This is part my ‘Meet a Momtographer’ series. I’ll be hosting interviews with past students every Monday this month as I get ready to re-release the Momtographie Online class into the world.
Today I’m so excited for you to meet DC area momtographer Jule of Julie Bowman Photography. One year ago she was a mom enjoying her DSLR camera. She got to know it a bit better after taking one of my local Momtographie classes, was so inspired by the experience that we worked together one-on-one this summer to really tweak her technical skills and get a business off the ground. I know you’re going to love her story, her adorable twins, and her creative twist with her upcoming business plans for 2014!
Name:
Julie Bowman
Camera/Lenses:
Nikon D3000
Nikkor 18-55mm
Nikkor 55-300mm
Nikkor 50mm f1.8
Tell us a bit about your boys and your family:
I live in Northern Virginia with my husband, twin 3-year-old sons, and our family dog. As a family, we love outdoor activities and can typically be found on our boat during the warmer months.
Most of my friends would tell you that I’m typically not the adventurous type. I’m a planner and not a risk-taker. However, eight years ago, I took a chance, agreed to go on a blind date, and met my husband, Matt. We were married just over 2 years when we learned that we were expecting what we thought was our first child. However, we were surprised to learn that we were expecting twins. Ironically, my husband and I are only children so having twins came as a complete shock. After the initial shock, I was ecstatic to be expecting not one but two bundles of joy.
I truly don’t think you can ever be fully prepared for the responsibilities of becoming a parent. However, I definitely wasn’t prepared to deliver my sons at 29 weeks. My two little boys were born weighing just over 2 pounds each and spent their first 50 days of life in the NICU. They were fighters from the beginning and continue to be adventurous, curious, and healthy little boys.
Tell us what you love about being a mom:
I love being the “tour guide” for my two little guys. At their age, they are busy exploring and learning about everything around them. I love being able to guide them into different experiences and adventures. Being a mom also gives me an excuse to play. Sometimes adults get so wrapped up in the duties and responsibilities of life that they forget to have fun. I love being the green gingerbread man in the game of Candyland or the “traffic light” when they are riding their tricycles outside.
What sparked your interest in photography?
Honestly, I wasn’t much of a photographer until I become a mom. My husband and I purchased our DSLR camera shortly after the boys were born. I quickly became the sole photographer in the family and I absolutely loved it. As most moms do, I used the camera to photograph my growing boys. However, my interest also developed into a way to re-discover myself after being a mom to twin preemies. I had invested so much time into my boys and my family that I honestly neglected my own interests. Photography really became a way for me to take care of myself and feed my creative side.
What was your biggest frustration before Momtographie?
My biggest frustrations were my dark indoor photographs and my blurry photographs. My boys were always on the move and I wasn’t ever able to capture the moment just right. The more photographs that I took the more frustrated I got so I quickly began searching for a way to learn about my camera and to take better photographs.
Were there any “ah ha” moments during the class? What were you able to put to use right away?
Yes, I had several big takeaways that really transformed my photography skills immediately. Gaining an understanding of shutter speed instantly helped me take clearer photographs. Knowing that my kids are always on the go and knowing that I needed to adjust my shutter speed to capture them in motion was key for me. Metering was probably my greatest gift from Momtographie. Learning to brighten or darken a photograph in my viewfinder is a quick trick that really has made a huge difference in my photographs.
Do you have a favorite photo you’ve taken since our work together?
I was able to take our family photograph this year. I absolutely adore the photograph (pictured above). It’s always challenging to get two young children both happy and looking at the camera at the same time. Not everyone is posed perfectly in this photograph, but everyone looks genuinely happy. It was taken on an unseasonably warm afternoon in early November 2013. Armed with my camera, tripod, remote, and Momtographie skills, I was able to capture this photograph. I had it enlarged on canvas and it hangs in the entryway of our home. Several friends have come to our home and ask who the photographer was. Typically, I just smile and say it was me. Without the confidence that I started gaining in Momtographie, I know I would have never tackled taking this family photograph.
Where do you hope your photography journey takes you in 2014?
I was fortunate to launch my photography business in the Fall of 2013 so I’m excited about the opportunities for my business to grow in 2014. Initially in 2013, I offered my clients the option of 3 portrait sessions as well as holiday mini sessions.
My goal in 2014 is to offer more specialized services to my clients. I recently introduced my All About Me Children’s Photography Books. The books are designed with children as the recipients. The idea for my All About Me Children’s Photography Books came from several books that I have designed for my two boys. All About Me Children’s Photography Books are about capturing unforgettable moments in photographs and delivering priceless, personalized photography books to the youngest members of the family. The photography books also make great gifts for mothers, fathers, grandparents, aunts, and uncles.
Any else you’d like to share?
One of my other big dreams for this year is finding a way to give back using my photography. On most days, the time that we spent with our boys in the NICU is a distant memory. However, there are days when that roller coaster of emotions seems like it was just yesterday. I would love the opportunity to provide professional photographs to families with newborns in the NICU.