Julie Gayler Photography

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!"

07/17/2024

Can't wait for this amazing weekend to create and learn with you! It's not just a workshop, it is an opportunity to tell your stories with light!

06/14/2024

Just talked with the team about what I’ll be using at my workshop this fall. The list got crazy, because it’s ALL THE THINGS!!! 🙌

Are you ready to dive deep into the world of photography gear, modifiers, and creative lighting tools?! This is your chance to learn how to use a variety of equipment to create truly breathtaking images.

Thanks to Fujifilm X Series US, you'll have the opportunity to try out their medium format system. And with a wide range of lighting tools from Westcott at your disposal, you'll have everything you need to take your photography skills to the next level.

Don't let the complexity of gear and lighting overwhelm you - I will break it all down in a hands-on, practical way.

By actually getting behind the camera and experimenting with different tools, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how to tell captivating stories through light.

This workshop is a special edition that you won't want to miss!!

05/03/2024

In just over two weeks, I’ll be speaking at Bedford’s Photo Expo!

This class is going to be really fun and have *brand new* work and ideas featured (that haven’t been posted) for growing and stretching your creativity.

I can’t wait!

Message me for a code…

Who will I see there?!

04/26/2024

Nature’s adornments
arranged carefully,
with nothing out of place.

No unsightly weeds,
or faded blooms
to distract
from pinks and purples
that are such such sweetness,
and a lovely shade of yellow
that is shining joy
of carefree summer afternoons.

Ideal proportions
of each color and hue,
arrayed in curves and color
stir up feelings
of warmth and happiness
from deep within.

All those bouquets in the case
just waiting
to be chosen.

Here and there,
Men stroll by and eyes linger
on all the pretty blooms
their eyes wandering up
and down
the languorous stems,
looking for thorns.

How will this one look on the counter?

Bright colors inviting and welcoming
when keys are plunked down
next to it,
after a long day’s work.
When there’s a need
for something pretty to hold
in your gaze for just a moment.

Is it the most beautiful one
on the shelf today?

Petals open and lean
toward eager, awaiting hands
wrapped so perfectly
just for them.

Oh, how wonderful
simply to be

picked.
From a series I’m in the midst of creating using lawn and garden supplies as inspiration and to play with light.

🌸Thank you Aaliyah Kissick for thinking of me while you were in town, and the freedom to create from such a connected and soft place.
Lynn.Jones my gratitude for somehow taking my explanations of a model in a refrigerator case with wild hair and making it come to life perfectly. 💐

Also part of the inspiration is from feelings of and his mirror series…the way that hit my mind has left a permanent impression to explore and interpret my own way.

Created with Westcott available at FlashGear.net — in camera haze created with Atmosphere Aerosol and Prism Lens FX subtle dream

Fujifilm X Series USGFX100s
Chrome film profile

04/16/2024

Sessions like these might be taking on a character on the surface. But underneath that, they always are a way to see a side of someone simply expressed differently.

As you embark on all the adventures, and face your every day challenges, I hope you can see yourself for the timeless hero you are.
Featuring Kel Kitch
Costume design by florina
Lighting created with Westcott tools available at FlashGear.net
Fujifilm X Series US US GFX100s
Special effects by Prism Lens FX

Shot on location at a NW Arkansas waterfall.

04/12/2024

Thank you to Deidre Vigil Cordova for trusting me with these moments. They are powerful reminders to me that it’s ok to find beauty and strength in tears, in pain, and in things others may find happy. ��

Your story has power, even in silent tears of gold.
Message me for info on how to book a storytelling session of your own that reflects something you want to communicate.

You don’t have to have an idea or inspiration…my job is to create it WITH you.

---
Dress by Your Fairy Godmother Couture
Backdrop by Baby Dream backdrops
Created with Westcott lighting tools available at FlashGear.net
Fujifilm X Series US GFX100s

04/05/2024

Throwback to sessions featuring the moon as we approach the eclipse…

Forever a favorite, Lindsey and Alan were wedding clients who came back for maternity and newborn images, and we always found a way to incorporate the night sky into a theme, as it has special meaning for them. 💫

Their love to the moon and back is still going strong...with two littles and so many memories under the same sky.

