Meet Julia Ptasznik of JP Photography in South Pasadena

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Ptasznik.

Julia, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My story started with some photography classes I took to fill up my course load, simple as that. I fell completely in love with it. I had finally found the creative outlet I’d been searching for. For whatever reason, I grew up believing that creativity = fine art, which was frustrating for someone who can barely draw a stick figure. Photography helped me discover that creativity can be channeled in so many ways. I loved being able to capture a beautiful or meaningful moment or place and sharing it with someone. Since then, I started to take pictures of everything I could: food, people, architecture, all the gorgeous murals in Philly, my dog. A few years later – I graduated school, packed up my car with my best friend, and drove from Philly to LA to start working in the business.

Coming out to LA, I was lost for a little bit. Isn’t everyone? I knew that I loved photography, but I couldn’t pinpoint what exactly I was interested in photographing. I tried a little bit of everything: portraits, architecture, street photography. And as soon as I figured it out, it seemed so obvious to me. My entire life I’ve been inspired by traveling, hiking, conservation and especially animals. So why not try to use my photography to show how incredible beautiful and sensitive the world is around us? Maybe, my pictures could even help inspire people to protect it!

I love capturing landscapes, lighting, and textures, places that make you feel as though you’re on a different planet. The Mojave desert is a perfect example, it’s one of my favorite places to shoot. The landscape is gorgeous but extreme. When you’re there it seems completely deserted, but there is an entire ecosystem around you thriving – in 115 degree weather! The animals there have been able to adapt to this harsh climate and make it their world. The side winder rattlesnake moves sideways throughout the Mojave desert using to both gain traction on the loose sand, and to keep it’s contact with the hot sand to a minimum. I think that this adaptability is incredible, allowing us to see strength in its determination against the natural elements. But it’s challenging – animals are subjects you have no control over. You have to be fast, ready to go, and sensitive to the environment around you. It’s a challenge that I embrace.

I decided to get my Part 107 UAV Pilots Certification to take my photography to a new level, aerial photography. When I fly my drone, I see the world in a way that I haven’t been able to before. It gives me a completely different perspective, which can be really refreshing. Like being at Dana Point, for example. Standing on the beach, you’re limited by your position. You look to your left, sand. Right, Sand. Straight ahead, ocean. But looking at it from above, a whole new range of vision is possible. You can see our planet from a more spatial perspective, and more clearly recognize your place in it. There is a certain freedom in this widening of perspective that I want to share with others.

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?
I feel as though I’ve never heard a story where art in general is a very smooth process. If there is – I’d love to hear it!

Technology is incredible, but can also be a huge obstacle. iPhones now can take pictures just as well as most DSLRs. The market is so saturated that really being able to stand out can be a huge challenge. Especially now that people are able to buy cheaply mass-produced photos, paintings or posters online. Which doesn’t make it easy for artists.

I’d honestly say my main issue is networking. Networking is a huge part of being an artist. It’s about who you know, especially in LA. Honestly, it’s hard for someone who is extremely introverted.

What else should our readers know?
I’m a photographer that focuses mainly on landscapes, wildlife and conservation.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Determination! You have to be willing to wake up at 4 a.m. to catch that perfect spot of sunlight hitting your favorite mountain or spend nine months applying for a permit to hike a beautiful location. It’s all about having that drive that sets you apart from your competition.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jptasznikphotography.com
• Instagram: @juliaptasznik.jpg

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