back the other day....made me think of you. April 17, 2012 7:18 am
  • Matti Parker: I like this and I really really like that map. When I first moved away I avoided anything beachy or Hawaii. It made me cry too much. Now i'm ready to surround my house in Hawaii. Ok, now I just have to be awesome and go share some aloha. Thanks! April 17, 2012 7:21 am
  • Kerri Call: I want one badly. I'll just buy one if I don't win, but I have to at least try to win. April 17, 2012 12:43 pm
  • Kerri Call: I'm really putting in the effort for this map, I liked it on facebook too! p.s. i'm lovin all the az pictures, i grew up there and it makes me swoon to see pictures of the desert April 17, 2012 12:47 pm
  • Brisha Teo: LOVE this map!!! *fingers crossed* April 17, 2012 12:53 pm
  • Angi Hanzlik: Love this! I'm so excited for you and the family that you get to come back to the islands! Enjoy your trip and maybe I'll see you here. April 17, 2012 1:54 pm
  • Angi Hanzlik: Oh and By the way... I "liked" "tweeted" annnnnndddd shared the link. Aloha!! April 17, 2012 1:55 pm
  • Nick Kuchar: Thanks for putting this giveaway together! April 17, 2012 2:21 pm
  • Marianne Lacy: Oh Hawai'i. My home away from home. I miss the land, the culture, and the people terribly. Living on o'ahu was the greatest experience of my life- enjoy your time back on the Islands! April 17, 2012 2:39 pm
  • Jennie f: Oh how I love love love Hawaii. Especially that incredible place that is the north shore of Oahu. Excited for you to get back to your home. Aloha! April 17, 2012 6:49 pm
  • Kristi: Natalie...you don't know me, but after you take my families pictures while you're in Hawaii (please, please, pretty please) I'm pretty sure I'll be your new best friend. Because I already know you could be mine, times one hundred. You have inspired me so many times as i've read little snippets on your blog. If I happen to win the oober cool Hawaii map give away it'll be a bonus, but if you had time for a family photo shoot, super double bonus. Please contact me if I get lucky on either request! Woot. Woot. I'm thrilled at the possibility. April 18, 2012 3:55 am
  • Kimberly: Went to Maui for our honeymoon! Hawaii will always hold a special place in our hearts! Would love love love this print. :) April 18, 2012 4:17 am
  • Stephanie J: Love this map...what great memories i have of my 5 years in Hawaii!! Have fun visiting Nat! April 18, 2012 11:56 am
  • ellen patton: If I win I'll give the map to my nephew who graduated from BYU-Hawaii last year. April 18, 2012 1:34 pm
  • Victoria: I tweeted it too! April 18, 2012 4:48 pm
  • lindsay: I'm in!!! Totally would love a cool map in our new home! Did Keli'i contact you? ... and mention that we're buying a house out there? So stoked!!! I need to pick your brain about some logistics. :) April 19, 2012 11:46 am

Be who you are.

click here to open post Apr 12, 2012 | posted in Authenticity, Inspire, Personal | 11 comments

I love this quote so much.

I’m really working on GROWING right now. I’m reeeeeeeeeeaching, learning, changing, embracing, submitting.  I’m committed to living deliberately, and part of that commitment requires me to take a long hard look into every corner of my life to determine if it’s all intentionally aligned with my heart.

It’s hard.

I think it would be hard for anyone. But one of my biggest revelations throughout this process has been how deeply difficult the process has been for me. I’m finding untapped reserves of grief along with other emotions that I didn’t know I’d harbored. This introspection is intriguing. . . and painful. . . and deeply frustrating, in a nearly infuriating kind of way . . . but underneath alllllll of that, it’s worth it.

I just want to be me. Healthy. Happy. Complete. Whatever that takes, whatever that means, mostly so that my children have permission to do and be the same.  I don’t want to set any example for them but that of LOVE, AUTHENTICITY, CONNECTION, COURAGE, KINDNESS and JOY.

So here I am. . . reaching, learning, changing, embracing, submitting. . . being me.

