Rising Stars: Meet Julian Sorrells of Cincinnati

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julian Sorrells.

Hi Julian, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Around the age of 10 I was heavily influenced by visual arts, cinema and animation. As I got older, with those passions still intact. It became clear to me that I had a true interest in photography. I also was able to see the art of photography being done by my father that at the time would do family portraits. being exposed to that made me understand it more. By the time I was a freshmen in college at the University of Cincinnati of Blue Ash, I was hands on working with a camera and after many, many hours and days of understanding the craft, I found my style of photography which is portraits/lifestyle photos. Add several years of consistency, trial and error and just learning craft brought my business to life along with my style of photography.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Smooth? That’s funny. I used to wish things would come more smoother through the road of progress but I eventually realized I wouldn’t have gotten better, like at all. The biggest struggle that I had to face is as a photographer is knowing that I’m not for everyone and that is 100% ok. I used to try to appeal to most and try to fit certain aesthetic or look just to feel like I’m gaining traction until I realized there wasn’t much appreciation for the work I would make when thinking this way. It wasn’t until I started working with clients, friends or family that would enjoy what I capture because they saw that as me being who am I, not who they want me to be like or whatever the case may be. I loved all struggles I had to face because without them I wouldn’t have been able to grow and mature into who I am today, not only as a photographer but as a person as well.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in portraits/lifestyle and a hint of street photography. I would say that my bread and butter currently. I like portraits because there is just so much you can do with a portrait. What’s the story? where is this character? are things good or are they bad? what are they feeling thinking? These are questions I generally go through to add the layer of context to the photo. the lifestyle aspect is a fun layer because I use the background to add to the context as well which brings it all together. I would say that I am know for my portrait photographs as I do enjoy and nice vertical portrait. and the way I can get creative with my photographs. Using photoshop and either making colleges or doctor photos to present something new and original is exciting as well.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
The best advice that I could give for finding a mentor is to do these two things: do your research and let it happen organically. What I mean by doing your research is that everyone is different as a creative. I feel it’s better to find someone that is similar or complements your niche and creative direction. Then you’re able to bounce ideas off one another while also getting inspiration as well. Or even someone is the opposite of you. That allow creative thinking and encourages you to look at things differently. Lastly, finding people who are in the similar realm you are can be a great way to find a potential mentor because you never know what they can know or who they might know. Never think someone can’t teach you something, no matter how you may perceive them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sorealphoto.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soreal_photos/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SorealPhotos
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliansorr/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulianSoreal