As We Are documents authentic life narratives across the full spectrum of human experience, narrating stories that matter—stories of who we are, as we are.

what is As We Are (AWA)

As We Are is a socially conscious photographic practice that uses the lens to empower and reframe stories—capturing the depth of identity, community, and connection.


Rooted in the belief that photography can reach beyond surface representation, As We Are documents authentic life narratives across the full spectrum of human experience.


From births and deaths to rites of passage, family reunions, and personal milestones, each photograph is an act of witnessing—reflecting the realities that shape us.


This work moves beyond documentation to create space for recognition, remembrance, and healing. With care and intention,

As We Are tells stories that matter—stories of who we are, as we are.

what AWA does...

narrating a birth

I believe that birth should be recorded as a way to give power back to the woman. At a time when your birth story is acutely monitored by others, choosing to tell your story through the feminine gaze enables you to relive your birth and gift the story to your child in a tangible way.

family storytelling

I photograph families as they are, with authentic emotion and lived realities. My family photography is rooted in storytelling and documentary and I aim to use photography as a tool for empowerment, healing & reframing identity.

Love Stories

As We Are documents diverse expressions of love — weddings, elopements, commitment ceremonies, and other personal declarations of connection. I work across the full spectrum of gender identities, approaching each story with thoughtfulness and authenticity.


I am based in Cape Town, but document love stories internationally.

in community

Community is at the heart of my practice. Photography and storytelling are connective tools — they reveal shared narratives and foster belonging. Through collaborative projects with youth, schools, and local initiatives, I explore how visual storytelling can bridge social divides and illuminate the threads that bind us.


Mentoring & Facilitating

I mentor both photography enthusiasts and career-focused creatives in discovering and developing their unique visual voice. I've taught at esteemed institutions including Orms – Cape Town School of Photography and PCL – Photo College London.

My facilitation work often takes place in collaboration with NGOs and urban development projects, where photography serves as a tool for empowerment and multi-layered storytelling.

facing Mortality

As We Are captures the full spectrum of lived experiences. Facing our own or others’ mortality can bring us closer to ourselves and those around us. Photography plays a role in this process, helping us heal by capturing moments that later spark memory, reflection, and connection.

testimonials

"Tears in my eyes.

thank you. its so good to see us just

as we are"

Janine, Alex & Fam

TESTIMONIALS

Omgosh Nat!!!! I don't know what to say.

These images are sooooo amazing!


I am really not one for framed photographs in the home - I have 1 wedding pic framed and it's an abstract of my shoe & the hem of my dress 🤣 but I want to enlarge and frame one of these.


They feel like art.


What a gift! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. x Marian

Marian, Rob & Charlie

TESTIMONIALS


You are an amazing artist and photographer and we feel incredibly grateful to you for capturing our Charlotte's arrival so incredibly well.


Amy and I were blown away by how good the photos are! They brought back all the emotions and the vivid memories!


Thank you thank you thank you for the wonderful gift you've given us! These photos are going to be so treasured by us.

Amy & Simon- planned casearean

TESTIMONIALS

When Natalie shared the birth story photos with me, I was deeply moved. Every moment was beautifully captured, including the raw and graphic aspects of childbirth. What's remarkable is that none of it felt overwhelming; in fact, each photo held its own unique beauty and healing quality

Lauren -

emergency caesarean

TESTIMONIALS

"Oh wow! They are stunning! Better than I ever expected!

Thank you so much!"

Parada Family

TESTIMONIALS

"Oh my gosh these images are soooooooooo

beautiful."

Louw's

first days

TESTIMONIALS

"“Natalie! The photos are absolutely incredible! Even way more beautiful than what I expected! Thank you from the bottom of my heart! This gave us a good cry ❤️❤️❤️ "

Lala & Jeremy

a home birth

I also work as a commercial & social documentary photographer.

 

Natalie Sternberg is a Cape Town-based photographer working internationally. She is regularly commissioned by companies and magazines to shoot commercial projects focused on architecture and urban development.


Her practice also extends to collaborations with NGOs and media organisations on initiatives centred around social and environmental justice. Natalie works with production companies as a stills and behind-the-scenes photographer for feature films, series, and documentaries.


Clients include the BBC, MNET, KAE, Boondogle, Tate Britain, The Natural History Museum, the City of Cape Town, Life Brand, News24, Kew Gardens


Published  work can be seen in many magazines including Conde Nast Travel, The Observer, Wired, Visi, and House & Leisure.

film stills, BTS & portraiture

 

 

environmental  

documentary

urban & architecture

Get in touch

AWA

an acronym for

As We Are

In colloquial dictionaries, AWA means As Well As — similar to and or also. AWA is often used to say that something is true of one thing and of another. There is a lovely resonance here.

If we show up As We Are, then in essence we are bringing the and/also with us. We are smiling, yet we had a hard day.  We are in love, yet we fight. We adore our kids, yet we are exhausted.

 

To photograph with AWA is to allow the dichotomy into the image, to welcome the inner and outer gaze into moments — so that life’s memories are recorded in the truest sense.