11 comments | add comment
  • Kate: Way to go!!! April 12, 2012 3:20 pm
  • Jon Lang: Natalie, thank you for being who you are and doing what you do. I read your blog and find things so applicable to my life and the challenges and successes that I am living. I love learning, wherever I come by it, and often it is on your blog! Aloha April 12, 2012 6:10 pm
  • mer: seriously woman.... you.are.STUNNING! love you to the moon :) April 13, 2012 8:24 am
  • Amie W: I could feel every word echoing in my soul. How you do that has me in awe. Thank you for sharing your soul. Your courage is a standard to be followed. April 13, 2012 10:35 am
  • Jo Thomas: Oh Nat, I could only think of one thing to say... I love you... being you. Just keep growing, you have a lifetime ahead of you to keep bettering it. Thank you so much for your ever inspiring perspective and the quote. xxx April 14, 2012 7:22 am
  • nicola Cross: I don't feel so alone... or nuts..... anything is better than stagnating and i find more and more i accept the hurt and relax it .... disipates... apparently everyone knew this but never told me..... go figure. Thank you. :) April 14, 2012 8:25 am
  • Liz: I love the capitalized words at the end - especially JOY. Having really not tried to find or let myself experience it in the last couple of years, I would love to find all those words in my life again, but especially that one. What's that other quote? Be yourself, because no one else can be you? Or something like that! :) April 15, 2012 1:49 pm
  • natalie: Nicola, It's amazing how it all works. The pain is actually a means to the peace. I didn't know either. . . until I did. You know? Blessings to you. April 15, 2012 9:13 pm
  • natalie: Jon, Thank you so much. You made my day. :) xo! April 15, 2012 9:16 pm
  • MUSTS | Gina Zeidler MUSTS | Destination Photographer based in Minneapolis, MN: [...] list). I am committing to these! Why? Because I want to be ME. The best me. Natalie wrote in her blog post last week and I couldn’t say it better “I just want to be me. Healthy. Happy. Complete. [...] April 16, 2012 1:04 pm
  • Sally: Can I just say I LOVE your blog. Every.single.time I pop in here I find something inspiring I needed to hear. Thank you and Aloha from the bottom of my soul. April 19, 2012 10:14 pm

Happy Easter + remember that time I photographed a beautiful little angel’s funeral?

click here to open post Apr 08, 2012 | posted in Baby Gavin, God is Good, Inspire, Personal | 67 comments

A few months ago, I was sitting on a curb at the boy’s school, watching them hi ya their way through Karate class out on the soccer field.

A beautiful blonde woman came and sat near me. I’m not sure how our conversation began, but within 45 seconds (it seemed), we were both in tears. Her daughter, Kalyn . . . was dying. And there wasn’t anything anybody could do to change it.

Two strangers. . .

Sitting on the curb. . . in the middle of the desert. . . relating on such a personal and intimate level. Never try to tell me that God is not meticulously mindful of his children.

The two of us, through tears, spoke of love and loss . . . of faith and hope. We spoke of fear and courage and submission to the perfect(ly terrifying) will of God. We only had moments together, before we were surrounded by noisy boys, ready for their momma’s undivided attention. Through misty eyes, I quickly told my new friend that I would be more than willing to photograph Kalyn’s funeral when the time came (at that point, she was optimistic that they had as many as 6 months to go, if not more).

Lisa and I lost touch for a couple of months after our “chance” encounter at Karate that day. 2 months later, almost to the day, Raleigh came home from school and told me that a little boy in his class had lost his big sister to cancer. I immediately knew it was Kalyn. I tracked Lisa down, and 2 days later, I found myself facing the most challenging shoot of my career. How would I even BEGIN to know how to approach this? I turned to Heavenly Father and essentially said, you got me in to this mess. . . you certainly better help me out of it. :) Not really (um. . .yes, really).

Today is Easter, and as I spent some time preparing this slideshow from beautiful Kalyn’s funeral, I was reminded of the astonishing POWER of the atonement and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

POWER OVER DEATH?! When we say “glory to God,” GOSH! We certainly mean it.

