Connect
To Top

Conversations with Natasha Gilliam

Today we’d like to introduce you to Natasha Gilliam

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
TLG Photography and Film Group began as a passion project after I left my job as a news producer. During my time in news, I developed strong photography and videography skills, working under tight deadlines and learning how to tell compelling visual stories. While I enjoyed the fast-paced world of television, I found myself more drawn to the art of film and storytelling outside the constraints of the news cycle.

After leaving the newsroom, I decided to pursue my passion for film and storytelling full-time. I launched TLG Photography and Film Group, focusing initially on photography, headshots, and covering special events. Over time, the company expanded to include corporate event coverage and documentary filmmaking, which allowed me to merge my storytelling skills with visual media.

Despite the challenges of starting a business and the current struggle with low revenue, TLG remains a platform where I can express creativity and connect with clients who appreciate the power of visual storytelling. Today, TLG continues to grow, with a focus on delivering high-quality content and expanding into new areas of videography and photography. I’m determined to see the company through these challenges, with the vision of building something sustainable and impactful in the world of media and film.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey with TLG Photography and Film Group has definitely not been a smooth one. One of the biggest challenges has been getting clients. While I’m passionate about the work and confident in the quality we deliver, it’s been tough convincing businesses to see the value in visual storytelling. Many companies don’t fully understand how powerful well-crafted photography and film can be in expanding their reach and growing their clientele.

In today’s digital landscape, telling a compelling visual story can set a brand apart, helping it connect emotionally with its audience. Unfortunately, convincing potential clients to make that investment has been an uphill battle. I spend a lot of time educating them on how these creative elements can boost engagement, drive traffic, and ultimately increase sales, but it takes time to shift perspectives. Despite these hurdles, I remain committed to showing the true power of visual storytelling and helping companies unlock that potential.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Working in news taught me the immense power of storytelling. As a news producer, I was thrown into a fast-paced environment where every story had to be told quickly, clearly, and effectively. Through this, I learned how to structure narratives in a way that would captivate audiences, even under tight time constraints.

It was during my time in news that I also developed a passion for documentaries, recognizing that storytelling is truly an art form. Crafting a documentary goes beyond just sharing facts; it’s about creating an emotional connection and bringing the viewer into the heart of the story. This realization inspired me to coin the term “docushort” films, which are short films intended to tell a mini story. These films capture the essence of a subject in a condensed yet impactful way, blending my love for documentaries with a more accessible format. Through TLG Photography and Film Group, I’ve been able to apply this concept and showcase the art of storytelling in every project.

How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happy is the process of creating and telling stories through film and photography. There’s something deeply fulfilling about taking a concept, whether it’s for a documentary, a corporate project, or a personal film, and bringing it to life in a way that resonates with people. Capturing real moments, emotions, and stories that connect with others gives me a sense of purpose.

I also find joy in the growth and learning that come with running my business. Even though it’s challenging, seeing the progress, however small, reminds me that I’m doing what I love. I also enjoy flying airplanes, I currently fly small Cessna planes for fun. The original goal of learning how to fly planes was to get into aerial photography and filmmaking . n a more personal level, teaching film and photography brings me happiness. I taught film courses at a local college for two years and I found happiness in teaching my students skills that helped them break into the media industry.

Pricing:

  • $2000- Docushort Film Packages
  • $2000- Photography Package
  • $1100- Corporate Headshots
  • $1500- Wedding Videography
  • $2000- Corporate Events

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: VoyageRaleigh is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in Local Stories