Julie Gayler Photography

12/16/2024

Mermaid, a water woman who chooses imagination over fear. - anonymous
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When and I stepped onto the capitol steps, I couldn’t help but imagine she was an urban mermaid, the dress becoming cascading ripples of water as she was gliding upward.

Wouldn’t it be something to swim through an underwater city?

I’m thankful for those who don’t mind being part of that world, and suspending reality with me for just a moment.
This is from my series with a special gown from almost a year ago. I’ll be planning more limited edition sessions this upcoming year at special pricing. If you are interested in a session, let me know your sizing and vibe, and we will make it happen!
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Created with tools from 

FJ400 + Flashgear 26” Quick Octabox

Using GFX100s + GF24, GF80 lens

12/13/2024

On the earth, even in the darkest night, the light never wholly abandons his rule. It is diffused and subtle, but little as may remain, the retina of the eye is sensible of it.

-Jules Verne
Goddess
Gown by

Thankful to for a time to collaborate and create together earlier this year. So behind on posting so many of our creations, but every bit of it has been a part of an amazing year of growth and exploring the light. Thank you for being a huge part of it.
Created with and

Using GFX100s


subtle dream filter

12/12/2024

I find it hard to breathe
This poisoned air
In our garden of memories.

It is my heart
That cannot be shielded
by the mask that I wear.

🌺
Twenty years ago today, 2nd Lt. Matthew Gayler and I stood on a beach together, just the two of us, and promised each other forever.

Just over seven years ago, “Until death do us part,” became our reality. Matt lost his battle with depression and mental health struggles to su***de.

Today was supposed to be a day we hoped to take our children (who knew there’d be FOUR!) back to that same beach to celebrate.

Instead, I’ll just find words difficult, or what to do even more so. Creating this piece was my best effort at communicating, and filling a personal need.

I’ll put on my mask and breathe through another day.
🌸 Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for interpreting this heavy theme with me. Your little touches in the image and big shared emotion make this all more bearable.

12/09/2024

🌟 Hello, wonderful community! 🌟

I’m excited to introduce myself with a new headshot taken by my oldest son!

This moment is a perfect culmination of my mission that we’re all in this together, and sharing our experiences is vital in empowering the next generation to find their voice.

Photography, for me, is all about telling stories with light. I see light and color as characters in our work, each playing a vital role in shaping the narrative of an image. The way light interacts with a subject can evoke emotions and create a unique atmosphere, allowing us to express ourselves and connect with others on a deeper level.

Across 6 states, for the past 15 years I have enjoyed documenting a wide variety of those stories ranging from newborns and families, weddings and events, to commercial assignments. Every click of the camera is a new opportunity to give someone a voice in telling their own story in a picture.

When I’m not behind the camera, I’m traveling to share knowledge with the photography community. My teaching background keeps my passion for education alive, and I believe in making that knowledge approachable and accessible to all skill levels, hobbyist or pro.

I’m here to inspire and empower you to bring your creative visions to life, whether you’re in front of the camera or behind it. Each of us has a story to tell.

Message me to get started in planning your session. I’m based out of Little Rock, Arkansas, but take on clients across the country in my travels.

Or, if you are a photographer wanting to learn more, visit the link in my bio to see where I’ll be teaching next!

Can’t wait to hear from you!
✨Julie

Image created with and tools

GFX100s II + GF55mm

12/03/2024

Creativity thrives in collaboration.

It's one of the biggest things working with light has taught me.

I don't need to do it all by myself...and, neither do you!

I'm holding the light for my mentee Cindy De Priest-Cannon while she works with Ring...and, gets a BTS shot that is magic all its own!

Teamwork makes it happen!
Created with lighting tools from FlashGear.net
Contact me for personalized 1:1 or the current class schedule

12/02/2024

Someone must have said his name three times!!!!

Was it you!?!
💚
👗
⚡ Created with tools from

📷 GFX100s + GF55 / GF23mm
Classic Chrome Film Simulation (SOOC included in post)

💨

11/30/2024

Coordinating clothes with personality really make your portraits stand out...but, matching your eyes to the sky? That's next level, isn't it?
Created with Westcott / FlashGear.net lighting tools
Fujifilm X Series US GF100s + GF110mm

11/29/2024

In my private photography group, I’m auctioning off a lot of clothing and backdrops as well as some random equipment.

Would love to have you drop in to check it out!!

Let me know if you need an invite and I’ll add you!

11/26/2024

Sometimes, transformation is an unmooring, swirling feeling in currents of change.

Thinking back on this session with friend and model Laralyn — an experiment with light, duplicity, and the dark side of the butterfly.
📸 GFX100s // GF55 1.7
ISO 200
F/2
1/125

MAIN LIGHT // FJ400
Quick Octa 42”

LIGHT BEAM // FJ400
Lindsay Adler Optical Spot

FILL LIGHT // FJ400
Bounced off ceiling with 55° reflector
All effects created in camera with a split field lens filter, and for ambience.