I’m so thankful for my understanding. I’m so thankful for my relationship with God and his son, Jesus Christ. I testify that EACH of us are KNOWN and LOVED by our Savior. He is our literal spirit brother, and he is EVER mindful of our welfare. He is ever accessible. As we cast our burdens upon him, they are made light. This is TRUE. And always so.

Happiest Easter!

Without further ado, sweet Kalyn. She was loved DEEPLY by all who knew her. . . her family, very most of all. So thankful to know, that because of Jesus Christ, their separation is only temporary.




Remember this BEAUTIFUL SONG written for us by our (now) friend, Ryan Tanner? It’s dripping with love. I couldn’t find a THING that was more fitting than this.

(Thank you, Jon, for giving me the courage to do this in the first place. You taught me what a real treasure these images can be. I’d say it again, but you already know how very much I love you.)

67 comments | add comment
  • Jessica: Natalie this is beautiful! I'm holding back sobs! What a a beautiful blessing these pictures will be to this family. I was able to photograph my grandfathers funeral last December and it was such a precious experience. thank you for sharing this :) April 8, 2012 10:13 pm
  • Ruth Kongaika: Very beautiful tribute to an obviously sweet girl. Your photography is sensitive and expressive. Very inspirational. April 8, 2012 10:13 pm
  • Kate: Stunning stunning stunning. I was so touched. April 8, 2012 10:15 pm
  • Kim: Beautiful. Tears. Well done my friend. April 8, 2012 10:17 pm
  • Kelly: Revelation 1:15-18 was part of our Easter message today. Your post reminded me of it, because Jesus called Himself "the everliving"...which our pastor said means "ever-available"! That is such an awesome thing. He's not only on the other side of the veil waiting our arrival, He is HERE. When Jesus put His hand on John and touched him He said, "Do not be afraid." He was saying, "It's Me. You know Me. It's okay." We will see Jesus one day, and we will drop to our knees in awe and wonder! But He will say to us, "Do not be afraid." It's Me. You're mine. It's okay. This was very beautiful, Natalie. That meeting between you two moms was ordained. She needed you right at that very time in her life and God knew it. You're a true blessing. :) Happy Easter. April 8, 2012 11:36 pm
  • Kirsten: Your photography is magical and emotive. Even of a funeral. Especially of a funeral. April 9, 2012 3:07 am
  • Darlene: Natalie what incredible photos - you capture the day beautifully thank you for sharing. I have mixed emotions about viewing this post because I have breast cancer and have been staying positive so viewing a funeral was on my list of things to do but your photos were incredible especially being in b&w. April 9, 2012 3:08 am
  • Kelley Danielson: Natalie - I love you!!!! You are amazing. This tribute is wonderful, and beautifully created... I LOVE YOU!!! Darlene - Stay Stong, Fight like a girl :) and big hugs to you!!! xoxo April 9, 2012 8:54 am
  • Damaris @KitchenCorners: My biggest fear in life is that I'll have to bury one of my children. These pictures made me sob, but at the same time they brought so much peace. You are so good at being a tool in the lord's hands. April 9, 2012 10:01 am
  • shannon m: So touching and beautiful. April 9, 2012 10:14 am
  • crystal winger: You were meant to do that for that family, could not have been any one better. So sad, but such a beautiful goodbye. April 9, 2012 10:16 am
  • Shari Hanson: those two little ones, peering down over the edge of the grave... oh there are no words! not only were you placed in Lisa's life as a gift from God, you were placed in mine. i hope you know just how truly special and loved you are. i had never seen funeral photos until I saw baby Gavin's... and after that all I could think was how special those images are to your family. what a special gift to give to Kalyn's family. xoxo MUCH LOVE! and p.s. DARLENE - the Savior knows EXACTLY HOW YOU FEEL. you are not alone. April 9, 2012 10:52 am
  • April: I am sure these will be such a treasure for the family, great work! April 9, 2012 11:23 am
  • Elena: Absolutely beautiful!!!!!! April 9, 2012 3:27 pm
