Today we’d like to introduce you to Nathan Lathouse.
Hi Nathan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My photography career began as a sink-or-swim reaction to the Covid pandemic. I was a full-time drummer before I abruptly lost work. Luckily, around 2018, I began teaching myself photography by way of street photography and found it to be a most welcome escape and an alternative form of expression outside of music. Then, around 2019, I was pet-sitting for my friends and passed by a striking house while walking their dogs. I thought to myself (in a super reverb voice) “pivot to real estate photography Nathan”. I had a feeling for a long time while being a full time musician that I should have a second stream of income due to the music business’s unpredictable nature. I turned to YouTube University finding tons of videos on real estate and interior design photography. After learning the bulk of the basics, I needed to start a portfolio. Luckily, my brother-in-law was (still is) a residential builder specializing in new modern homes. I asked him if I can practice on his homes, which he thankfully accommodated. After a few practice shoots, my sister showed my portfolio to his company’s real estate agent. About a week later, the agent hired me for my first official shoot. After a few shoots with her, I received a call from another agent via referral which led to more and more, snowballing from there. Five years later today, I now work full-time both as a drummer and photographer, with the photography leading in the workload. Additionally, a full-circle moment occurred a couple year ago where I ended up shooting the house that inspired me!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It was pretty touch and go at first due to the steep learning curve of a new skill and navigating the business. The challenges were high in the beginning but faded fairly quickly because I was destined to do this line of work along with my music. The Universe seems to keep providing opportunities for me within these realms. The true obstacle has been learning to know my value in addition which has shaped the way I’ve obtained my ideal clients. I’ve had to learn to say no to clients who are bargain hunters thinking that photography is a simple point and shoot skill. My best clients don’t worry about my pricing because they know they’re going to get a quality product and appreciate the process. One thought that consumed me was the fear of being an independent contractor and the risks associated, unlike having a stable full-time job. I decided thinking like that was a waste of time because full-time stable jobs aren’t guaranteed either. Keeping up with industry changes is very important and keeps me on my toes, but can feel overwhelming at times.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in real estate/interior design photography since I make a living from that, but I also have original photography work and music. I released an album in 2019 called “Houzen: Five Thousand Years” that I’m quite proud of and also hope to get more traffic to my website for my original photographs. I have an online store showcasing a large gallery of works ready to be printed and shipped.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
The outcome so far would point to good luck, although I believe we make our own luck. The laws of attraction is a real thing I swear!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nathanlathousephotography.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanlathouse?igsh=Z2VwbDM4ZDVqc3M2&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DCjHxF42z/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_l28hPzgqU2cEnxsFA9sCYKEcsAk1HgsPQ&si=kUNkUtYukCvgEHZ7
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/nathanlathouse/sets/five-thousand-years?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
Image Credits
Drum kit photo by @urbanlifephotography.llc
