Meet Julie Wheat of Julie Natalie Imagery in Columbus

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Wheat.

Julie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I grew up in a small town north of Seattle in Washington state. My sister and I would have our portraits taken every year for our birthdays, and I loved being able to see the growth and change we both made over the years. We always went back to the same photographer up on Whidbey Island. That was where my interest in photography stemmed from. I had my first child back in 2012 while my husband and I were stationed down at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas (#armylife). If you’re a mom, especially in today’s world, you know how many photos you take of your kids. So, I put my iPhone camera down and instead I purchased a good ole Canon Rebel to learn with. I never had the intention of shooting for anyone other than myself and my family, but as I learned and grew, I truly found my passion. Our next adventure was up at Fort Wainwright, in the negative temps of Fairbanks, Alaska. I practiced and practiced more on my then two children, and found myself being approached by friends, asking if I would do their family photos. I was so nervous and shaky and didn’t feel ‘good enough’, but I held sessions with my friends just for fun (and for them to get some images). Fast forward three years later and we found ourselves at Fort Hood, in Killeen, Texas. This is where I made a leap of faith and decided that I wanted to branch out and make a name for myself. So, I started up my photography business, Julie Natalie Imagery. It was nerve-wracking, but so much fun! I grew so much as a person, I met amazing families, and my skills continued to broaden. We now are at Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia, and I’m excited to already have my books filling up with my Southern clients!

Great, 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 has by no means been easy trying to start up a business, especially while being associated with the military. My husband has been in the Army, for now, nine years and picking up and moving on a moment’s notice has its own challenges, even more so as a small business owner. However, I really have enjoyed being able to shoot at so many magical places in the United States. Some of my favorites have been at White Sands National Monument, Denali State Park, Sekrit Theater down in Austin, Texas, and of course downtown Savannah. I feel so lucky to have had those opportunities and to really build my clientele all across the US. We haven’t been in Georgia for long yet, but I’ve already fallen in love with the atmosphere and the scenery. I can’t wait to get out and explore more!

Please tell us about Julie Natalie Imagery – what should we know?
I’m the sole owner and operator of Julie Natalie Imagery. I’m a lifestyle photographer and especially love working with kids and families. I’m working my way into wedding photography, and I can’t wait to see where that goes while we’re in Georgia! I really treasure and befriend my clients, and I’m so proud to have been able to build relationships with them, as well as other business owners. I’m all for the community over competition and am always willing to lend a helping hand. I’ve worked with so many other talented business owners and I’ve learned so, so much from them. My very best friends are also photographers!

I really think my personality sets me apart. I totally understand feeling awkward and uncomfortable being in front of the camera (heck, I still am). My sessions are naturally easy-going because we pretty much just hang out and chat the entire time, while I occasionally direct my clients to whisper breakfast cereals in their partner’s ear. It’s awkward and fun and weird; mostly just like me.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I feel like being a kind-hearted, grounded human being keeps me successful. Don’t get me wrong – I run a legitimate business, but I also keep my mind open and try to see myself as both the client and the owner. It’s helped immensely in the long run, as I’ve been able to build trust and friendships with my clients, and they too recognize that.

Pricing:

• Weddings and events starting at $1200
• Newborn Session starting at $325
• Portrait Sessions starting at $250

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jnatalieimagery.com
• Phone: 360-914-2920
• Email: jnatalieimagery@gmail.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/jnatalieimagery
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/jnatalieimagery

Image Credit:
Photo of myself in the white dress was taken by Alicia Miller from Willow Tree Photography. Photo of myself in the grey ‘mama’ shirt was taken by Alicia Miller from Willow Tree Photography. Both photos edited by me.

Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.