Photography Blog | The Life and Times of Julie Harris Photo Blog | Photography Blogs. Welcome! This is where I show my work and write about what stirs me. Mary Ellen Mark says, "Reality is always extraordinary". I live by this. I'm a documentary photographer with a thirst for love, life and truth... a true bohemian at heart. In an industry saturated with trendy processing techniques and emphasis on style instead of substance, I strive to make honest images that are full of emotion and reality. Please visit and comment often!
Today is my birthday and I’m taking it easy. I should probably go for a swim or a long walk to encourage my little monkey to come today–because truly, that’s what I’d really like for my birthday, but alas–I don’t think she’s quite ready. Some things can only be hoped for and I’m sure Ramona will appreciate having her own birthday. We’ll still celebrate our January birthdays together. I’ll pull her out of School for a week and we’ll go to Paris… or we’ll go shopping together and bake each other cakes. I simply can’t wait. I can’t believe how transformative these last 9 months have been. I never knew I even wanted children and now I’m completely in love with a little person in my belly that I haven’t even met yet. My soul is at peace and I feel different somehow. I’m a better person. More alive–like my life has a different purpose other than partying and living for myself. I can’t wait to meet her. So today, on my birthday, I’ll keep dreaming of this little bean and spend some time putting the finishing touches on her room… which happens to be the best room in our home. Only the best, I guess for Ramona…. Cheers, little lady–to our January birthdays. I am eagerly awaiting your arrival.
Those of you who know me, know that I am a huge music lover. I spend way too much time downloading new tunes and following music blogs. I go to shows weekly and bask in the presence of rock and roll. If I may say so myself, I have a pretty dandy palate for what’s good. So…. I made the best Christmas mix EVER and wanted to share it with those of you who would also start celebrating Christmas in October if you could–with good music, of course. Here’s the catch… I’m only mailing out 10 CDs to the first 10 people to comment here on what they would want in a workshop if I were to teach one. Yes–I’ve got something up my sleeve which will be announced soon, but I’m having a hard time narrowing down my syllabus. I’ll say this—It isn’t going to be a workshop with models or “how to start your photography business” or how to “post-process” your images. It will be heavily critique based, seeped in good old fashioned, purist style image making. And of course, it will be a riot and will include seeing some live music of some sort. So… please leave your feedback on what you would like to learn in a workshop like this, and if you are one of the first 10 to post here or email me, I’ll mail you my new Holiday Mix (It is seriously, seriously good). Good luck and have fun!!
I’m curled up on the couch with a bowl of oatmeal and a strong cup of black coffee meditating on my last day of my working season and reminiscing over the last 7 months. Normally I’m in Paris this time of year–sleeping in until noon, then making my own crepes for “breakfast”, then hitting up a cafe to read, write, ponder, rest. It sounds romantic and refreshing, no? It is incredibly romantic and refreshing and I’m mourning that I’m m not there this season. But I have a little monkey inside of me that is due on January 18th and they won’t let me fly. So, I’ve been working instead—working hard. 7 or 8 shoots a week–30 plus weddings–sometimes back to back on the weekends, post-production, premieres, blogging, meeting with future clients, etc, etc. I’m tired. But even more than tired, I’m simply ready to bring Paris here to to be really present for the first time this entire pregnancy. Something has fundamentally changed in my heart and spirit over the last few months. Being able to feel this little girl inside me kick like a little field goal kicker, hiccup 4 times a day, turn from breech to normal, breech to normal… I’m falling in love. I never thought this would happen to me. I’ve never really wanted to have children and while I love working with them, have never really thought about the real miracle of life. I’m such a student of the human condition—I love people’s personalities–quirks, moods, remarkable traits, etc. And being pregnant has brought me even deeper into the wonder of the human psyche. What will my little girl be like? Will she be wild? Shy? Will she be grumpy in the morning or chirp independently? Will she love to travel like her mama or will she be a philosopher and truth seeker like her Dad? It doesn’t really matter to me as long as she is healthy. And I want to foster whatever spirit she might have–even if it looks nothing like mine. My one true wish for her is to be wild and free like children should be. I want to give her a safe, loving environment where she can dress however she likes and color on the walls….
