Julia Lofstrand on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Julia Lofstrand shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Julia, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
One of the things I’m proud of building that nobody really “sees” is my yoga practice. I’ve been practicing Ashtanga Yoga for 19 years, but I don’t really share or talk about it publicly. My yoga teachers and fellow practitioners know about this part of my life; bur sometimes my photo and music friends are surprised when they find out.

Even though I don’t talk about it, the practice runs underneath everything I do. It’s shaped how I approach my personal life and creative work—with focus, patience, discipline, and a willingness to return again and again, even when it’s hard or unglamorous. It’s taught me how to be present in the process, to listen more deeply, and to work from a quieter, more grounded place. So while no one sees the yoga itself, hopefully they feel its influence in the care and intention behind what I create.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I specialize in capturing live music, portraits, events, and behind-the-scenes moments—working with artists, bands, and cultural projects that live at the intersection of creativity and emotion.

What makes my work unique is a focus on authenticity and connection. I aim to create images that reflect the energy of the moment and the truth of the subject, whether it’s on stage, behind the scenes, or in quiet in-between spaces

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I think what breaks the bonds between people is often a lack of presence—when we stop listening, when ego takes over, when fear or pride makes us pull away instead of lean in. Miscommunication, unchecked assumptions, and unspoken hurt can quietly erode even strong connections.

What restores those bonds is vulnerability. Honest, sometimes uncomfortable conversations. Apologies that come from the heart. Making space for someone else’s truth without needing to fix or control it. Bonds are restored through care, consistency, and the choice to show up even when it’s not easy.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me how to sit with discomfort instead of running from it. It showed me the parts of myself I couldn’t see when everything was going well—my resilience, my blind spots, my capacity for empathy. Unlike success, which can sometimes inflate the ego or create distance, suffering strips things down.
Success is validating, but suffering is clarifying. It teaches you what really matters, what you can live without, and who you are when nothing is guaranteed.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the industry tells itself is that visibility equals value—that if it’s not posted, published, or viral, it doesn’t matter. There’s also this illusion that constant productivity means success, when in reality, some of the most meaningful creative work happens quietly, slowly, and off the radar.

Another lie is that you have to brand yourself into something easily consumable to be successful. But the truth is, depth and nuance don’t always fit in an algorithm—and that doesn’t make them any less powerful or important.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Absolutely.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
1- Dita Von Teese
2- CroMags
3- Flogging Molly
4- Robert DeLong
5- Zac Brown Band
6- Teddy Swims
7- Tanerélle
8- Fredo Ortiz ( Los Lobos, Gogol Bordello, Beastie Boys)

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