💜

04/03/2024

Reception for April Burris, Artist in Residence, at the Arkansas Governor's Mansion

As a personal fan of April's work, it was wonderful to see her paintings on display in such a beautiful location. Some of the paintings even seemed to glow.

You can see her work for yourself tomorrow night at Art Group Gallery - Pleasant Ridge from 5-8pm!
Captured with Fujifilm X Series US X-T5 / XF56 1.2

04/03/2024

“Painting with light” is a term photographers often use to describe what they do. (Not to be confused with light painting, which is also a thing!)

But, April Burris actually *paints* with light.

She paints with fire, the sun, clouds aglow…the moon.

An impressionist painter, she does some of her work in studio, but en plein air (outdoors) is a place her skills truly shine.

Light isn’t just one color, or even one color for a time. It’s a dance of ever changing, tangibly drifting, moving, transforming color…in a world where everything interacts and changes it even further.

As a photographer, I make split second decisions on those changes, and then push the shutter on them to freeze them.

It’s humbling to watch that process magnified with painting, as each layer of paint is not just one split second decision, but myriads of them. Layer. Repeat.

Today I saw April’s work on display at the Governor’s mansion, and fell in love all over again with how brushstrokes become living, breathing landscapes of my new home, Arkansas.

Her work whispers to me, a lover of light, and asks me to please find a wall for it, where it can draw me in over and over again.

If you have a moment, go see for yourself…link in comments.

03/09/2024

Thankful for the opportunity to teach alongside Braulio Rocha this past week during WPPI. Our workshop at Nelson Nevada Ghost Town was an incredible success.

I can't say thank you enough to the two people who literally bring the vision to life.

MiMi Fulton & Nikki Lister give a little bit of their energy, passion, and beautiful spirits to each and every one of us with every click of the camera. Their talent is magic and exhilarating, just like them. ❤

It takes a lot of sacrifice to be "on" during such a busy week, and working with so many different and talented creatives. Sharing these moments and watching the collaboration and creativity happen in front of me will be a memory I treasure. Thank you both from the bottom of my heart!!!

And thank you to all the vendors and support team who made the shoot possible!

🙌 Assistants Shauna Raduske, Iron Ore Photography, Matt West
💐 Models for other sets (not pictured) Julia Garrison, Kirsten Plonka and their partners
💋 HMUA FUSE MGT
👗Gown by Your Fairy Godmother Couture
🫶 Sponsors FlashGear.net, nPhoto Lab, Imagen, Galexia Editing

⚡ Westcott FJ400 / Flashgear 26" Quick Octabox
📸 Fujifilm X Series US GFX100s GF55/110
ISO 100 -- f/16 -- 1/125

03/01/2024

Siri, play Texas hold 'em
✨
🤠 Sheka Clark
⚡ Westcott / FlashGear.net
📸 Fujifilm X Series US GFX100s GF55

02/15/2024

May you always and only burn for those willing to go through the fire with you.

❤️‍🔥 RoseHelen Zafe
🌹 Your Fairy Godmother Couture
🔥Baby Dream backdrops "Fallen Angel" XDrop
⚡ Westcott available at FlashGear.net
📸 Fujifilm X Series US US GFX100s / GF55/80

02/12/2024

It's Valentine's week, and even though I'm not much of a holiday person...I can definitely get behind loving yourself, twirling in pretty dresses, and all you can eat chocolate!!

❤ You can do that any day you want, and I hope you do! ❤
This is from the end of the day with OKC Metro Camera Club, when a simple one light setup grew to three lights, and a little Valentine's theme fun!

❤️
🌹 Your Fairy Godmother Couture
⚡ Westcott available at FlashGear.net
📸 Fujifilm X Series US GFX100s / GF80

02/07/2024

Elegance is usually confused with superficiality, fashion, lack of depth. This is a serious mistake: human beings need to have elegance in their actions and in their posture because this word is synonymous with good taste, amiability, equilibrium and harmony. - Paulo Coelho

To one of my favorite leading ladies who embodies just that.
💋 RoseHelen Zafe
💄 Lynn Jones
🌇 Backdrop by Baby Dream backdrops
⚡ Westcott available at FlashGear.net
📸Fujifilm X Series US GFX100s GF110

Photographers, for BTS and more, join my FB group:
Julie Gayler | Stories with Light

01/17/2024

Are you going to WPPI?!

