Today we’d like to introduce you to Julian Perez.
Hi Julian, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Photography basically became a passion of mine as soon as I hit my teens. I was fascinated by how fast gadgets were evolving, which led me to start taking photos with an iPhone 4. That curiosity quickly grew when I got a Nikon Coolpix, and later a Canon T3i. My mother technically bought that Canon for herself, but it pretty much became mine during family vacations to the Caribbean and Europe. I used those trips as my sandbox, an opportunity to practice landscapes and architecture, fumbling around with various techniques and post-processing I learned from YouTube tutorials. By then, I was already the designated photographer for family events and holidays, almost like I was practicing for events I would eventually be covering.
In 2016, I went to Northeastern University for a degree in computer engineering and decided to add a photography minor a little under halfway through. At this point, I knew I wanted to start doing serious work, and my first co-op gave me the budget to buy the Sony A7iii and a couple lenses to get started. I built my first website, I offered professional headshots to friends, and I was even that guy advertising my services at frat parties. I also became a photographer for each of my undergraduate clubs, which gave me more experience with events and speaker panels.
A pivotal moment for my relationship with photography was in 2019, when I took part in my university’s photography dialogue, a three-week study abroad in Cuba. I stayed in the heart of Havana for three weeks, learning about the history and culture while wandering the city and talking to locals. That’s where all the technical practice I’d done with composition and color theory finally met the missing piece in my mind: storytelling. When I returned, I was immediately able to put that aspect to use by shooting my first wedding for a friend of my older sister. Getting to know the couple, learning about what draws them together, and capturing the organic moments that came from that reaffirmed my desire to do more.
Then, of course, COVID-19 happened, which brought life to a halt. Through quarantine and remote coursework in Boston, I closed out my undergraduate career in 2021, alongside some graduation shoots for friends. After a quiet summer at home, I got a remote data engineering job and moved down to Arlington, VA with my girlfriend. I had to restart my network from scratch, finding work through Facebook groups and friends. Through this, I started getting work, including graduation shoots at the Lincoln Memorial and professional headshots at the Supreme Court. Eventually, I met Dominique, a fellow photographer and friend, who has spent the past few years sending me event work across the DMV — everything from receptions and holiday festivals to birthday parties and fitness classes.
While using this income to build out my photo and lighting equipment, I’ve continued to work weddings and anniversaries at beautiful Virginia venues like Bull Run Golf Club and Black Horse Manor while also expanding into film and videography.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t always been easy. COVID-19 definitely put a damper on things just as I was gaining momentum after my trip to Cuba. Additionally, moving to Virginia in 2021 meant I had to rebuild my entire client base and professional network from scratch.
There is also a significant learning curve when it comes to the logistics of the work itself. I do most of my wedding days by myself, which means I’m managing and lifting heavy gear for 8+ hours straight. Maintaining both the physical and creative energy needed for those long stretches can be exhausting.
On top of that, I’m balancing my freelance work with a full-time job in data engineering. Finding a way to fulfill the technical demands of my career while staying healthy and socially engaged for my photography clients is a constant balancing act, but one that I continue to improve on.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in “people” photography in all its forms: proposals, engagements, weddings, professional headshots, modeling, graduations, maternity shoots, baby showers, not to mention large-scale events like festivals and speaker panels. I’ve always focused on the human element of things, with a preference toward candid, organic moments. I may help with posing a couples’ shots, but my favorite ones are nearly always when I let the couple walk beside each other, or whisper in each other’s ears, or make each other laugh.
Taking part in capturing these memories for people is already so rewarding, but even more so when I have repeat clientele. After a graduation shoot a few years ago, that same client had me back to shoot video for her wedding last fall. Another family consistently has me cover their family gatherings, be they baby showers, first birthdays, or anniversaries. I don’t take moments like this lightly; it’s a privilege to be trusted to that level!
What I’m most proud of lately is my transition into videography. I’ve started shooting and editing entire wedding films by myself. It has proven to be my most difficult challenge yet because of the extra layers of storytelling and technical timing involved, but it’s incredibly rewarding to see the final product.
I think what sets me apart is the way I use new tools to create something unique for each project. I try to change my mindset for every client, ensuring I satisfy their specific needs while still retaining the signature style I’ve developed over the years. My technical background also enables me to problem-solve and come up with the most efficient ways to capture a full day as a solo artist. This has allowed me to spend more time building human connections rather than fussing with my equipment. My ultimate goal is to make sure every client feels like they’re a friend with my full attention, not a paycheck.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
I never want to feel like I’m just pressing a button. Staying true to my own creative expression is my top priority. I want to make sure I never reach a point where I’m bored or burnt out by what I love. I prevent that by constantly switching tools—whether that’s experimenting with the nostalgic feel of film, or seeking adventure by chasing astronomical events.
In 2024, I took a last-minute overnight trip all the way to Ohio to capture the total solar eclipse. By some miracle, I had found what seemed to be the last super-telephoto lens rental available in the DMV two days prior. I decided to bite the bullet, pick up the lens, and hit the road that night. After a near-sleepless night in a rundown motel, I chased clear skies until I ended up in a small town park, set up my camera, and captured. On reviewing the photos, I jumped for joy like I was a kid again, realizing that I nailed the shots and my impulsive decision was worth it!
Ultimately, I want to keep evolving so that I can continue creating authentic stories for the people I work with while staying excited about the craft myself. As long as the process stays fresh and I get personal fulfillment out of it, I see myself continuing on this journey with bigger and better adventures for a long time coming.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://julianperezphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianperezphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julianperezphotography
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulianPerezPhotography
