Artist Spotlight

In this month’s artist spotlight we bring to you Naudia Sanchez of Apex Photography

Jennifer Paul: Hey there dear readers, I am here today with Naudia Sanchez, who owns and operates Apex Photography. Thanks for talking with me today Naudia!

You say your love for photography started in high school with a desire to preserve the everyday parts of life. Was there an event, person, or place in particular that created that desire, or was it, like for many people, an inherently visual person and like having a physical reminder of a place, time, person, or people to look at?

Naudia Sanchez: It was more in the moment, something caught my eye and I took a picture, pretty much having a physical reminder of that moment. Pretty much capturing a still point and making it into a memory, a piece of art that someone can visually enjoy.

JP: What inspired you to use photography as a medium to express art? Were you self-taught or did you have schooling?

NS: I was self taught and then went to school later on in college. And if I'm truly honest nothing inspired me, I just picked up a camera and started taking photos. And while I was doing that it became a passion of mine during my journey from self teaching myself and during my college life.

JP: Your work has moved through phases documenting the everyday to more boudoir and kind of inspired shoots. Do you see that as a natural progression as part of getting better at your craft, or more because of personal interest and people approaching you about it?

NS: It's more of a professional approach, I do not seek it. My style of photography is more free spirit, if I see a moment, a landscape that is appealing to me, etc. I capture the moment.
But when it comes to boudoir photography unless I'm asked to do it for them or I'm hired for that service, I do not seek to do a boudoir photo shoot.

JP: I understand it’s been hard for you to get started; as it was for many people, COVID shutdown played a part in halting plans, but outside of that, what challenges have you faced in putting yourself out there as a professional photographer?

NS: There's a list:
From lack of support, to sometimes the motivation to do anything, to just self doubt, to work/life balance, or even child care.

I am slowly getting better and hopefully this year I can do better.

My fiance, which most of you know is Icarus Lapyx, is always telling me to practice my craft, look for volunteers even if it's him so I can perfect my craft. He always talks about how one person's support is a start for growth. He’s always talking about how he's been writing for 16 years and not once did he see where he is at now. From submitting to Dead On A Doorstep, to publishing his first book even though it didn't go anywhere, he still did it. Volunteering in Black Noise and being the first person in the poetry section to be in Black Noise Magazine, and now going to be in a project with his friend Tyler doing an anthology collection to be exact this summer.

He always tells me that no matter what, small steps often end up becoming bigger endeavors and accomplishments. So he's always trying to push me to do more with my photography. He's my number one supporter.

JP: When did people start approaching you about doing boudoir and kind of style photography?

NS: So I was first approached for boudoir photography in 2023 by my best friend. Then kink photography this past year. But since then none have approached for future projects like that. Maybe some day I will be approached for more shoots like that, but until then I just freely roam looking for any opportunity to capture many moments.

JP: Do you have a favorite style of photography, if so, why?

NS: Candid photography is my favorite style. I enjoy capturing moments without requesting for the person to pose or anything. I feel it makes the shot more authentic and pure.

JP: What type of camera/lenses do you most like to use when you work?

NS: I work with a dslr camera more specifically the Canon Rebel T3. And for lenses I use 18-55mm.

JP: When doing a shoot outdoors, is there a time of day and/or season you most enjoy working during?

NS: I enjoy working during the golden hour and during the fall. When I shoot in the golden hour the sun isn't too bright and it captures photos perfectly, there's no over exposure. As for the fall, I enjoy taking photos because of the change of season, the change of the leaves.

JP: Do you have a personal philosophy to the way you approach a photoshoot that influences your intent with each individual one?

NS: Capture any moment you can, no matter what type of lenses you have. Capture it before that moment is gone; for that moment will never happen twice.

JP: What has been your favorite shoot you’ve done so far, and why is it your favorite?

NS: My favorite shoot is the Halloween shoot I did in 2025. It was the most creative one I've done. It was to be honest the one I had the most fun with. Not that I don't enjoy all my shoots, but it's a project I've been wanting to do for a very long time.

JP: In what direction would you ultimately like to see your photography and business go?

NS: Originally I wanted to do National Geographic. That’s always been a dream I had, it was my lifetime goal. But having a kid that needs my constant attention, and requires more responsibility due to his responsibility I had to let that go. I don't regret it; I adore my kid, love him to death. But my new goal with my photography is to be recognized more. Create more art with it in all shape and form with my camera. Eventually have my business grow with all kinds of projects.

I see what my fiance does all the time with his writing and his project, and if he can do it no matter the struggle he goes through putting himself out there,then so can I.


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