Julie Gayler Photography

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Little Rock, AR
Julie Gayler Photography

Julie Gayler Photography —light artist + teller of stories
—little rock based + travel

02/26/2025

Her journey of motherhood is both powerful and beautiful, woven with strength and hope for the future.

✨

These moments of anticipation hold deep meaning for those embarking on the journey of parenthood…and it’s a privilege to sneak in and create something special to remember those feelings forever.

She showed me the dress she’d chosen to wear, and I had this headdress in my closet that matched everything about her energy and heritage so well.

Alexis is such an amazing entrepreneur, wife, and friend. She’s the one you go to when you want strong support, and sound advice for what lies ahead…truly a regal goddess who radiates strength and beauty in everything she does.

I cannot wait to see her as a mom, and watch how she embraces the new roles with the same magic.
For the creatives and the curious:

LIGHTS
FJ800 / FJ400ii available at - gear links in my bio
Main - Lindsay Adler Optical Spot
Fill - Bounce off ceiling with reflector pan
Hair - 55° reflector pan + orange vivid flexigel

CAMERA
GFX100s II + GF55
ISO 100 - f/2.8 - 1/125

ACTION
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of learning from in numerous class formats, and there’s no question of the inspiration and what I have learned put together in this image. If you want the best experience in an in person workshop, you will never regret investing in one of her experiences. I’m forever thankful for what I’ve learned from her, and how it’s helped me translate my own visions for clients and creativity. If you ever get the chance, just go.

Assist by
Backdrop by
In camera effects by

02/24/2025

Yesterday, my lighting FB group got to go behind the scenes with me to create these one light dramatic portraits!

It was an exclusive sneak peek of our cinematic lighting workshop in Las Vegas next month.

will be hosting with incredible models .fulton and in stunning gowns from

Nelson Ghost Town is a location that offers photography playground for creating!! Being there is a highlight of the year for me—watching everyone get so excited about the epic images we are creating.

This will be happening during WPPI (a standalone workshop, not part of the conference), and transportation will be provided from Rio.

We will provide lighting setups, a universal controller, and teach how to achieve this look. All you will need is your camera and be ready to go!

Still have spots open! Link in bio.
💍 Special thanks to and her bf Ethan for stepping In as “wedding couple”
👗 / courtesy amazing client closet
✨ Thank you to and for the assist
⚡️ /
📸 GFX100s II + GF23

02/23/2025

The Midnight Visit

🧜‍♀️

Isn’t it something to wonder if magic really would make our lives easier?

What would happen if?

Yet, there’s complexities to all the choices we face, all the worlds we must cross, and the distances we bridge with each other.

Wouldn’t we have to face our magical problems all the same?

Creating connection in the face of the impossible odds and challenges…is something we don’t need magic to solve.

Love will always rise above the tides. It IS our magic.
Five years ago, was willing to dive into my wild imagination for a story that is genuinely too deep for words.

The sea always whispers to me creatively. This is the longest I have lived away from the ocean! 😭 Creating with these themes makes me feel closer to it and fills my heart.

Looking for some muses who’d love to create with themes of the ocean. There are so many ideas and stories floating around in my mind that I’d love to create! DM me and we will work on planning the art.
For the creatives and the curious:
I’ve included the only surviving BTS from this session back in 2020…created using lighting tools.

Theres definitely things I’d change about the technical ex*****on, but the PROCESS is something I look back and enjoy. Just going for ALL the ideas, and not letting being “good enough” hold you back will lead you places you never thought possible. Just go for it.

02/22/2025

The beginnings and ends of shadow lie between the light and darkness and may be infinitely diminished and infinitely increased. Shadow is the means by which bodies display their form. The forms of bodies could not be understood in detail but for shadow. - Leonardo da Vinci

👤

is an amazing person to collaborate with, because he has made it a part of his mission to study the light and shadow as a model.

Watching how a thoughtful model like him REACTS to the light, and interacts WITH the shadows has shaped my photography in many ways.

Because not all of the sessions I do are not with models, of course, but those moments are stored away in my mind. What I observed models do has often become part of how I work with and coach others who may not have that experience.

Once you see things another way, it doesn’t leave you. And I’m forever grateful for all of the people who have shared a little bit of their light with me.
For the creatives and the curious:

⚡️LIGHTS
FJ200s
Main light - 20” Quick Parabox + grid
Fill light - 40” shoot through umbrella + blue gel

📸CAMERA
GFX100s + GF24mm/GF55mm
ETERNA (CINEMA) film simulation

💡ACTION
Earlier during the meetup that co-hosted with me, I photographed another talent in the same spot (scroll back on my feed and see if you spot it!), but I didn’t want the images to look the same. So I added a blue gel to the fill in order to create a different ambience.

02/20/2025

Simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication. - Coco Chanel

✨

Last weekend was my Simply Stunning One Light class at Oklahoma City Metro Camera Club.

