We were lucky to catch up with Julie Mccook recently and have shared our conversation below.
Julie, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Overcoming imposter syndrome wasn’t easy, but it came down to a simple yet powerful realization: I am good enough. I had to stop comparing myself to others and understand that the only person I should be competing with is myself. This shift in mindset allowed me to focus on pushing my own boundaries, learning more, and constantly striving to become a better version of myself. By embracing my own journey and recognizing my unique strengths, I’ve been able to silence that inner critic and step confidently into my abilities.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My passion for photography began back in high school when I took a photography class and quickly fell in love with capturing memories and expressing myself through images. After I had my first child in 2014, I invested more in my photography education, driven purely by the desire to take better pictures of my child. What started as a personal project soon turned into a business as friends and family began asking me to take their photos.
As I worked with people, I noticed a recurring theme in the comments they made—often joking about wanting to look younger or slimmer in the photos. Having struggled with my own self-image and self-worth for years, I could deeply relate to these insecurities. This realization sparked a new passion in me—not just to preserve memories, but to capture the unique beauty of each individual. I specialize in family and motherhood photography because I’ve noticed that mothers are often the hardest on themselves. I want to show them their true beauty and help them see that they are enough, just as they are, regardless of age or body size.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey as a photographer, the qualities or skills that stand out as most impactful to me are Patience and Persistence, having an eye for detail and empathy and connection.
Patience and Persistence: Photography, especially in the beginning, requires a lot of trial and error. Being patient with myself as I learned and persisted through the challenges was crucial. I often had to take the same shot multiple times to get it right, but each attempt taught me something new. My advice for those early in their journey is to embrace the process. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks or the need for repetition. Every photo you take, whether it’s perfect or not, is a step toward mastering your craft.
An Eye for Detail: Developing an eye for detail has been essential in my work, particularly in family and motherhood photography. It’s about noticing the small, often overlooked moments that make a photo truly special. To improve this skill, I recommend studying the work of photographers you admire and paying attention to the details in their images. Practice observing your surroundings closely, and try to capture the nuances in everyday scenes. Over time, you’ll start to see the world differently, which will naturally enhance your photography.
Empathy and Connection: Understanding and connecting with the people I photograph has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey. This connection allows me to capture the genuine emotions and unique beauty of each person. I don’t see my clients as just another project to complete quickly; I view them as individuals with beautiful, unique stories that I’m eager to learn about. My goal is to capture the true essence of who they are. For those just starting out, my advice is to prioritize building a rapport with your subjects. Listen to their stories, understand their insecurities, and make them feel comfortable in front of the camera. When people feel seen and valued, it translates into more authentic and meaningful photographs.
For anyone early in their photography journey, my overarching advice is to keep learning, stay curious, and remember that your unique perspective is your greatest asset. Developing these skills takes time, but the effort is well worth it.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
In the past 12 months, I’ve experienced tremendous growth in my self-confidence and trust in myself. I’ve embraced my worth and recognized that not every person will be the right fit for me, and that’s perfectly fine. What empowers me most is knowing that I always give my best to every situation and every client. I’ve learned to not take things personally, understanding that my value isn’t diminished by the opinions or preferences of others. Instead, I focus on the quality and dedication I bring to everything I do, confident in the impact I can make.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.juliemayphotography.com
- Instagram: @Juliemayphoto
Image Credits
All images of me were taken by Danielle Muccillo Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
