Despite the unprecedented times we face, the importance of a #FirstDayFit remains the same. Whether on Zoom or in a socially distanced classroom environment, the outfit and the planning that goes into the first day of school sets the bar for the rest of the year.

We caught up with Nataliah, a student in Philadelphia, as she walks us through her #FirstDayFit with the Air Jordan 3 “Laser Orange” through her perspective and style.

Take a look at how she implements her unique photography and dedication to her craft with the Air Jordan 3 “Laser Orange” below. Stay tuned for more back to school Jordan drops at Snipes.

Nataliah on the Importance of Style

Nataliah in the Air Jordan 3 “Laser Orange”

Nice Kicks: What’s the importance of a #FirstDayFit for you? 

Nataliah: #FirstDayFit helps you put your best foot forward.  Working with a clean slate, helps you plan your intentions for the new chapter your walking into. It gives you focus and turns your energy in a new direction.  Opening the year with grand intentions is exciting and can’t wait to see what I can accomplish. It’s exciting to start something new.

NK: How important is style in your everyday life?

Nataliah: Style is super important to me because it’s my calling card. I never know who I’m going to meet at any given time and need to make sure that I am presentable and I’m seen in a way that I want to be. I need those I meet to see my style so that they are able to feel me as an artist.

School-From-Home Tips

NK: Despite the new normal we’re all in, what are you looking forward to the most this school year? Do you have any school-from-home tips?

Nataliah: I’m looking forward to expanding my knowledge and collaborating with other artists and business people. Photography is an art but also a business. I’ve learned over time that I can go out and capture great moments but if my business isn’t on point then I can’t support myself.

School at home puts more of a responsibility on you to keep a schedule and stay focused. There’s so much energy you draw from on classmates in a group setting that isn’t possible now. The goals I have got in my immediate future are to become a serious sports photographer and work with the NBA. I’ve been going at this for some time but haven’t found that steady workflow. I really want to be able to make a career out of this and make my mark on the sports world.

I know that I’m able to take the athlete and turn them into art. Capturing their moment and raw emotion is something I excel at. 

Favorite Part of the Air Jordan 3 and Styling the “Laser Orange” Colorway

Nataliah in the Air Jordan 3 “Laser Orange”

NK: What’s your favorite aspect of the Air Jordan 3?

Nataliah: My favorite aspect about the Jordan 3 is how much history the sneaker has. From it being Tinker Hatfield’s first sneaker of many that he designed for Jordan to seeing Jordan wear it in the Slam Dunk contest flying through the air. I think the Jordan 3 is such an iconic sneaker that doesn’t get much credit for it.

NK: The Air Jordan 3 “Laser Orange” is a refreshing iteration of the classic silhouette. How do you plan on styling it? 

Nataliah: Styling my sneakers with my looks is something I love to do. Pairing a feminine look with a pair of great kicks is a signature of mine.

My pairing of the 3 will depend on the event or if I’m working. To work, I’ll pair of 3’s with some loose-fitting sweats and a tee. If I’m heading out with my friends to chill, I may pair them with a cute dress or a dressier look, something unexpected. Sneakers are stylish and not just for the gym.

Nataliah’s Photography Style

Nataliah in the Air Jordan 3 “Laser Orange”

NK: You have a very unique style of photography. What’s your favorite part about the shots you capture?

Nataliah: My photography is my own style, developed over the last 7 years. I try to take the raw emotion of a moment and translate that vision to the audience. I love it when someone says that they can smell or feel the room when they look at my pics. I also love to show the beauty in the grittier aspects of life because they are beautiful. Taking a street bike rider and capturing them in a manner that shows them in a different light than what the media portrays. Showing the reality of life in the city, the grit and the beauty of the struggle.

The Importance of Being Engaged in Social Justice

Nataliah in the Air Jordan 3 “Laser Orange”

NK: Social justice and activism have been important in the world around us especially within the last few months. What’s the importance of being engaged in this current political climate? 

Nataliah: Social justice is a hugely important area of my life. I was out during the protests photographing what was happening. It awakened something in my spirit. I am a mixed-race kid and race has always played a role and is at the forefront of my mind. The political climate in the country is contentious. The youth, and in particular the black and brown youth, have so much power if we all just come together.

We have to take an active part in our future, there is no excuse.

Taking Care of Yourself During Quarantine

NK: Quarantine is challenging the way in how we take care of ourselves mentally and physically. How are you taking care of yourself during these times?

Nataliah: Quarantine has been challenging to say the least. My work is out amongst the people, at the height, it was super frustrating. All I wanted to do was to work and create. I had to find another way. I walked around Philly getting in touch with my street photography. It was difficult to find a creative outlet, so I had to pivot out of my comfort zone. It was hard but it forced me to grow.

NK: COVID has been difficult for an array of reasons. How are you coping with everything going on?

Nataliah: COVID is scary. my mom is a nurse practitioner, so I know more than I want to. I have tried to put things into perspective and try to add the small acts needed to make myself and my family safe. Wearing a mask, washing my hands more than normal, and carrying hand sanitizer are small additions to my life in the grand scheme.