Photography Interview with Julie Klaasmeyer

A baby photographer makes a perfect judge for our “Let Them be Little” photo challenge…so for this week we invited Julie Klaasmeyer, a baby and family portrait photographer from Kansas, to be featured as our Guest Photographer Judge!

Julie writes:

I love to push myself to be “more me” everyday. I believe that in this day and time it takes guts to show your true colors. I have learned to see through people, and tune straight into their true identity and beauty. In this journey I have found that most people are far more beautiful under their layers and layers that have been forcefully compiled by the worlds expectations. I love people for their differences and for making a difference.

Julie’s Photography Journey

I struggled for years to go with my heart and find my true direction in this “photoworld.” My favorite words of encouragement to my self are, “I DO NOT HAVE TO PHOTOGRAPH EVERYONE IN TOWN!” and “LIFE IS SOOOOO HARD — BUT IT IS SOOOOO GOOD.”  I photograph newborns, babies and children and will take care of other photographic needs for these clients only. I photograph what I enjoy, not what causes anxiety and stress for me and the studio. I am so proud to finally be in the place to say, “I run my studio and it no longer runs me.” I love to teach workshops and help other photographers find a peaceful balance and happiness in their businesses and in their lives.

Q&A with Julie

• What was your favorite photography moment from this past year? I loved After Dark Education. It is the most amazing photographic journey I’ve ever been involved with, and filming PHOTOVISION, true education for everything photography related.
• Where do you find inspiration to keep your photography creative and unique? I am inspired (and distracted) by everything around me. My mind seems to never stop finding beauty and ideas around every turn. I guess that happens when you’re passionate about something.
• Is there a particular photographer whose work inspires you? Most everyone in the community inspires me for one reason or another. When I see others’ images, whether perfect or not, I learn something or perhaps get an idea. I am most inspired by photographers that know their niche whether it pertains to my interests or not. I love Brianna Graham, Beth Forrester, Valerie Tabor-Smith, Laura Brett, Heather Morrow with Hocus Focus Photo, Jennifer Nace, Julie Radlick-Kelleher, Beth Jansen — so many wonderful talented individuals, I could go on and on and on…
• Do you have a camera with you wherever you go?  Yes…my iPhone, Flip or point and shoot!
• What do you love most about capturing faces? The uninhibited beauty, confidence, and fire in a child by simply being themselves.
• Do you have a “most embarrassing” or “most stressful” moment you would like to share? Oh, so many! I am such a clutz! I get so “into” what i’m doing that I tend to work with my head in the clouds!
• Any tips for our readers? PHOTOGRAPH WHAT YOU LOVE and CHARGE A LOT FOR WHAT YOU DO NOT!

Julie’s Equipment

I love my Canon 5D Mark II, and I always use iso400, it gives a beautiful film-like quality. I am an original film/darkroom girl, so I am always trying to work toward that “look.” I mostly use my Canon 85mm 1.8. It is a beautiful lens, and does nearly anything I need. I am finished with spending thousands of dollars on lenses that sit on my shelf and don’t even come close to comparison. I love Lightroom and Photoshop 7. NO, they didn’t come out with a new version again! Old photoshop 7…it’s a gem.  ;-)

I don’t use many actions, but I love Nichole Van, Florabella and Totally Rad Lab!

To see more of Julie’s work, be sure to visit her blog, Facebook, Twitter, website, and her props and backgrounds business, Design Revolution.

We are so glad to work with you as our Guest Photographer Judge, Julie! We can’t wait to see which photos you choose as your favorites from our “Let Them be Little” photo challenge.

Tagged as: baby photography, child photography, Julie Klaasmeyer, newborn photography, Photography Interview