Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie White.
Hi Julie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hi, my name is Julie!
I am a Clevelander, born and raised, I’ve lived in this city my entire life and I absolutely love it.
My journey began in High School, which is when I started to walk my own path. I grew up in an area where everyone grew up in a nice house with 2 kids, a dog, and after graduation, off to college, And while sure, that looked great for everyone else, I knew I didn’t want to go to college. I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my grown up life because, well, I wasn’t a grown up yet.
I rebelled against the norm, skipped college and went straight into bartending. That to me was worth any college education (well, not any, but you know what I mean). While working as a bartender, I also received my real estate license and began a career in Commercial Real estate. There, I worked my way to becoming the Vice President of my company. I was “Business Barbie”, excelling and working my tail off. It was a good job, it brought me no joy.
When my son was born in 2010, I began taking pictures of him and my daughter, who was 2 at the time. I became obsessed with capturing them as little babies, not even knowing then how fast they would grow up. My father-in-law, who is also a photographer, gave me my first real camera and I was off. I brought my camera EVERYWHERE! The more pictures I took, the happier I became.
I officially starting taking clients in 2015. I worked both jobs for 7 years, building my company, “JWP” and the confidence I needed to walk away from my other career. I eventually left real estate and have been photographing families exclusively ever since!
My specialties in photography are Birth, Newborns and Families. My favorite shoot is an in-home newborn session with first-time parents. These are the first days after they’ve just brought their baby home for the first time and I can totally appreciate what they’re going through. I see their tired eyes, clothes thrown in the corner, baby stuff EVERYWHERE and I love it all. It is such an honor for me to come in and turn that mess into a beautiful collection of images.
I also love to shoot families at sunset. Running around in the fields, chasing your kiddos, playing games, capturing that moment when you’re in your happy place with delightful lighting is my JAM.
Today, I continue on my own path. It is a long path filled with love and joy and I can’t wait for you to join me for a stroll.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It honestly has been pretty smooth. The biggest struggle was learning that you can’t please everyone. A very important part of my process now involves a quick 15-minute phone call before we book a session. That way everyone knows what to expect.
I am a Lifestyle Photographer, meaning I do not pose my families. I don’t have everyone look at the camera and smile. It is very important for me to explain this to my families. While the gallery will have one or two with everyone looking, it will mostly be filled with memories that make you feel the way you felt at that time in your life.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what are you proud of?
I specialize in newborn and family photography. I am known for my emotive storytelling and bold editing. When you see my work, it’s pretty easy to identify that it’s mine.
My specialty is Lifestyle Photography. While this means something different to some, let me tell you what it means to me.
When we begin the session, whether it’s in your home or outside in a park, my first “rule” to my families is don’t look at me! What? Don’t look at the camera? Right, that’s what I said. Don’t look at the camera, don’t worry about me. I will do my job, yours is to love on your family.
Sytling is also included with all of my sessions. My Client Closet has grown to over 200 pieces for mamas, mamas to be and kiddos. All shapes and sizes can be styled by me, taking the stress of what to wear.
I am beyond proud that I built this business on my own, with nothing but a camera, a laptop and Instagram.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I will begin online mentoring in 2022 for photographers all over the world.
Contact Info:
- Email: juleswhitephotography@gmail.com
- Website: www.juleswhitephotography.com
- Instagram: @juleswhitephotography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/juleswhitephotography
