I know awkward photoshoots. I’ve been in your shoes.
But what if I told you it didn’t have to be like that?
Trust me, I know awkward. I didn’t have many family photoshoot experiences growing up. But the one in particular I do remember was in a studio with a photographer I obviously didn’t know that was telling me to say cheese! Those pictures were of my family, but was it actually my family? I look back at those photos and don’t see any of our personalities. Those photos didn’t showcase my siblings’ goofy grins— the ones they’d flash when I’d say something dumb. Or our love to sing and dance to rock classics. It was just us, sitting there, holding a pose until we saw the camera flash. And I’m here to tell you there can be so much more.
envision this: family photos without the uncomfortable posing and hoping you get at least one good picture, if anything. Sounds pretty good, right?
Now I want you to ENVISION this: something that makes you happy. Did you think of something? Perfect. Now let’s make that vision happen. that’s how easy this is. you be you and i’ll be along for the ride.
When I got into photography I vowed to myself that I would create unique, personable experiences. And that’s my promise to you. I want to show you what real family and couples photos can be like. That what you have can be documented and celebrated.
Do you want a photographer that will tell your story authentically?
Well, hi! That’s me! I’m Julia Bri.
I like to take the storytelling approach when it comes to photography. That’s the beauty of it, right? Telling a story without words always captivated me. Capturing genuine, raw moments is what I want to do for you. We all remember the era of getting family photos done in some studio in the mall full of white backdrops and uncomfortable poses. I’m here to tell you that we’re way past that. You deserve photos that are as unique as you are.
Want to run through a field barefoot with the one you love most? Let’s do it. Do you want to spend our time with a blanket watching the sunset? That works too. How about a lazy Saturday morning dancing in the kitchen while making breakfast? I can totally make that happen. This time is yours. Your story is magical and it should be treated as such. The way I see it? Everyone's family is different. Every couple is different. There are different things to be said, different moments to pause. And I take that into consideration with each family and couple I work with.
Ready for your story to be told?
your photographer bts
Your love is everything
When I first came out, I second-guessed every little thing I posted, wore, said. It was exhausting.
When my girlfriend and I started dating, I was terrified of posting anything about her or our relationship for fear of getting harassed. It sucked. All I wanted to do was share with the freedom other people did. When I finally got to that point, it was freeing.
Being in a same-sex relationship comes with hardships. I’ll say it. But our love is worth sharing. Worth talking about. Worth documenting. And yours. Is. Too.
One of our very first photoshoots sticks to my mind. Elena was very clearly being posed as the ‘woman’ and me as the ‘man’. Gendering poses is a real thing that happens. I couldn’t place the icky feeling in my chest until after.
That experience made me walk away with a new mindset. You should be captured as you. Not as whatever gender you may be. You shouldn’t be posed a certain way because you are more masculine-presenting or the other way around. We’re just doing what feels real and honest around here.
We finally found artists who have captured us as Julia and Elena.
And I want to be that for you too.
Because you deserve someone who will not only handle your story with care but who has been in your shoes. Someone who knows how it feels to be put in a box rather than shown how I truly am.
pausing time & telling your stories
A peek into my Instagram
Julia wonderfully captured each member of my family’s personalities. All her thoughtful details really made us feel comfortable and enjoy the shoot. Her photos are stunning!
- Kelli cole
