Natalie Wilson just graduated from high school this month. Which means she's in for one great summer. And luckily for us, Natalie plans on documenting all the fun, sun and mischief-making her and her group of bike-riding, beach-loving, friends get in to. Natalie was born and raised down the street in Huntington Beach, she's a true blue southern California girl who somewhere down the line picked up a camera — and we're really happy she did. She uses film and her photos are always full of light and lightheartedness — in fact, looking at her pictures makes you feel like you're on a mini vacation with all your best friends. So keep reading to get to know Natalie and come back to follow her summer here on the blog. Every summer has a story, what's yours?

In my photographs I try to focus on the beauty that surrounds us and have the people in them be accessories to the scenery. To make them personal, I mainly take casual, unposed shots of my friends. 

We spend most of our time laying around the beach, biking, rollerblading, skateboarding, listening to music, hiking, swimming, hopping fences, eating, and worrying about our tan lines.

Haunting the fields.

Growing up next to the Pacific Ocean has given me an epic appreciation for the beach and the water.  It never ceases to amaze me.  Photography was a natural extension of my love for the nature surrounding me. I couldn't live in one of the most beautiful and diverse places in the country and not try to capture it and share it with the rest of the world.

We ride bikes just about everywhere in the summer since parking is such a nightmare, and none of us ever have quarters anyway :)

I shoot with a Nikon FE and use any film I can get my hands on. 

Follow Natalie on Instagram @natcatwil

Follow Natalie on Tumblr natcatwil.tumblr.com