So I’m officially taking maternity leave this weekend. No more shoots until I feel ready–which will most likely be months after this monkey arrives. This is my sabbatical–though it’s not in Paris, but on my living room couch. I want to be present during this amazing time in my life. I want to gear up to be a good mama and also an amazing artist. I want to laugh at the changes that are happening with my body and embrace my new outlook on life artistically. I want to blog because I want to blog again. I have about 30 weddings from this past summer that haven’t been blogged. I want to have the time to really reflect on those weddings and post them with my heart and because I want to–not because I should. Alex and Matt, Megan and Dylan, Lee Lee and Michael—you guys are first on my list. I’ve truly had the most incredible last 7 mind-blowing months. I’m going to revel in this time and stay in touch right here on my blog. Please stay tuned. My adventures, I believe are just beginning….
Photo above by Paige Elizabeth
Julie that room is awesome! Love your decorating taste:) And that wooden camera? Perfect! Oh and that stained glass window above her changing table? So jealous. Congratulations to you!
(01.03.2012)Holy Moly Julie, that room is gorgeous! I'm so excited for you and Jesse! God is good, and Ramona is one lucky little girl. :)
(01.03.2012)So much love. Happy Birthday sweet mama
(01.03.2012)Oh Julie, this is the most charming baby's room I have ever seen! I adore it! Hope you are having a lovely, and relaxing birthday! I just loved this post, I can't wait to meet little Ramona.
(01.03.2012)Great post. Happy Birthday! I'm excited to see the pictures from you and Ramona's first trip to Paris.
(01.03.2012)OMB! Oh my breathtaking!!! Vintage and charming. Love the little shoes on the shelf (which, I am guessing once belonged to you or Jesse). That gorgeous stained-glass window! Every last detail! Incredible!!!! Ramona is going to be the sweetest addition to your life - ever! Excited to see her through your lens!!
(01.03.2012)Don't mind me while I cry a little bit. I am so, so excited. This is going to be an incredible journey!!!
(01.03.2012)Oh man, tears just flood to my eyes. I can't believe you're about to have a little baby! Ramona!?!?! My heart can barely take it. I know the feeling you described, which is what got the waterworks going over here. What an amazing feeling that is. I'll be praying she comes quickly and that your experience is amazing. Good Luck Julie! PS the room is just perfect.
(01.03.2012)Julie these are AMAZING! I am having a hard time typing through the goosebumps! I love you! XOXO
(01.03.2012)Just beautiful Julie. Enjoy this time and the next few months they are truly the best. Many blessings.
(01.03.2012)Julie. Your writing, your wording, your lens, your spirit, absolute perfection. The simplicity and depth of sharing the same month of birth as your precious peach and the potential for trips to Paris together... leave me breathless, wordless, and in complete awe of your connection to your sweet Ramona already. I couldn't be more moved by this post. I'm in tears, taking in some of your best work.
(01.03.2012)I want to live here! Beautiful play on light and shadow.
(01.03.2012)Her room is absolutely adorable! Happy Birthday! This little lady is awfully lucky to have you waiting for her on the other side. ;)
(01.03.2012)ah, cousin! how i love that post. i know so, so how you feel. ramona's room is beautiful. i can't wait to hear more about her and about you!
(01.03.2012)I see the books Mikey and I picked out for your sweet Ramona!! Love.
(01.03.2012)Happy Birthday and much much love and peace to you as you welcome your baby!
(01.05.2012)Can't wait to meet her! Happy Birthday!
(01.05.2012)Love your style in decorating, in photographs and life in general! Congratulations on your new little Ramona! Really can not wait to meet her too...on the blog of course.
(01.07.2012)Happy Birthday (a little late), Julie! The room is GORGEOUS. You have done a phenomenal job with it, and the photos are dreamy. Love it! Thinking of you.
(01.11.2012)This room is amazing, Julie! That stained-glass window; the antique furnishings, all your little touches (and your Mom's) - fabulous. Publishable! We are eagerly awaiting with you!
(01.13.2012)Ahh...Julie!! I was all weepy when I read your post and looked at the pictures. Can't wait to meet Ramona. Love the name! :) Keeping you and Ramona in my prayers as I wait for news...
(01.13.2012)Thank you for sharing. Simply amazing! Can't wait to see her in jpg ... :-)
(01.17.2012)HI Julie- I just found your site! I love how you seem to capture life in a beautiful and non intrusive way, just letting it happen. I especially loved this post, having a small baby myself. You have a GREAT eye. Thanks!
(01.18.2012)