Tim Payne of joined me and we had the best time creating with everyone. It was so good to come back and visit with friends from last year and make new friends! If you’re in the area, you should definitely check out their resources. Everyone is so happy to share and help each other grow, whether hobbyist or pro.

Using just one light, we discussed settings and equipment that work together in creating memorable portraits…and everyone had the chance to collaborate with the amazing who puts the fun in funtography.
For the creatives and the curious:

⚡️LIGHTS
FJ800
+ Flashgear 48” Quick Parabox

📸CAMERA
GFX100s II
+ GF 45-100

✨ACTION
When using one light, the right modifier can help get the results you want. In studio, a larger modifier like the 48” Quick Parabox will ensure that you can have dramatic, directional light that still spreads across the scene. Moving your subject closer or farther from the backdrop determines how much light hits the background, (helpful way to get extra control when you’re not using additional lights to light the background separately).

Backdrop:
Xdrop Pro
+ BabyDream Sweep (message me for a code to get 40% off your entire order!)

02/14/2025

Add a caption…🏔️

02/13/2025

There are languages where there’s different words for different types of love.

Love between partners.
Love of friends to surround you.
Love of your child.
Love from one human for another.

And having the opportunity to tell the surrogacy story of my friend .adventure.family was the ability to see that love and more.

The journey was months in the making, grown from the love of an amazing couple—forever radiating outward and blossoming into the welcoming of sweet baby girl into the world.

Looking back this week on which love stories to feature, even though I do not currently book births, it just made sense to revisit this one…hard to believe it’s been five whole years since these moments...

I hope the pictures convey even a small sense of the wonder at sharing the gift of life and love with another.

We may have only one word for it in the English language, but a universe of meaning in love. ♥️

02/12/2025

You make my heart smile. ❤️

We laughed at everything during this session, because the air is simply alive with joy around these two.

Looking back, and I’m *still* smiling and laughing with them.

🫶😄

Whether you’re the smiley couple or the serious couple, I’ve got you covered! DM me to set up your session to celebrate your unique love.
For the creatives and the curious:

⚡️LIGHTS
One light setups with the FJ400 + 34” Quick Octabox

📸CAMERA
GFX100s II + GF55 / GF110
Astia Film Simulation

♥️ACTION
The twinkle lights shot is one of my favorites! For maximum bokeh, use your longest lens and get closer to your subject. At least 85mm equivalent really helps. The 110 f/2 is absolutely king of the beautiful bokeh on GFX. This helps exaggerate the twinkles!

02/11/2025

Roses are red, clouds are gray. Sorry not sorry for the PDA.

🌹

It’s valentines week, and I’m not much for holidays, but I am all about love!

We laughed so hard this session, there were just as many keeper outtakes as otherwise. I mean…what outtakes?! These ARE the moments, and we enjoyed ALL of them!

(Can you tell we are all dorks?! lol!)

Newly engaged? Or just want to celebrate togetherness? DM me and we can plan the perfect way to tell your unique love story.
For the creatives and the curious:

⚡️LIGHTS
FJ400 + 42” Quick Octa
(gear links in my bio at the bottom!)

It was an overcast day, so some of the images, I created “fake sun” by using another FJ400 with a CTO gel in the back.

📸CAMERA
GFX100s + GF55 & GF110
Astia Film Simulation

💋ACTION
Astia is one of my favorite film simulations for natural color with a little bit of extra pop. Combined with shooting in shade WB, this overcast day could still be transformed into the vibrant colors we wanted to create.

02/10/2025

a moment for heart glasses ❤️❤️
As a lover of everything vintage, Emma came to the right place. Classic film vibes with a modern twist? Say no more!

I hope the home stretch of your senior year is everything you dreamed it to be, and I’m sending big love for the chapter ahead.
Want to plan your own custom session, and have a say in the creative direction? We plan locations, wardrobe and editing together to bring YOUR vision to life. Message me, because it’s not too late to capture your senior year in style. 🕶️
For the creatives and the curious:

⚡️LIGHTS
In the busy corner cafe, there was not a way to set up lights and stay out of the way—but the window light was the perfect vibe for the filmy retro look!

📸 CAMERA
GFX100s + GF55
Nostalgic Neg. Film simulation, plus a hint of warm grading added in

🥤ACTION
Just have to give a shameless plug to for an amazing breakfast that I enjoyed before we got started. I think it’s so important to not just use locations like this for pictures…if you’re going to use a booth…show them support by getting some food! You won’t regret it!

02/09/2025

Red—because you were born to stand out. 👠
It is time for the last set from my 3 days of photo walks with at !

Red was one of those colors that I was always having to edit and tweak to get right, and just one way the GFX system truly stands apart. Sharing my excitement for the GFX100s II, where everyone on the walk got to see that in action was so much fun.

