Meet Julia Lee | Lifestyle Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Julia Lee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Julia, what do you attribute your success to?
My brand and success have been shaped into what they are based on many factors. The number one being the amazing clients and friends that have come back every year, sometimes multiple times a year, and have me capture their most special moments. The support has been unmatched. They trust me, they believe in me and bring me so much joy. As a young female photographer, starting my photography business was scary.. There were so many questions and concerns. I had only ever taken photos of friends and family for the longest time. When I decided to turn it into more than just a hobby, it was terrifying putting myself out there, to give complete strangers the option to choose me to photograph their lives. It was the best decision I ever made. I take pride in my heart and passion for this career. Many clients have turned into very close friends, which in turn gave me leads for many more clients down the road. I have met so many amazing people along the way and I can’t wait to see where this passion leads me.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
It all started in 2012, the year after I graduated high school. I had an old digital camera that belonged to my grandfather and decided to learn the in’s and out’s of it. I had always had point and shoot digital camera’s in high school and I was always the one capturing the moments no matter what they were. This camera was more complex than others I had used before and I taught myself how to use that camera via YouTube. I also taught myself editing techniques and different software used on YouTube as well.
After 4 years of practicing photography for fun, I decided to take a giant leap and take it part time. I was in school to be a radiologic technologist and the turning point that made the “business” aspect come to life, is when I took senior photos for my classmates. They had shared their photos on social media and the rest is history.

I went on to work in the health care field as a radiologic technologist, which I still hold a job in to this day! Photography has always been my passion but so was health care and helping others. I like to say I use both of these “careers” as stepping stones for one another. There is so much room for growth both personally and professionally within both careers. I have the ability to support, educate and help others in many different ways.

Over the last 12 years, there have been many ups and downs. But one thing stands true.. If you are a compassionate person, put your heart & soul into your career, and have a support system along the way, you truly cannot fail. When you don’t see the dollar signs as the end goal, and in turn see the happiness and joy you bring others. That screams success!
I see my success, not in money form. I see it as the families who keep coming back, year after year. I see it as the families who ask for me to capture every milestone for their littles. I see it as the single momma who separated from her husband, who needed a fresh start and chose me to capture her and her babies Christmas photos. I see it also as the brides and grooms who chose me to capture their weddings and now have me capturing their in home newborn session. And I see it as the couples who have finally had success with IVF and wills soon welcome their first baby into the world. That’s success.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love trips! Whether that be a 3 day getaway or a week long staycation. I am all about being outside, exploring new places, thrift shopping, trying new restaurants, and learning about the history of new towns. I frequent Hocking Hills in Ohio and we try and make it there yearly. Gatlinburg, Tennessee is also a top favorite of mine. We, as a family, use to take a yearly vacation to Gatlinburg where we would rent a cabin or stay down on the main strip. Some of my freshest memories of childhood come from those trips as a family to Gatlinburg. I’m a small town girl but always bit by the travel bug. I love to travel and have been out west quite a bit as well. Many trips to Colorado have been for photography, actually! I went with a friend in 2021 to Colorado, where we exchanged photos of one another in Rocky Mountain National Park. Those trips will forever hold a special place in my heart.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to first thank my dear friend Liz Farmer. I first met her in my small town where she is a spray tan artist. I booked her for an event I had and we have been friends ever since. Her personality and attention to detail blew me away. We both are young female business owners and it’s very important to have like minded people in your corner. I met Liz well into my photography career but we since have bounced ideas back and forth for both of our small businesses. I also want to thank my dear mother, Gina. She is the heart, soul and reason I keep going everyday. Her support has meant the world to me. The best thing about having your mom as your biggest supporter, is she gives it to you straight.. She will go along with my crazy ideas and she will also shoot them down if she thinks they’re down right crazy. Love her for that. At the end of the day, I want to say thank you to everyone close to me and those who have never given up on me. There are way too many to name, but you know who you are!

Website: https://jleelifephotography.com

Instagram: jleelifephotography

Facebook: J Lee Life Photography

Image Credits
Julia Lee – J Lee Life Photography