  • Jenni: Beautiful. You are such a blessing in so many people's lives, including ours. Absolutely beautiful. April 9, 2012 5:58 pm
  • Angela: Oh so beautiful. April 9, 2012 8:28 pm
  • Jess Cudzilo: Some of the most beautiful images I've ever seen. So much love to you and that sweet, sweet family. April 9, 2012 8:51 pm
  • Kelly: so beautiful Natalie. its amazing the beauty you could pull in such a painful event. you are a truely gifted person. April 9, 2012 8:53 pm
  • Bekki webb: Ok how crazy is it that I used to be her primary teacher when she was 3-4 shewastge cutesy an sweetest little girl. April 9, 2012 9:13 pm
  • Becky: I am a mess. Your are amazing. Thank you for sharing the beautiful gift that He has given you with this family.and with us. April 9, 2012 9:24 pm
  • Leonila: I feel so sad for the family who lost their daugther. Condolence. But we believe that Families can be together forever. Thank you Natalie for sharing this. It is so touching. April 9, 2012 11:45 pm
  • Cherokee: There are no words. Your strength, your talent and your heart continue to touch me. May God bless Kalyn's family. April 10, 2012 12:45 am
  • Michele: What a gift you have given this family at a time of such loss. Beautifully sensitive, filled with emotion, simple yet powerful, and just... moving. You moved me. April 10, 2012 3:14 am
  • Stacia: Natalie, What an incredible gift you have given this family during such a tragic time in their lives. Your vision and voice through these images is one of experience and understanding. I'm sure you have not only given them treasured photographs but also strength and faith and hope. I'll be thinking of them and sending all of those things their way as well. xoxo. April 10, 2012 5:13 am
  • Dolly: I was not expecting to be so moved. My eyeballs got very sweaty. I thought my tear ducts gave up this month after my world was changed forever this year. These IMAGES and THAT SONG... It's pure poetry. April 10, 2012 8:23 am
  • Amy Cole: This touches my heart and speaks to me. This will be such a blessing for the family. Beautiful. Tearful. and blessed. April 10, 2012 11:44 am
  • Shelly: You were very brave to do this, Nat! Very beautiful work -- so touching. My prayers go to this sweet family for what they're going through, and thankfulness for you and your generosity of spirit. Love you!! April 10, 2012 1:07 pm
  • Donna N.: Natalie, this was beautiful and powerful. THIS is why, YOU are why I will see you in July. April 10, 2012 9:17 pm
  • Malone: Hello, Natalie. We don't know each other, but I have been a fan of your work for quite a while, and I pray for your family. I too recently photographed a child's funeral, and it was truly the most difficult thing I ever did. I hadn't seen these beautiful images yet, but I have to say, the photos you posted of baby Gavin's funeral, gave the courage and motivation I needed to make sure the parents could always remember their last moments with their little one. I haven't got any children yet, so I couldn't possibly understand what they were going through, so thank you, once again, for showing that these images will be treasured. April 11, 2012 3:28 am
  • Jennifer: Sister! As usual you caught the beauty in such a tragic time! I love you and your work continues to amaze me! April 11, 2012 4:04 am
  • egle b: Your blog was always something special and I believe I never left a comment here. This time is different. It must take a lot of strength to photograph a funeral. You did it in such a sensitive way. It's so special... April 11, 2012 5:08 am
  • sarah: Heartbreaking, beautiful. You have a gift, thank you for sharing it. Many prayers will be said in this sweet families behalf. xo April 11, 2012 10:21 pm
  • Aloysius: no words could express the depth and essense of what you have captured. Bless you. Just happened to see your page and was inspired. By the way I am Aloysius from India. April 12, 2012 1:02 am
  • ellen patton: Those photos definitely tell the story of someone who was loved by many. They are beautiful. April 12, 2012 12:03 pm
  • Heather: Having buried a child of my own my heart goes out to you and to this family. At such a difficult time, I know that I would love to have had such beautiful images of that day. To remind me of the love that surrounded us during that wretched and tender time. Truly a gift and treasure you have given them. April 12, 2012 1:12 pm
  • Emily: Oh, wow. Read your post on DPS today, and followed the link over here. Seriously weeping. The images are beautiful and raw and real. As one who lost a brother when we were both teenagers, I'm sure these images are and will be a precious gift to the grieving family. Thank you for sharing your heart! April 13, 2012 8:28 am
  • How to Photograph a Funeral :: 4 Tips I Hope you Never have to Use | Basic Digital photography ( Let s Photo): [...] Two months later, I found myself in a room filled with grief stricken friends and family, tearfully saying “goodbye” a beautiful little angel, Kalyn. (You can read the whole story, here.) [...] April 13, 2012 8:54 am
  • How to Photograph a Funeral :: 4 Tips I Hope you Never have to Use | clickshots: [...] Two months later, I found myself in a room filled with grief stricken friends and family, tearfully saying “goodbye” a beautiful little angel, Kalyn. (You can read the whole story, here.) [...] April 13, 2012 9:30 am
  • How to Photograph a Funeral :: 4 Tips I Hope you Never have to Use - Digital Photo Help: [...] Two months later, I found myself in a room filled with grief stricken friends and family, tearfully saying “goodbye” a beautiful little angel, Kalyn. (You can read the whole story, here.) [...] April 13, 2012 10:33 am
  • Madie: We too lost a Sister, Daughter and Friend to cancer in 2007 when she was just 14 years old. These pictures brought all the memories back of that day we had to say goodbye. You did a beautiful job of photographing and capturing those precious, but oh so hard moments. April 13, 2012 1:06 pm
  • michaela: you did a beautiful job. what an amazing gift you could give to this grieving family. i'm in tears. you can feel the emotion in those photos. very powerful. April 13, 2012 1:11 pm
  • Silke: Oh Natalie, if only I had seen this earlier. What a wonderful gift you gave this family. We were away over Easter and got the news that the 15year old daughter of our friends had died. Day after we returned we had to go to the funeral and I had zero time to think a clear thought. Not sure if I could have done it, this girl's death was very close to home and I couldn't speak, say the prayers, sing, nothing. Maybe shooting the event and documenting the love that was in the room would have kept me busy and I would have functioned somehow. I would have loved to create such wonderful memories for the family. Thanks for this post, still learning so much from you. Much love x April 13, 2012 11:19 pm
  • Pablo Millan, Jr.: Hello from the far side of the globe Ms Natalie. A big amen to your very touching post. I was browsing for photography tips but came away with much much more. I lost my mom more than 2 years ago (September 1, 2010 seven days before my birthday) and altho I'd like to say me and my siblings have moved on...somehow for me, something infinitely small refused to heal. Your post possibly showed me how. God Bless to a sister in Christ! April 14, 2012 4:37 am
  • Brenda: Absolutely stunning. How blessed you have been to have been trusted with such a special gift and opportunity to use that gift . God put you right where you need to be and you did Him proud. April 14, 2012 6:13 am
  • Joey Bouchard Photography How to Photograph a Funeral :: 4 Tips I Hope you Never have to Use: [...] Two months later, I found myself in a room filled with grief stricken friends and family, tearfully saying “goodbye” a beautiful little angel, Kalyn. (You can read the whole story, here.) [...] April 14, 2012 11:26 am
  • pamela telgenhoff: amazing...absolutely moving and amazing! April 14, 2012 4:46 pm
  • Photography at a Funeral: How Images can Heal « vitalityimages: [...] am so glad I read it, not for the 4 tips, but for the story and backstory. I suggest you do so by clicking the links above or the rest of this post will not [...] April 14, 2012 4:51 pm
  • marc: i have no real faith, but I admire those that do. if i ever acquired it, i would decline and say it should be passed on to you to give you even more strength. thank you and i am in awe of you and your family. may you find peace April 15, 2012 7:02 pm
