Spending the week in California as a “last hurrah” to Summer 2010.  Oh how I’ve missed it here!

In the spirit of our visit, my 20 on Tuesday interview this week is with an extremely talented San Diego area photographer.  I first “met” Jules on a workshop forum we both call home.  Her use of natural light and real lifestyle images inspire me every time I see her work.  I’m not sure what impressed me most about Jules, her amazing photography skills, or the fact that not only is she a successful photographer, but she does it as a single mom and a full-time first grade teacher!  Talk about having it all together!  Prepare to be inspired…

Hi Jules,

Where are you from?

I spent my early childhood in Bakersfield CA before moving to San Luis Obispo CA and ultimately San Diego for college.

Where is home now?

I have been in San Diego now for 16 years.  I LOVE it here!  It’s a photographer’s dream location … year round sun, beautiful beaches, the city, and gorgeous fields.  My family now lives in Santa Barbara CA so I spend lots of vacation time there.  Santa Barbara is also a beautiful place to photograph.

Are you formally educated or self-taught in photography?

I’m a self-taught photographer with the help of some amazing workshops that I’ve had the privilege of attending over the past year.  Like so many, my love for photography grew when my son was born.  The poor guy had a camera on him 24/7.  A couple of years ago I made it my mission to learn to shoot in manual.  I spent that summer reading and practicing and reading and practicing!  My camera manual was my best friend.  At that point, I knew I wanted more.  Over the last year, I worked on my style, creativity, business, and marketing through many invaluable workshops.  I wanted to grow and I found some of the best to teach me.  I’ve participated in Bloom Workshops (http://www.bloomworkshops.com/), The Light Workshop (http://thelightworkshop.wordpress.com/), Jay Reilly’s ‘Shoot the Kids’ (http://www.jayreillyworkshops.com/), Marta Locklear Workshop (http://www.martalocklear.com/site2/index2.php), Francypants Academy (http://www.francypantsacademy.com/), and I will wrap it up with a Jinky Workshop in September (http://jinkyart.com.au/blog/).  I’ve LOVED each and every one.  These amazing photographers have helped guide me to where I am today.

What words would you use to describe your style of photography?

I think my style is about light, story telling and connections.

Talk to me about personal projects.  Are they important and what have you done lately?

My personal projects have been about my growth as a photographer.  They are very important to help me become better at what I do.  I’m not yet brave enough to commit to a year long project … I may try out a weekly one or even a monthly one.  Tara Whitney has inspired me to try to be ‘in’ the photos, too.  I would love to start a monthly project that includes a photo of my son and I.

What is your favorite kind of session to shoot and why?

I LOVE all types of sessions … newborn, seniors, children, families!  I think my favorite kind of session would be a location filled with gorgeous light, a beautifully styled client  and lots of fun and laughter.

How do you stay motivated and your photography current?

I am always motivated by my son, my photog friends, as well as the beautiful light and locations in San Diego.  When I’m ready to try something new, he’s always up for a session.  He’s a cheap model … it usually only costs me a ‘star wars’ toy.

If you could be invisible for one day with your camera…

I’d love to spend a day with Tara Whitney and just soak up her beauty and brilliance.

Name a photographer you would like to take a portrait of?

I would love to do a portrait with Marta Locklear and her family.  They are beautiful inside and out!

What’s your best advice for balancing work and family?

I have a lot to balance and don’t always do it gracefully.  I’m a single mom (my son Brooks is 5), a first grade teacher, and a photographer.  Trying to find a balance for those three jobs is tough and takes a LOT of Coffee Bean vanilla soy lattes!  My photography business officially started last fall and took off faster than I was prepared to handle.  Starting last January, I have only been scheduling 2-3 clients a month.  I have loved a better balance by having fewer client sessions each month and putting everything I have into them.  I am much better prepared for this fall, but I also don’t plan on taking on as many clients so I will have more time to enjoy my son and friends.  Life’s too short and I don’t want my son to think all I did was work.
What’s in your camera bag?

I’m a Canon girl!  I shoot with the 5D Mark II and I love my 50mm 1.2 and 85mm 1.2 primes.  I think it would be a toss up which lens is my favorite … right now the 85mm is in the lead.  Sad to say, I don’t even have a camera bag, however my new Kelly Moore mustard hobo bag is ordered and I can’t wait for it to arrive.  (Thanks Maureen!)

When you’re not photographing, where can we find you?

When we’re not busy with school and sports, my son and I love going on all kinds of adventures at the beach, creek, or park… any place that he can climb, dig in dirt and find sticks.
If not a photographer what would you have been?

I love being a first grade teacher.  I work at an amazing school with wonderful children and families.  First grade is such a special year.  I love being able to give the gift of reading to a child.  That light that glows on the face of a child when they learn to read is priceless.  I treasure my job as a teacher!

If you could live anywhere on this awesome planet where would you build your dream home?

My dream home would be built right on the beach in Del Mar CA.  I would love to go to sleep each night listening to the waves roll in.
What talent would you most like to have?

A dancer! If you ask my first graders, they would tell you that I’m already a fabulous dancer … another reason I love first graders.  After watching ‘So you think you can dance’ this summer, I would love to have an ounce of their talent.  It’s just beautiful how they can create so much emotion in a single performance.  (So sad Alex had to leave due to injury… I wanted him to win).

What are the three words your friends would use to describe you?

Funny, motivated, kind.
Something that is over rated…

Jealousy (and competition).  I’ve been so fortunate to be surrounded by amazing photographers who are open to learn, grow, inspire and help one another out!

Your favorite movie of all time?

This always changes, but this summer my favorite movie is ‘Remember Me’.  Watch it and let me know what you think!
Who would play you in a movie of your life?

I would love Cameron Diaz to play me.  I love that she’s a bit silly and doesn’t take herself too seriously.

Name one blog you stalk regularly

Are you kidding?!  How can it just be one?!  Jinky Art (http://jinkyart.com.au/blog/) might just be the most magical blog I stalk.  I can’t wait to meet her!

You can find Jules HERE.

Thank you, Jules!