Woud love to see you there! I'll be teaching a cinematic lighting workshop with fellow FlashGear.net ambassador Braulio Rocha Photography!

We have some amazing models and gowns lined up, and the location is INCREDIBLE!!

We will provide transportation, snacks, and lighting equipment...all you have to do is bring your camera and willingness to learn!

You won't want to miss this. It's the best combination of learning and incredible creativity.

--->First 10 sign ups will receive $50 off!

Come see us in Vegas!

11/27/2023

Simply thankful for the amazing people who have been in front of my lens...not only have I been able to meet and work with amazing models, but incredible "everyday" people who share their stories with me!

Hope that you had a wonderful week, no matter how it was spent! It was a much needed break for me, (six weeks straight of teaching/on the road!!), but I still have more photos to edit and galleries to go out!

So stay tuned! I'll be posting a lot more soon! :)

---
The incredibly kind and thoughtful Audrey Mcclendon
Lighting by Westcott available at FlashGear.net
Created with Fujifilm X Series US GFX100s GF80 f/1.7

11/21/2023

So thankful for the ability to represent Flashgear.net over the years. It comes from a genuine place of falling in love with the products and support first!

They have the best off camera lighting equipment for photographers!

From what I can tell, pretty much every modifier and stand he carries is on sale...so it's a great time to do some photographer math and stock up. 🙂

Every purchase from this company helps me personally to feed and support my own family. It makes a real difference to us, and ensures we can continue helping and sharing as much as we do with the community!

If you are just getting started with lighting or need help deciding on what to buy, send me a message.

I own most of this equipment...haha! And at the very least have used almost all of it at one point or another, and can help you make the best decision for your style/goals, or share examples of what to expect with practical usage.

Happy holidays...and happy shopping! :)

Our Holiday Cyber Sale is LIVE!!

Treat yourself with some amazing deals!

11/14/2023

LITTLE ROCK! This weekend! Another of our amazing meetups!

We will have a new guest set host, Brittney Matthews, and another round of amazing models!

You can sign up at the link in the comments! Can’t wait to see you there.

11/02/2023

I’m headed out to PHOTOCON OKC!!

I’ll be speaking on creative lighting, introduction to flash, and sharing some tips and tricks on the expo floor for portraits, headshots and sportraits!

Come see me! It’s going to be an awesome show!

Our PhotoCon Live 2021 in Oklahoma City is in its 2nd year and is the largest photography and imaging shows in Oklahoma. The show will offer the ultimate experience in photography and digital imaging. Explore tons of different vendors

10/24/2023

Light as Air
------

Over time, I have the honor of getting to know Iztok Umek on a more personal level, since he attended our level one seminar.

It is from that place that the vision for this seemingly simple portrait takes place.

Iztok is embarking upon a new journey and a lightening...of purpose, intent, and commitment to himself. So he wears white to symbolize that new beginning.

He is leaving behind the weight and burdens that have held him back from seeing clearly, and looking to a future open to what is possible.

Behind him is a hand painted drop from Ashley Simmons, who is beginning a new chapter herself. The movement of the brushstrokes are something I saw in my mind’s eye as a way to represent his movement towards what is next.

It is an honor to capture the likeness of another artist. Humbling, and not without pressure of its own. But I am embarking on a project to create a special portrait of each of my photographer friends.

It is only one moment of how I see my subject, but there is so much respect, meaning and love behind the art…

And along with it, a wish for all that is to come to be light as air.

“Fly without wings;
Dream with open eyes;
See in darkness.”

-Dejan Stojanović

——
Lighting by Westcott available at FlashGear.net
Backdrop by Ashley Simmons
Photographed at The Labyrinth
Created with Fujifilm X Series US GFX100s / Chrome film

10/23/2023

Modern garage pinup...but make it fashion! 🙂

We had SO much fun this past weekend with creative sets at the Stories with Light Creative Lighting Workshop!