Backdrop by
Dress by

11/22/2024

she is a queen.
her soul is royalty.
- Adrian Michael
Explore the behind-the-scenes process of creating this fine art portrait using the Fujifilm X Series US GFX 100s II

A replay of the demo is still live at The Portrait Masters Deal Days with B&H Photo Video Pro Audio! (And it’s the last day of the promotions!)

Click the link in comments to view! I’m on Day 2 at the :40 minute mark.
Fujifilm GFX100s II
GF55 f/1.7
ISO 100 | f/4 | 1/125
MAIN LIGHT | FJ400
Joel Grimes Beauty Dish

HAIR LIGHT | FJ400
Westcott 1x3 Stripbox + Grid

FILL LIGHT | FJ400
Westcott bounce umbrella + diffusion
Special thanks to the incredible team who made this possible in studio. I had the best grip/production team!
Queen
Hair and Makeup by
Stylist
Lighting by Westcott
Baby Dream backdrops Rich in Love II

11/21/2024

As part of the The Portrait Masters and B&H Photo Video Pro Audio Deal Days, I gave a little walk through of a fine art shoot with Fujifilm X Series US!

If you didn't catch it live, it's still available on replay...(and the deals are live through tomorrow!).

Special thanks to Westcott and Baby Dream backdrops for the other tools used to create this amazing look. I'll be posting final images soon!

11/18/2024

Just a simple black background, but the light itself is a character.

Watching .peyton interact and become a man of mystery during my class with Fujifilm X Series US at Precision Camera & Video PCU Woodlands was a pleasure.

The class used just one light to explore how light placement can change even a simple set in many ways.

Afterward, I added the Westcott Optical Spot for another take on the set.

What do you see as the story?

Where does the light take you?
📸 Fujifilm GFX100s
GF 80mm f/1.7
ISO 100
F/1.7
1/125
Classic Chrome

🔆Westcott FJ400
43” Deep Umbrella + diffusion
Lindsay Adler Optical Spot

🖤 Xdrop Pro
Baby Dream backdrops Raven Faded

💨 Atmosphere Aerosol

Special thanks to Shauna Raduske for her assistance supporting class!

10/31/2024

Stepping out of the shadows...

Are you tricking, treating, or simply watching the chaos unfold?
🖤 Tawni Jade Caldwell
Assist Matthew Sewell
Lighting by Westcott
Created with Fujifilm X Series US GFX100s

10/23/2024

Fine Art Photography class at Precision Camera & Video PCU Woodlands this year was so much fun!!

Two days of hands on creation with incredible models, and the magic of Fujifilm X Series US.

Attendees got to use both their own cameras and GFX system cameras, and learned how to develop and pitch fine art concepts to clients.

Then, we got to see how many different ideas we could create with our sets, as everyone’s unique stories came to life through collaboration.

✨✨Sharing the joy of photography is a magic all its own. ✨✨

Thank you to everyone who made it possible, but specifically to Shauna Raduske and Mike for helping on and off set to build excitement and share with others!

Model https://www.instagram.com/____jewels?igsh=MTFzN29zYTM2MDRsMg==

Created with Fujifilm X Series US GFX100s
Lighting by Westcott
Dress by Your Fairy Godmother Couture

Set design Mark Jesse / Baby Dream backdrops

09/23/2024

Fujifilm is partnering with me to offer a one light portrait class in Dallas in just a couple weeks!

Would love to have you join me for time spent revisiting the basics of both natural light and OCF to elevate your portraiture.

We will have models available for hands-on learning, the most valuable way to absorb and apply concepts.

You can find out more and register here:

https://competitivecameras.com/our-events/simple-yet-stunning-1-light-portraits-w-julie-gayler-fujifilm

07/26/2024

Edited screenshot of raw footage from an interview with Bedford Camera & Video this morning!

Was fun to talk about my upcoming Stories with Light workshop in October...I can't wait to share the exciting sets and everything we have planned for the weekend!

❤

Stay tuned, and I'll share the promo with you!

07/25/2024

If you’re a photographer looking for resources to help your journey, head over to my website and blog!

You’ll find a growing source of articles, links and my current speaking/class schedule to up your photography game.

This week’s post is all about making the most of golden hour light!

Yes, you CAN mix flare/golden hour with off camera flash! Light changes rapidly during golden hour, and being able to make the most of it helps take your images to the next level! Here are some quick tips for creating portraits during golden hour with off camera flash, along with some final edits

07/23/2024

My favorite photography student of all time, is my son, Ian. I'm so proud of him!

This past weekend, at the Arkansas Professional Photographers Association annual conference and print competition, was his first ever entry...

And, he won a Rising Star award!

It was one of the top scoring images of the entire competition! (He even beat some of mine!). So proud of him, and thankful for the blessing of being able to share with my kids...the best award of all.

"Here's Johnny!"