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Meet Julie Boucher of Julie Irene Photography in San Clemente

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Boucher.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I always had a love of photography. When I was little, I would tear pages out of the National Geographic magazines, make frames out of paper and hang them on my bedroom wall. I would constantly look through the albums my mom put together of her pregnant with me and my brothers and our childhood. In high school, I was on the yearbook staff and was the staff photographer. I brought that camera with me everywhere! When I received my first camera as a graduation gift I took photos every chance I got and would scrapbook every event, party and vacation. By the time college was done, I had at least 10 scrapbooks filled with memories.

After all this you would think I wanted to be a photographer my whole life! I actually went to college for Finance and Accounting and eventually was in the commercial mortgage banking business for a large bank. When the market crashed in 2008 I was laid off from my job. I was newly married and just purchased our first home. After we were married, I designed our wedding album and loved it so much I decided to offer my services to other wedding photographers. I started doing wedding album design, and felt I was always trying to correct lighting and other mistakes in Photoshop. At this time, I decided I wanted to provide bride and grooms with amazing photography! I started shadowing a few wedding photographers in exchange for free album design. After a while I went out on my own and started shooting my own weddings. I loved the excitement and fast-paced environment, but it was a lot of work and a lot of time! During this time, I started having children. I had two girls, that are 18 months apart. I was gone a lot during the evenings at marketing events, meeting with client, or engagement sessions. Then on the weekends I was at weddings all day. I missed my family and didn’t want to be away from them so much.

In 2010, when I started my own family, my friends started having kids as well. A few asked me to photograph their newborns. Even though I knew nothing about photographing newborns, I looked up as much information I could find. I wanted to know everything about safety, posing and how to keep those little babies asleep. At the time, newborn photography wasn’t as big as it is today, so finding information on it was a bit difficult. After photographing a couple newborns, I was hooked and found my true passion.

Since then I have photographed over 300 newborns, I have my own 1000 sf studio space near the beach, and have a business that helps support my family.

I never even considered photography as a career, but I honestly don’t think I would be as happy doing anything else. I love providing my clients these treasured memories that go by so quick. It something a child, all grown up can look back on. Memories and glimpses of time that may be lost if it wasn’t for me and my camera.

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?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. As a sole business owner, I’ve had to learn confidence and be able to sell myself to clients and other business owners. I’ve had great months and very slow months. My kids still need to be fed, the rent on the studio still needs to be paid no matter what those months are like. It can be very stressful. I’m always trying to think of ways to service my clients and how to bring new clients in. I absolutely love what I do though, so no matter how tough it gets, I cannot image doing any other career.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Julie Irene Photography – what should we know?
I specialize in newborn and baby photography. I also photograph maternity as well as families. I am known for my beach photography for my maternity and families, and then for my beautiful, sweet newborn photos that are full of muted colors! I am most proud that I am able to own a profitable business, am able to contribute to the household income and I can do this without have to go to an office 5 days a week.

I think what sets me apart are a few things. My photography style is cheerful and colorful. I don’t mind using color in my photos as long as it doesn’t take away from the subject in the photo. When my clients come to my studio I anticipate all their needs while they are there for their photography session. I have snacks, a coffee bar, waters, a room with a comfortable couch with a television, which they can watch movies, Netflix and Hulu. I have toys for the toddlers and Wi-Fi. The clients really appreciate this and makes the whole experience with me that much better.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
The drive and confidence in myself and my quality of work to put myself out there and to show the world what I can do. As an artist it is very scary to do this, but if it isn’t something that you can get past then in my opinion, you will have a hard time succeeding. I also have compassion for my clients and look as them and treat them with respect as I would my friends. Some of my clients do become my friends and these are friendships that I cherish.

Pricing:

  • An in-studio newborn session starts at $245 for a 2 to 3 hour session, and includes a pre-consultation and full styling of the session. Prints and products are sold separately.
  • A on-location maternity session starts at $295 , and includes a per-consultation and input on styling. Prints and products are sold separately.
  • A maternity and newborn session combo is $395 and includes the maternity session as well as the in-studio newborn session. Prints and products are sold separately.

Contact Info:


Image Credit:
Julie Irene Photography

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

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