TEN creative sets
TWO DAYS

We did it!!!

This image is my homage to the HARD WORK that has made it possible.

There's not enough caption space to thank everyone, but I do want to thank Shauna Raduske, my studio manager, for all her hard work in pulling this off. Not just over the weekend, but the past year of everything that has gone into this.

Thanks to Tim Payne for the equipment, resources and support of FlashGear.net that literally make this possible. I wouldn't do it without a business partner behind me, who believes in me more than I do myself.

To Marcus Fisher, owner of the The Labyrinth in Little Rock--"my" home studio, for hosting us, and believing in the vision to do something great and grow our city's name in the arts.

And thank you to Penry Studio for being our special guest teacher! Her knowledge of color has transformed my own personal work. And, we are so lucky to have her sharing what she knows to inspire a deeper understanding of how color impacts everything we do!

To the models, hair and makeup artist, Jamie Lynn Jones...way more people to thank individually!!

And, last but certainly not least, to Jesse for showing me the light, and dealing with me every day to endure what it takes to be a creative and put on productions of this scale.

Stay tuned, I will post more details, and images from seminar...but, watch for the attendees, too. The creative collaboration that happened was EPIC all around.

THANK YOU.

----
Model/Styling RoseHelen Zafe
Backdrop Baby Dream backdrops
Lighting by Westcott available at FlashGear.net
Created with Fujifilm X Series US GFX100s / Classic Chrome

10/19/2023

🌼 Yellow flower throwback! 🌼

There’s just something about patches of yellow flowers that makes me smile.

Sending a smile to this senior from last year. Hope that your first year at college has been amazing so far.

🫶

I hope it makes you smile today, too!

——
Created with / FlashGear.net lighting tools

10/18/2023

A critique this image was given was that it was “missing a story.”

I had entered it in WPPI print competition in 2019, and I struggled with that one for a while.

It seemed obvious to me what the story was.

Plus, it was actually a true candid. It was not the sweet smiling siblings image that I have envisioned of my own kids. Lol!! He didn’t want to listen to his annoying sister. Obviously. 🤪

It’s time to enter again, (although now it’s called ICON) and I was thinking about it deeply…

What work have I created that would hold up to competition critique?

And I realize, I’ll always regret not having a fishing pole off to one side of this image now.

But, I’ll never regret putting it out there as proud of the best story I could tell that day…and learning to tell an even better story in the small details. 🐟

Good luck to everyone!
Entries close on Friday!

——-
Created with FlashGear.net lighting tools.

10/17/2023

Starting to get more excited for next month!

It’s going to be a great event!! I'm so excited to share some inspiration for creative lighting!!

And, don't attend just for me...so many amazing speakers in the lineup!! Jerry Ghionis is the keynote!!

Will I see you there?!

https://bit.ly/PhotoConX2023

10/11/2023

A couple years back, my partner and I got to visit Sun Records in Memphis.

It was a lot more humble than I expected for the birthplace of such giants in our music history!

Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis...all the first names to come to mind...

And, inspiration that my little living room has some great creativity coming out of it as well.

You don't need to be big to have huge impact.

You just have to create from your heart.

Keep rocking!

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Lead guitar Penelope Rose
Guitar by Charvel® Guitars from Mark Jesse's collection
Lighting by Westcott available at FlashGear.net
Created with Fujifilm X Series US GFX100s

10/09/2023

Lori Weeks Art said it best…I have the GROOVIEST friends!!!

Lori is an Arkansas artist close to my heart.

I fell in love with her work for the vibrant textures and bold brushwork, before I ever moved here…and, when I finally got to go see it in person, and meet the artist, I fell in love even more!!

It means so much to me that she likes MY work and wanted to have some fun with one of my favorite props…🪩💃

Art is supposed to be FUN and we did!!!

I have two of her pieces on my walls, so I happen to think you need at least one! 😉

Go follow her page and stay tuned for details on the next gallery opening coming soon!!

——-
HMUA Jamie Lynn Jones
Lighting by available at FlashGear.net
Photographed at The Labyrinth Studio