When I saw stepping out in the red jacket, I knew our photo walk was about to be 🔥 and she absolutely rocked it!

Won’t get tired of thanking .w.gilbert for the technical guidance—his positive energy makes everything better! And to all the photographers who joined us, you rock!

I hope we will see you at future events and can’t wait to see more of your images. Keep tagging me!
For the creatives and the curious:

⚡️LIGHTS
Natural light through the big beautiful skylights of the Ga***rd. I love using OCF, but being able to use *all* light is a real asset to your creativity!

📸CAMERA
GFX100s II + GF55 1.7
ISO 80 - f/2.8 - 1/250
Nostalgic Neg. Film Simulation

☀️ACTION
Open shade is a term photographers use to explain shade that’s at the edge of the sky/light. Deep shade is even and diffuse…but, open shade has a little bit more contrast and can add just the right amount of pop to bring your subjects to life. Experiment with how much your subject stands in the shade and watch the dramatic difference—then choose whatever tells your story best!

02/09/2025

Effortless grace in every step. 🌿
The photos keep on coming from my walks with at

Everyone had the chance to use the GFX100s II and see what magic those 102MP bring in dynamic range and beautiful color rendering.

Working with was a ✨dream✨ — and the neutrals look was so perfect for all the textures at the .

Thanks again to .w.gilbert for the technical guidance and to all the photographers who joined us! Hope our paths cross again and let’s stay in touch!

Tag me pretty please when you post so I can see your final images!
For the creatives and the curious:

⚡️LIGHTS
Natural light through the big beautiful skylights of the Ga***rd. It was an overcast kind of look!

📸CAMERA
GFX100s II + GF55 1.7
ISO 800+ - f/1.7 - 1/160+
Nostalgic Neg. Film Simulation

☀️ACTION
In overcast light, the direction of light can be subtle. We talked about how shaping the light and directional posing makes big impact even when the lighting seems like it’s coming from everywhere.

02/09/2025

Follow me to the good light. ✨
Another set from one of my photo walks with at

Attendees got to take the GFX100s II for a spin…if you haven’t had the chance to use medium format yet, the image quality will take your breath away…

That is if you have any left after working with master class !

Thanks to .w.gilbert for the technical guidance and to everyone who joined us! Hope to connect and create with you again some time.

Please tag me when you post so I can see your final images...seeing the back of your cameras was not enough!
For the creatives and the curious:

⚡️LIGHTS
All natural for this photo walk. We had overcast skies through the skylight and needed to watch carefully for subtle direction of light. I love to have a touch of OCF in situations like this, but learning to build a good base of natural light will always help you build on that!

📸CAMERA
GFX100s II + GF55 1.7
ISO 125 - f/1.7 - 1/320+
Nostalgic Neg. Film Simulation / Acros

☀️ACTION
Jonah’s modeling style is best described as dynamic flow posing, and “subject detect” focus mode is a great way to keep every frame in focus. It quickly locks on to the subject in the scene, giving you the flexibility to shift composition in the moment for the strongest frames.

02/08/2025

From my photo walk with at

Once everyone got settled in with a GFX100s II—we looked around at what the location had to offer with available light. The Ga***rd Texan has no shortage of amazing spaces!

In the afternoon, there are these amazing pockets of light that make photos sing. The rest? That was all owning every moment, every camera, every look.

Thanks to Christopher Gilbert for the technical guidance and to everyone who joined us! Hope to connect and create with you again some time.

Please feel free to tag me when you post so I can see your final images. Just seeing the back of your cameras…I was HYPED!
For the creatives and the curious:

⚡️LIGHTS
All natural for this photo walk! High afternoon sunlight coming through the skylights was GIVING!

📸CAMERA
GFX100s II + GF55 1.7
ISO 80 - f/1.7 - 1/500+
Nostalgic Neg. Film Simulation / Acros

☀️ACTION
Shooting in RAW means you can choose ANY of the film simulations to be applied, and change your mind later in the “color profile” section of your photo editing program. I shot in Acros to really see the patterns of light and shadow, and changed some shots over to Nostalgic Neg. Later for that beautiful color rendering. If you haven’t tried it yet, it’s a great trick for learning to “see” light, especially in high contrast.

02/07/2025

Winter hits differently with your pack at your side.

❄️

It probably won’t snow again here, but I know that some of you will still experience much more snow this winter!
sunshine_worldmodel drove *hours* to come down and make this happen during active snowfall…a rarity for us to get this much! And it just kept on falling!