  • natalie: Marc, What a heartfelt comment. Thank you. April 15, 2012 9:11 pm
  • natalie: Pablo, God bless YOU. April 15, 2012 9:14 pm
  • natalie: Emily, Thank you. Blessings to you. I know, the pain never completely goes away. We just grow around it. With love, N April 15, 2012 9:15 pm
  • darlene: thank you for this lovely photo essay ... you love and sincere care shine through .... i, too, like you and the family, hold the same beliefs of a god who loves us and sent his only begotten son to help us back to live with our loving heavenly father .... your video shows that so explicitly ..... April 19, 2012 10:44 am
  • Mindy: Can't speak through my tears . . .such beautiful, powerful images. April 19, 2012 11:48 am
  • Lynnette: this is beautiful Ms Natalie. and was touched by the words of God. blessings to you. love from Malaysia April 19, 2012 6:02 pm
  • Suzette: Imagine doing a funeral of a 4year old boy 5 and a half years after you have barried your elder son...the test was to contain yourself and capture the beauty of the caring people surrounding the grave... April 20, 2012 5:47 am
  • Melody: Natalie, So very beautiful. I lost my sweet 17 year old daughter this past October in a car accident. How precious that the family has these beautiful photos to look back on. I would have loved to have the same at my daughter's funeral. You are so precious and such a beautiful person... inside and out. Sending love. Melody April 20, 2012 2:16 pm
  • Kerry: How did I stumble across this story, it is truly inspirational! Thank you so much for sharing this story & the video is beautiful! There are no words at the moment, just buckets of tears! April 20, 2012 3:48 pm
  • Holly: Wow, Natalie! Watching this definitely resulted in tears. Not only because of what this family has gone through, but for gratitude to my Saviour Jesus Christ. I'm so grateful for the knowledge I have, of the Plan of Salvation, and for the Atonement of Christ. What a beautiful, sweet young woman, similar age to me, that is now, no doubt, wrapped in the merciful arms of her Saviour. Such a beautiful powerpoint, incredible job with the photographs. April 20, 2012 11:12 pm
  • Deb: Wow! What a beautiful way for the family to continue to feel the love and support for them--the hugs and activity they weren't able to notice at the time they are now able to see. April 21, 2012 7:03 am
  • natalie: Melody, I'm so sorry to hear about your daughter. All my love and prayers to you as you navigate this hell. I pray that you will find LIGHT and LOVE along the way. Natalie April 23, 2012 9:05 am
  • Melinda: Tears. You really have a way of capturing emotion. Thank you for sharing this. Each image is amazing. Especially the little boy wiping a tear as they lower the casket. <3 May 5, 2012 12:29 am
  • Natalie Norton, delicadas fotografias de un funeral: [...] ser querido, sin caer en la falta de respeto. En Xataka Foto | Fotografía Post-Mortem Fotográfa | Natalie Norton Vía | Fotografia.com Fuente: [...] May 14, 2012 1:10 pm
  • gifts and hobbies and observations……… « The fat diaries: [...] http://natalienortonblog.com/2012/04/08/happy-easter-remember-that-time-i-photographed-a-beautiful-l... [...] July 6, 2012 1:28 am
  • Jennifer: The words you posted above were so touching and then seeing the documentary photographs was just .....wow! I am so touched. Someone posted your photography is senstive and expressive and I would have to agree. So beautiful. November 13, 2013 4:11 pm
  • Christine Anne Matias: Absolutely beautiful the Lord definitely sent angels to guide you with these photos. It was so graciously done with most dignified photographs. With so much love shown and kids curiosity too, the photo of the two little ones looking down into the grave is beautiful. Congratulations in a job well done. April 21, 2014 3:39 am
  • jenny: That was so beautiful. I wish I could have afforded something like that at my fathers funeral. May 13, 2014 8:30 am
  • maryellen: I came across this accidentally. You did a really breathtakingly beautiful job. And what strength you must have. Thank you and God bless you. November 13, 2014 8:25 pm

