Lifetime Moments With Photography: It's Story Time!! | Arizona, PNW & Beyond
Despite the coffee-crazed, box stuffing, and stress-filled week before our bittersweet departure from the PNW, I had the utmost pleasure of photographing one of the most deserving families. They’ve made an incredible life for themselves that is tender and precious out of so much darkness (if you’re curious about their journey, Julia and Ryan share their story on TikTok). Julia is someone I deeply cherish as a mentee, and dear friend, Julia likes to call me “photography mom” and it just makes my heart SO happy!!
Here’s a little background on our stories in each other's lives and how Julia’s impact has left an imprint on my heart in unforeseen ways. I met Julia on my very first soccer team ever after moving to the North Seattle area as a child. We had remained friends throughout school, but life does her thing and we lost touch in middle and high school. A few years ago I saw some posts from Julia about wanting to get back into photography, and getting back into school for mental health work. I instantly knew I had to reach out to her and reconnect.
Once we started talking I was drawn to her positive energy and we connected on so many aspects from therapy, to photography and every little, silly thing in between. After a meet up over coffee and treats, I knew I didn’t want to let this rekindled friendship slip through the cracks. I am beyond grateful for the energy she’s ignited in me, a creative spirit and upliftment we both needed. Julia is truly a blessing in more ways than one. I thought to myself “what better way to start this new chapter by sitting down and asking some questions about what her experience has been like to work with me.”
So, if you’re a new client and curious about what to expect from me as a professional photographer, take it from Julia AND the many other beautiful and smiley faces in the captured moments I share in my gallery spaces online. I know I’m cool, BUT let’s hear it from this GEM!!
The Interview:
Andrea Michelle Photography: What was the experience like booking with me?
Julia: Working with Andrea was a wonderful experience. The entire session went by seamlessly and she was so easy going and patient with my daughter who’s 4. As a photographer myself I took note of how go-with-the-flow she was, because it made us totally relaxed. The entire time we just did our thing and she captured it! When we needed guidance she was gentle and had fun creative ideas.
AMP: What was your favorite part about working with me?
J: Probably the fact that as soon as we got out of the car we felt comfortable, because her energy puts you at ease. Also, afterwards she was excited by the pictures and that made us excited!
AMP: What made you want to do a shoot with me (besides knowing me personally)?
J: Andrea’s work is top notch, editorial level, high quality, and her style is unique. I knew we weren’t going to have the opportunity to have such an excellent photographer take our family photos again (due to her moving) and that they would undoubtedly turn out great no matter what, so we knew we had to do them.
AMP: What makes getting photos taken special for you?
J: Being the subject for once instead of the photographer behind the lens was special in its own way, but knowing that I could trust Andrea to capture the essence of my family and our bond was just a very special thing. I know how valuable documenting every stage of life is, and that we’ll be able to look back on this shoot for years and years!
J: If you want an experienced professional who truly loves what she does, I’d choose Andrea. I think it takes a special person to be able to create an immediately inviting atmosphere and she has that.
And if you’re in the Seattle area and want a great person to take family photos check out Julia on Facebook at Julia Barker Photography
