Today we’d like to introduce you to Julian Duque.
Julian, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story has many chapters. I was born in Medellin, Colombia and moved to NJ when I was seven. At 15, I went to GA and then PA at 18 to train as a professional ballet dancer at the world renowned Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. After being in PA for three years and later OK for a year with the Tulsa ballet, I moved to Miami to dance with Miami City Ballet.
Photography has been a passion of mine for as long as I remember. I even remember my mom always asking to see photos whenever she went to someone’s house, I feel that may have had a small imprint that grew into what I do today.
It was while in Miami that I was finally able to acquire a camera and start my photography business as a hobby. I was with Miami City Ballet for three years when I decided to take a break and pursue a unique opportunity with which life presented me. This opportunity involved working in the luxury industry with the eponymous brand FP JOURNE, advising the 1% on which timepieces were the finest for them to acquire.
This company moved me to Los Angeles in December 2019, and in January 2022, I left them to focus solely on my photography.
I never stopped photographing throughout this time, nor did I think I wanted to do anything other than create my life as I see fit to share my love for the beauty in life.
Alright, 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?
Life is not a smooth road, and mine has not been short of its character-building experiences.
When I turned 18, my mom went through a divorce with my stepfather; my real father passed away when I was very young. This situation enabled me to become the man of the house and play multiple roles while still being an older brother, son, and my own person in the world.
My passion for life bleeds into everything I do, especially relationships, and I’ve had some significant ones during that period of time.
Deciding to leave my comfortable and well-paying job for a life of my own creation is as exciting as it is daunting and most importantly, necessary for my own happiness to be as I choose.
2022 in particular was the most character-building year that I am yet to experience. Ironically, it was also the most rewarding year in my life.
All of the sometimes less than ideal experiences in my life have taught me patience, unconditional love, and the understanding that everything in life – is perfect.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an artist at heart that loves to express his passion for life in any medium – dance, poetry, modeling, short videos, and most importantly, photography.
While an innate and unique eye for beauty allows me to capture special moments regardless of what I photograph – dance performances, million-dollar watches and diamonds, self-portraits or female fine art nudes, it is my demeanor that sets me apart.
My ability to build someone up and make them feel comfortable to be themselves as I guide them through a shoot and compose a shot.
I’m most proud of the fact that my life is an exact reproduction of what I want to live – I do what I desire and what makes me happy at all times.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love that Los Angeles has so much to do. It doesn’t matter your interest, there is always something to do. I can play volleyball, dance and learn salsa or bachata with Javier Campines and Kiki Damanno – the most passionate teachers you can find – , go to a techno concert, go to the beach and surf, go on a hike through the forest, eat new food, go to the Kava Sports Bar in reseda – recommended as the coolest bar in Los Angeles, meet new friends, and so much more, all in the same week.
It is probably an unpopular opinion, but what I like least is the lack of rain. The weather here is always placid, which is great because every day is beautiful, for the most part, though it gets old. The fact that it can take me an hour or more to drive 20 miles is ridiculous.
Pricing:
- 169$ for a 69-minute photo shoot when mentioning this article
Contact Info:
- Website: julianduquephotography.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/juliansez
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julianduquephotography/
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/JEDLGDAMO
Image Credits
Julian Duque Photography Fazilla Ahmad Emma Smith Jessica Rubio Wilfred Y
