We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Julia Lofstrand. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Julia below.

Julia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

My Dad was a photographer. I picked up one of his cameras when I was a kid and he taught me everything I needed to know about the basics of photography. This was long before the digital age, and I still feel that the fundamentals of analog photography have had the biggest influence on how I see things and shoot today. I shot all throughout middle school and high school and was accepted to the Maryland Institute College of Art. One of the biggest obstacles for me was learning new programs and technology when the digital world took over. Things are still constantly evolving and changing. I continue to take classes in an effort to stay current and continue learning.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

From my early years, music, photography, and literature have been integral parts of my life. The profound impact of the arts and my innate desire to convey people’s stories motivated me to pursue a career in photography. Under the tutelage of my father, a skilled photographer, I cultivated my passion, amassing over two decades of expertise in both film and digital photography, alongside proficiency in utilizing Adobe Creative Suite. My primary focus lies in capturing the essence of live music performances, events, and portraiture.

Whether operating autonomously or as a collaborative team member, I consistently maintain a steadfast commitment to professionalism. Reliability, amicability, and adept problem-solving are qualities I embody in my work. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with esteemed organizations such as Live Nation,The Democratic National Committee, IMP Productions, Goldenvoice, AEG, the WWE and 2K Entertainment, Virgin Mobile, Pollstar, Zenimax Media INC., and various others.

Central to my photographic philosophy is the belief that a remarkable image originates from establishing genuine connections and fostering a profound level of trust between the photographer and subject. I derive immense pleasure from engaging with diverse individuals and listening to their stories. I firmly uphold the notion that each person possesses unique and exceptional qualities, which I strive to encapsulate in my work.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Over the many years I’ve worked as a photographer, I’ve learned that we all have something unique and special to offer. It’s easy to compare yourself and your work to your peers, and to get caught up in stylistic trends that are constantly changing. I truly believe that there is something and someone for everyone. We all have different ways of capturing moments, creating images, and telling people’s stories. I know that I’m not the “right” photographer for every single client and job that exists, and that’s ok. If you stay true to who you are you will find people that value what you do and who you are as a person.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I am proud to say I feel like I have maintained a really great reputation in my field. This didn’t happen over night, it was the culmination of many years and working with a lot of different people. I believe if you stay true to who you are and constantly show up, it creates a bond of trust between you and your clients. I am trustworthy, professional, reliable, and honest. I consistently deliver quality work in a timely manner, and I’m a good person. I treat others the way I want to be treated. I’m kind and giving, but I’ve also learned to set boundaries and say no if something doesn’t feel right.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://julialofstrandphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julialofstrand/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-lofstrand-206bb44b/