Rising Stars: Meet Julian Dahl of Sherman Oaks

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julian Dahl.

Hi Julian, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started my journey in photography in 2017 after receiving my first camera. I wanted to try shooting portraits, and with my mom working as a makeup artist on Days Of Our Lives, she had me practice shooting various crew members and actors on the show. That helped me get comfortable working with people. Ever since then, I have been working as a freelance portrait and lifestyle photographer, while also shooting urban landscape photos for fun on the side.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Being almost completely self taught, I’d say the biggest obstacle I have encountered is usually lack of knowledge. I learn more with every shoot that I do. There are so many shoots I wish I could redo with what I know now. Even to this day I’m constantly pushing myself to learn more and expand on my skillset, whether it’s for a specific idea I want to try, or stepping my foot into a whole new genre of photography.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
These days I have been shooting a lot of Urban Landscape/Street Photography. I typically shoot in harsh daylight, and I try to look for interesting light patterns or a pop of color. Most of my work typically consists of vibrant colors and hard contrast, and usually of a mundane subject or scene. When I go on my photo walks, I’ll try to find a random neighborhood or alleyway to shoot around in. Once in a while I will take myself to an iconic spot in L.A. to photograph, but most of the time I love keeping it local. The main things that’ll catch my eye are classic cars, a mix of architecture and foliage, and anything that has bold colors.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I mostly find inspiration from other photographers on YouTube and Instagram, and I’ll look for ideas for shoots on Pinterest. I usually try to look for people’s work that’s similar to my own, or photographers with a style I’ve been wanting to try out.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thejuliandahl.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejuliandahl/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julian.dahl.12
• Other: https://www.threads.net/@thejuliandahl