Meet Julia Letcher | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Julia Letcher and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Julia, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
Do I have a favorite quote or affirmation? In fact, I absolutely have a favorite quote. The quote is, “If your photographs aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough.” – Robert Capa

Since the main genre of photography I shoot is Macro, I think about this every single time I am out photographing. There are many instances whereby I have been photographing with a telephoto lens, laying in the dirt trying to get the most perfect shot of a bee that has landed on a flower. Of course, in keeping with these practices of trying to get as close as I possibly can to my subject. I have stepped in puddles, fallen off of a rock, and have been in the way on more than one occasion.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is photography. I specifically photograph the genres macro and landscape. There are always vivid colors. Lots of details. Many times I’ve hung out the passenger side window or jumped out of a vehicle and the car has not yet come to a complete stop. I love photography. It’s my favorite thing!

What I believe sets me apart from others is that I purposely try to be better than the photographer I was yesterday. There’s no need to compare my photographs to another photographers images because both are probably equally as good.

Honestly, I’ve had a lot of, “What am I doing with my life?” moments when it comes to being a photographer. Then I get to capture something amazing and it clicks for me. I’m proud that I’ve never given up. Even in the most challenging times of my adulthood. It doesn’t matter what my “day job” is. I’m still a photographer.

At the age of eleven, I read the biography about George Eastman, the founder of the Kodak Company. From that moment I knew I wanted to be a photographer. During high school I took every digital photography class available. Leading me into college. Where I really started learning just how difficult becoming a photographer and/or photo-editor would be to achieve. For an incredibly short-lived time, I worked at two different portrait studios. Both of which made me learn I do not like portrait photography. Not even a little. This made me feel that I wasn’t adequate enough to be a photographer.

The closer I got to earning my Associates degree, I became quite naive. As I was so desperate to be out of college after 6 years. I really thought magically I’d end up with this perfect photo-editing career. Nope, that didn’t happen. After graduation, I found a place where I could submit for art calls. From there I have been able to get my photography out into the world. Slowly, but surely. I’ll never forget the first few art calls I applied to, I was declined because my photographs weren’t a good fit. I will be honest, I cried. I was failing at something I cared so much about that is was making me feel worthless. Not too long after those, one of my photographs ended up in a poetry book. Truly, when life closes a door, it opens a window.

What I want the world to know about my photography…? I’m, like, really good at this. Just kidding! I want to show there is so much beauty in the world. I am literally never happier than when I am photographing. The amount of true and pure joy I get when I know I’ve captured my perfect shot after 200 other snaps, it’s unexplainable. I hope when people look at my photographs, they can feel that joy.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This is a tough question for so many reasons. I am real homebody. I am all about supporting local, though!

Let’s start off by going to the tiki bar, Undertow. The bar is located in the Arcadia area. This is one of the best concept bars in the city. Between the refreshing drinks to the atmosphere, nothing is lacking.

Phoenix Art Museum is one of the most relaxing and wonderful places I’ve gotten to visit. I hope to one day have my photographs hanging on their walls. (Fingers Crossed)

There is a small coffee shop at the corner of 59th Ave and Bell Rd called Daily Drip. They have coffee, food and pastries. I talk about this place all the time. I wish there was a location closer to where I live!

OH! Lake Pleasant Brewery at 19th Ave and Rose Garden. The owners are so nice and the beer is fantastic. And if Bearded BBQ, the food truck, is there, count me in. We’re going when they open.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am so thankful I’ve got people in my life that truly believe in me. (To my face anyways!)

We still start with my parents. My mom and dad have been listening to me speak and obsess about photography since I was 11 years old. They’ve both been incredibly supportive. Anytime I ask, “Hey, I want to visit an Ostrich Farm in the South East Valley an hour and a half away so I can photograph. Or, “Hey, I’m thinking about photographing Montezuma’s Castle, then driving twenty minutes North to a winery to see some grapes on a vine! Do the two of you want to go with me?” I am so grateful, because their response every time, “When do you want to go?” They never him or haw. My parents bought my first camera. It was Nikon D60. I loved that camera with my whole heart.

The other part of this dedication will be to my husband. I don’t think he quite understood what I was yammering on-and-on about at work when I would say I’m a photographer. That I was in college for photography and photo-editing. Until he drove out to the middle of the desert to be bored and watch me photograph the sunset. (I photographed for two hours and we barely spoke!) Whenever I am feeling down on myself for not getting into a gallery. He always provides reassurance. He never makes me feel that I’m not capable of being a great photographer.

Website: https://julialetcher.myportfolio.com

Instagram: photojulie26