Natalie Amrossi, known across social media as Misshattan, embodies the vibrant spirit of New York City. As a commercial, aerial, and street photographer, she breathes life into her subjects through her lens. Recently, she made a trip to the Shoe Surgeon Academy in Los Angeles to blend her photography skills with her passion for sneaker culture. This article dives into her creative process while highlighting the innovative technology of Canon’s RF-S3.9mm F3.5 STM Dual Fisheye lens that she explored during this exciting experience.

Customizing Sneakers: A Fusion of Art and Passion

Stepping into the Shoe Surgeon Academy, Natalie was greeted by an array of materials—fabrics, paints, laces—all waiting for her artistic touch. The space serves as a sanctuary for sneaker enthusiasts, where creativity flourishes. “We’ve seen all walks of life come through the doors; every time people leave here, they feel so inspired,” she said, encapsulating the magic that happens in this workshop.

The Process of Creation

Natalie and her collaborator discussed the process of customizing shoes, emphasizing the importance of careful planning and creativity. Here are some key takeaways from their sneaker design session:

• Choice of Materials: The multitude of options can be overwhelming, yet it’s exhilarating. Natalie expressed excitement over choosing colors and textures that reflect her artistic vision.
• Design Decisions: She drew inspiration from her Canon cameras, envisioning a black and white design with a pop of red, connecting her photography aesthetic to her shoe design.
• Technique Matters: As she painted the sneakers, she reminded herself and her team to apply thin, even layers—much like capturing the perfect shot in street photography, where sometimes, you must wait patiently for the right moment to unfold.

A New Lens on Aerial Photography

Amidst the hustle of sneaker customization, Natalie also took the opportunity to try out Canon’s new RF-S3.9mm F3.5 STM Dual Fisheye lens on the EOS R7. This innovative lens offers a unique perspective for photographers, making it practical for both aerial shots and immersive photography experiences.

Experiencing Virtual Reality in Photography

While at the academy, she tested out the lens for the first time, and her reaction was undeniably positive.
“I was shocked by how easy it was to shoot in VR,” Natalie remarked. Here are some highlights from her experience:

• Ease of Use: The lens connects seamlessly with the camera, allowing for quick lens swaps—no tools necessary.
• Compact Design: It is lightweight and manageable, granting her the flexibility to capture action shots effortlessly.
• Unexpected Surprises: She found that shooting VR wasn’t as difficult as she had initially anticipated, a refreshing revelation for any photographer eager to expand their creative toolkit.

Capturing the Energy of A Basketball Court

Natalie transitioned from sneakers to shooting portraits of basketball players on the court. With the lens in hand, she effortlessly captured vibrant action shots, demonstrating the lens’s capability to adapt to various environments. “The compact design made taking action shots so easy,” she noted.

The Final Product: Merging Creativity with Functionality

After a productive day at the academy, Natalie admired her finished sneakers. The blend of New York aesthetics and innovative design resulted in a unique pair of custom Timberland boots. Once laced up, she was excited about how they turned out.

• Design Completion: The collaboration brought together street culture and the artistry of sneaker design, enhancing her connection to both passions.
• Personal Touches: The incorporation of red accents reminiscent of the Canon lens added an extra layer of depth; these shoes were not just gear but an extension of her identity.

Embracing the Challenge

This experience was not without its challenges, as Natalie candidly shared: “Honestly, yes, it is pretty challenging.” Yet, like any artist, it’s about what you learn and create along the way.

• Inspiration and Connection: By pushing through discomfort and embracing new techniques, she encourages others to do the same—finding beauty and complexity in the creative process can be incredibly rewarding.

Conclusion: Inspiring Creativity and Innovation

Natalie Amrossi’s journey into the world of sneaker customization at the Shoe Surgeon Academy is a testament to the power of creativity and the role of technology in enhancing the art of photography. Her experiences remind us that whether it’s through street photography, custom design, or experimenting with new gear, the essence of art lies in exploration and innovation.

Ready to take the plunge into your own creative journey? Step out of your comfort zone, try new products, and capture the magic around you!
Fly high with your artistic aspirations, just like Natalie did!