Millie May.

click here to open post Apr 05, 2012 | posted in Family Portraits, maternity photography, Portraits | 13 comments

Nope. Not her real name. Well, the Millie part is, just not the May. There’s a little boy growing in that cute little tummy of hers! I can’t wait to snuggle him in May!  PS Millie started working for me a couple of weeks ago! So excited to have her!

I love these next two more than anything. Ever.

13 comments | add comment
  • Shefali Lindsey: I LOVE what gorgeous mamas-to-be pregnant gals make! She falls into that category! Beautiful, beautiful photos, Natalie! AND, PLEASE, you make one hot mama, too!!! April 6, 2012 7:09 am
  • Shari Hanson: true to form, gorgeous! xoxo April 6, 2012 2:52 pm
  • Shelly: These are fantastic! April 7, 2012 9:30 am
  • Natalie: Shefali, Isn't she stunning? And she's twice as sweet. April 7, 2012 12:18 pm
  • Natalie: Shari, you are my biggest fan. I love you. April 7, 2012 12:18 pm
  • Natalie: Shelly, THANK YOU! I love you!!! I actually knew you'd love these when I shot them. The colors made me think of YOU! April 7, 2012 12:19 pm
  • sarah: millie, i like your sweater. we are twinners! (http://www.ellieandrenard.com/2012/03/27/bad-hair-day/) you are gorgeous, lady! beautiful photos natalie, as always! April 8, 2012 8:45 am
  • Amy: Love Millie and LOVE these photos! Beautiful work!! April 13, 2012 4:31 pm
  • Aruba Weddings by Crooze: Lovely portraits. Beautiful use of natural backlight! October 6, 2016 3:21 am
  • Mike: What amazing looking photos, I love seeing quality work. May 25, 2018 5:31 pm
  • General Contractors Victoria: You have an amazing talent for photography! Please keep up the great work. February 7, 2019 10:53 am
  • Airport Car Service Long Island: What a beautiful mom to be. They always have that special glow the closer they are to giving birth :) May 29, 2019 7:53 pm
  • drywall repair: Awesome maternity pics! She is glowing! April 29, 2020 12:43 pm

click here to open post Apr 05, 2012 | posted in Baby Gavin, Brother Gavin, God is Good, Inspire, Personal | 14 comments

Sometimes, the missing* rolls in. Like a wet, heavy fog across the desert.

And it fills EVERY PORE OF MY BEING—every crevasse of my parched heart.

I look around. Everyone with their perfect babies, and their perfect pregnancies, and their perfect families. And my heart cries out. Tears stream down my cheeks and fall shamelessly upon my chest.

Life continues. PEOPLE continue. Continue to laugh, and smile, and love. . . and breeeeeeeeed.

I wouldn’t have it any other way. I WOULD NOT HAVE IT ANY OTHER WAY. AND—

And the line between my joy for them and my ache for me. . . is at times, imperceptible. My family is still broken. Signs of grief, pain and overwhelming devastation still float to the surface from time to time. Often, they’re overwhelming, other times, they are tender and sweet. . . either way, they keep us connected to what’s true and real about the world, connected to the things that matter most. Connceted to our God and sealed to our faith in His plan for us.

I want to heal. I want to BE healed. I want my family to heal, my children to be made whole.  I desperately want these things. But healing prematurely would equate to lessons lost. And I want the lessons more than I don’t want the pain. As bitter as those words taste leaving my heart, they are true.

Because I don’t just want to live. I WANT TO LIVE!!!!!!! I want to FEEEEEEEEEEEL. I want to BE—alive in my heart, in my understanding, in my influence. I want to be alive in my integrity. I want to say—”LIFE IS GOOD, GOD IS REAL, LOVE IS ALL AROUND US,” and when I do, I want to know it. In every pore. In every breath. In all of me.

I WANT.TO.LIVE.

*Dear You, The line between missing, self pity and overwhelming fear, is often imperceptible. THAT IS OK. Please know that. Sweet you, out there missing, hurting, wishing to be anywhere but here. It’s OK. YOU are OK. I do not judge your hurt. I do not ask you to quiet your pain, or to hide (from) your self pity, or self loathing, or from your desperation (wishing that it could all be different—willing to do anything you can to make it so). “Wherever you are, be there.” This wisdom comes from a heart that knows. A heart that would never judge you. Not ever. Don’t you dare judge yourself. You wake up every morning, and you breathe in and out all day long. Don’t you see the miracle that you are? Are you so clouded and confused that you are incapable of seeing what you are doing? You are walking on water. Despite it all, you breathe in and out all day long. In and out. All day long. You are a miracle. Just as you are. Do not judge that. And know, He “will go before your face . . . on your right hand and on your left, and [His] Spirit shall be in your hearts, and [His] angels round about you, to bear you up.” There are better days ahead. There are.

