Rising Stars: Meet Margot JudgE

Today we’d like to introduce you to Margot Judge.

Hi Margot, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m originally from Belgium, lived in London for a few years and then made my way to New York in 2016. In the summer of 2021, I realized I was pretty unhappy with my life – I didn’t feel fulfilled, despite essentially ‘having it all’. I worked in news and I was completely burnt out. So I decided to pretty much quit everything, sold most of my belongings, packed my car and drove across the country with my dog Cassie. I knew I wanted to be in LA but didn’t have much of a plan beyond that. I just wanted to be somewhere sunny!

Once I got here, I was so lucky to make friends pretty early on. And most people I was meeting were doing something creative. I figured I could give it a go, started taking photos just as a hobby and then realized I could maybe make this my career.

More so than being a successful photographer – although, I won’t lie and say I don’t want that – I just want to enjoy my life as much as possible. I want to be on set, work with other creatives and come together on projects. Being with people and doing something I enjoy is so beautiful.

I love shooting, meeting people and coming up with creative concepts. I do most of my own creative direction, and I’ve worn many hats on set. There’s always more to learn and expand on, which is the most fulfilling part!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not, I probably cry at least once a week because I’m so worried about the future hah. But the highs are soooo worth it and help ride out the lows.

Being in business for yourself comes with a lot of risks. And there’s a lot of hustling to do. But it’s also very gratifying. Reaching a goal, getting to set new ones, looking back at how far you’ve come!

A little over a year ago, I had no clue how exposure worked on a camera. I taught myself as much as I could, and I continue to learn every day.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am primarily a photographer, with a particular interest in beauty and fashion. But I also do production work, I assist, I digitech… any job that will get me on a set, I’ll do it! As long as I can have fun doing it.

Last year was all about building the foundation to my practice as a photographer, defining on what my point of view is and how I want to express myself. This year, I am building on top of that, refining my voice and my eye, and getting more technical. I also want to be a lot more intentional with what I shoot, with whom and how. It’s important to me that my work reflects my values.

I’m proud of myself, generally, and my journey. I quit a 10-year career, a cushy life in New York for a life of extreme chaos and uncertainty. And even though I have moments of doubt, I am proud that I’m sticking with what’s felt right for me.

Also shooting Prue Leith for Hello Magazine. That is definitely something I am very proud of!!

I really want to be known on set as a nice person. Someone who treats everyone with respect, courtesy and empathy. And people who respond to those qualities are people I want to work with!! There’s no place for big egos in a team.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Good question… I loved going to the fair with my dad in the summer. Going on the rides, eating cotton candy, playing carnival games. Those summer memories are definitely up there!

Contact Info:

• Website: margotjudge.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/margotlily