Julie Jordan
Q What do you do?
“I am a photographer with a strong passion for film photography. I love to photograph faces, places, fashion and life moments. I love photography because it allows you to work with all different types of subjects. ”
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
My photography journey has been a long one. A lot of trial and error. Film has always been my biggest passion -- even when I tried different avenues, I always came back to it. I get a sparkly feeling every time I get my film scans back. It's an excitement like no other. I guess in retrospect, I should've followed those sparkles all along.
I also have a background in e-commerce photography, so product and apparel. That experience taught me a lot about how to tell a story with a single object, what details to look out for, and how to schedule my time. That all still applies to the work I'm doing now!
Q How do you stand out in your field?
My dad was one of the founding producers for ABC Nightline back in the day, so I feel like storytelling is in my blood. I love telling stories through photos.
What I love about my work the most is that it allows me to connect with people, get to know them, and try to really capture their essence and tell their story. Every photoshoot feels different and special in its own way, and I think that is represented in my portfolio.
Q What are you working on right now?
Fully give my all to my business! Not getting distracted by opportunities that are less meaningful to me. I think remaining focused takes practice. I like to ask myself questions like -- why is photography so important to you? What makes you different? How can that help you reach your next goal?
I no longer want to say yes to everything because I feel like I know what I want now. It has taken some time to get here, but I am definitely feeling more self-aware. Knowing your worth has also been a very important lesson throughout all of this.
Q What’s your style?
I love working with film so much because it really gives a sense of timelessness and nostalgia. I would describe my work as soft, minimal and often subtly experimental. I greatly appreciate the candid and the imperfect. I love to capture those softer moments of what it’s like to be human.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I think being creative often means you have to do a little bit of everything. That’s what I love about running my business – the customer service aspect (which I learned a lot from my experience working in retail), marketing, location scouting, film pick-up and drop-offs, editing, etc.. I love it all because it keeps me busy! I feel happy because I get to focus on all of those things.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
I think just the nature of being freelance can be scary. For example, not knowing when you’ll get an email from your next client. I have to keep reminding myself to not get discouraged during the quieter moments. Quite honestly, writing this questionnaire kept landing at the bottom of my to-do list! It can be so hard to talk about yourself.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Help me with the beast that is Instagram! But I’d probably pay that person more than $20 :)
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I would love to comfort my old self during all of those times of self-doubt and wanting to give up. This can be such a competitive field – and it really made a big difference for me when I stopped comparing myself to everyone (even though I still have those moments). When I decided to really give my business my all, it was because it felt like I had no other choice. I wish I could have realized that sooner.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I shoot 35mm film, but I would love to learn more about medium format film. I would love for someone to teach me the ways.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I’m always looking for new faces to photograph – I shoot everything from engagements, maternity sessions, and weddings. I also love shooting for independent brands. So I guess anything that falls within those categories!
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
People who are excited about film and want to walk away from a photoshoot feeling like they had a great time.
Q What is your rate?
Portrait session investments start at $500. Wedding investments start at $4,000. Everything else is based on the project type!
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Through my website! I have a short form that I ask people to fill out. But please check your Spam folder for my responses!! My emails love ending up in there.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
My sister! We are both photographers, but have very different styles. I love that about us! She’s an amazing interior and still life photographer. You can see her work at: https://www.katesjordan.com/
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
By taking my dog, Rodeo, on long walks. It makes us both very happy.
This member profile was originally published in Febuary 2017, Updated May 2024.