14 comments | add comment
  • Kate: Thank you for living April 5, 2012 12:23 pm
  • Ann Allred: (((((HUG)))))) April 5, 2012 12:35 pm
  • Erin Davenport: You are so courageous. Thank you for being so very open. Lots of love to you! April 5, 2012 12:36 pm
  • Kim Orlandini: I feel like you wrote this just for me today. How did you know? Tears. Weeping. Ugly. Tears. April 5, 2012 12:36 pm
  • Shefali Lindsey: Natalie, please know this...YOU. ARE. AMAZING! *hugs* April 5, 2012 1:47 pm
  • jaclyn: sending you peace and hugs, love and prayers. there is so much truth in your words, which is why i look forward to every time you post. i am currently reading, "one thousand gifts" by ann voskamp and she made a statement that sunk deep into my soul and brought me hope in my own painful journey. Hoping it will do the same for you: "I wonder too . . . if the rent in the canvas of our life backdrop, the losses that puncture our world, our own emptiness, might actually become places to see. To see through to God." > April 5, 2012 2:25 pm
  • Sidney Morgan: Natalie, i've been following you for a long time and keeping up with you through your blog. I am in love with your heart. Thank you so so so much for sharing this today. Sending you BIG hugs. April 5, 2012 5:43 pm
  • Talisha Reupena: I love your words and cannot fathom the pain that you go through on a daily basis. I hurt for you and others like you that have lost loved ones physically. As I sat watching General Conference, listening to President Monson speak of death and about Robert Blatchford's book, I thought of you. I thought of you as our prophet said these words, "Death is not what some people imagine. It is only like going into another room. In that room we shall find...the dear women and men and the sweet children we have loved and lost." I know that you have an understanding of the love and tender mercies the Lord has for you and everyone else. I thought of your Gavin being with your brother. I pray for comfort for you and your family. I look forward to the reunion of all of those we love so dearly and have passed through the veil. I am always touched by your words and am so grateful that you have impacted so many. I am grateful that you find strength to know God is REAL and that His plan is our key to TRUE happiness. Thank you for your loving and wonderful spirit and for sharing your heartache and pain as well as your happy and tender moments!! You are AMAZING!! April 5, 2012 6:32 pm
  • Amie White: Thank you for sharing your understanding and pure love. I know that it feels so good because you learned how to give it from the source. People can get to know God's heart a little better when they get a glimpse into yours. Thank you for the glimpse this morning. May this glimpse we get from one another of God's love inspire us to seek him more fully and with perfect faith in his ability to heal our broken parts. May his light shine through the cracks in our souls. Until the perfect day. Love to you Natalie. April 6, 2012 8:23 am
  • Shari Hanson: natalie you know i adore you and wish i could take away your pain, your ache, your emptiness... i know my words won't do that, but i hope that my prayers for you will continue to bring you peace and comfort in some small way. you truly have a gift with words...and you are using it for good. my life has been blessed by you...and I know countless others feel the same way. thank you for BREATHE and for every single other part of YOU that you've shared with me. xoxo from HB April 7, 2012 10:05 am
  • Jo Thomas: xxx April 8, 2012 5:03 am
  • Quinn: Thank you for writing, for sharing your journey. There are so many posts, like yours today that I can relate to so fully. That losing a son is so hard and bittersweet in so many ways. And the grief that continues on it necessary but oh so hard at times. There are so many days I focus on my healing and trying to heal my kids and it's so hard to watch your kids stuggle to heal and completely understand Heavenly Father's plan for all of us. Again, thanks again for writing and helping me through my journey. April 9, 2012 9:46 pm
  • Jamie: Thank you for these words, April 10, 2012 12:19 pm
  • Gilbert: Really liked reading this. Thanks for sharing! December 7, 2020 3:21 pm