Truth be told, I hate the snow. Lol. But I could not stop smiling at how much fun her huskies were having!!! I can only imagine their dog souls were feeling in touch with the deepest part of themselves…and capturing them in their element was magical.
For the creatives and the curious:

⚡️LIGHTS

MAIN LIGHT
FJ800 + 34” Quick Octa

BACK LIGHT
FJ400ii + 55° reflector pan + blue flexigels
———-
📸 CAMERA

GFX100s II + GF55
Classic Chrome film simulation

I’m so impressed with the subject detect focusing in heavy snowfall. I’ll admit I relied on it to get these shots and make it happen, as I could barely see what I was doing. lol.
———-
❄️ ACTION

It was DARK (and did I mention COLD) outside, and I am so thankful for the FJ800s new upgraded modeling light. Using it helped me lock focus and see how to line up the lights. I made sure that her and the dogs’ bodies were blocking the back lights so they didn’t become a distracting background element.

(There will be a BTS reel coming, so keep an eye out!)

02/01/2025

The last frame of this set is my favorite. It was actually a genuine candid moment when we finished the set…and, the whole story completely came together.

After the curtain falls, beauty and exhaustion dance together.

🌿

It was so fun to transform this room into a completely new vibe with both of our art. It ks so easy to get transported into the story when is in front of the camera.
Creatives and the curious:
The light bulb in this space is where inspiration began. I started with dramatic light to mirror that light, and then wanted to go all in by using a gobo for even more texture. It’s amazing to me how much changes with that one step!

📸 GFX100s
+GF55 / GF24
ISO 200 (up a stop for more reach with the spot, which uses a lot of light)
F/4
1/125

⚡️ FJ400
Get yours from

MAIN
+ Lindsay Adler Optical Spot

FILL
+ Westcott 40” white shoot through umbrella

01/30/2025

My quest, through the magic of light and shadow, is to isolate, to simplify, and to give emphasis to form with the greatest clarity. - Ruth Bernhard

🌓

If you don’t recognize the name, look up the amazing German American photographer who penned those words. Her play with light and the craft is so inspiring. It would have been an honor to listen to her thoughts about creating and exploring what you can accomplish (with no editing) with your camera.

And that’s what sessions like these are about…just exploring what light can do. Rather, what shadows can do. Wait! No…what both together do, as in photography there is no real separation of the two. After all, when you click the shutter, they become one.

Thankful for wonderful muses like who had the amazing idea of these gold flakes! The only tricky part was what got them to stick. Oh, and finally getting them washed out, lol.

See my reels for BTS!
🎨 Handpainted backdrop by
📍 (closed now, but forever carried with me!)
👗

📸 GFX100s + GF80/GF23
ISO 400 - f/4 - 1/125
ASTIA Film Simulation

⚡️MAIN LIGHT
FJ400 + Lindsay Adler Optical Spot

⚡️ FILL LIGHT
FJ400 + Flashgear 60” White umbrella

Come explore light with me at one of my upcoming workshops. See pinned posts for details!

01/28/2025

“This dress speaks to me, but I’m afraid of the emotions it sparks,” she shared.

When Tursa Faulkner came to me with her story, when she saw the limited edition sessions with this incredible gown, I was deeply moved. Many may see just a dramatic dress, but it carries so much more meaning, and I’m profoundly grateful to have opened the space for that connection to become art.

After a year and a half as a caregiver for her dad during his battle with lung cancer, she reached out with some powerful emotions that are best told in her own words. I’m thankful she was ok to share.

“Being that person for someone you love, and seeing and experiencing all of that from beginning to the very end…is full of somber but beautiful moments. I want to have hope to be like a fresh, emerging butterfly.

Getting back to my other life has been like coming out of the darkness and stepping into light. Eyes burning and hurting while feeling fresh hope and love for life. My hope is to be authentic to myself, not being my own worst critic or holding myself back due to fear of failure or embarrassment.”

She shared she knew her dad would want her to move forward and bloom.

It was from that place we created this portraits, and she put on this stunning gown, and we headed into a rare for us heavy snowfall.

As she tenderly held her dad’s ashes, which were crafted into a votive, the sun broke through the thick clouds and rushed into the woods, illuminating the moment.

I held my breath, and snapped. Sometimes, I can’t even plan scenes as special as this one.

Here’s to new beginnings and the stories that shape us, and those we carry with us always in our awakening.

🌸🦋

Check out my reels for a BTS of the creation of these images.
👗
⚡️Westcottlighting FJ800 + FJ400ii
34” Quick Octabox
📸 US GFX100s II + GF110/55
💨

Thank you to Mark for assisting to make this possible.

Address

Little Rock, AR
72210

Website

http://www.gaylerphotography.com/

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Working with @msewellphotography and the @royalwe Prom 2025 collection was so much fun!! Head over to RoyalWe to see final images from the collection and the GORGEOUS gowns they have for the season! @tiptonhurst creates stunning florals to match! 👗💐 . . . For the creatives and the curious:  When I’m not doing my own thing, I love to assist with lighting and creative direction for other photographers! You focus on the perfect frame and I’ll light it up! LIGHTS ⚡ @westcottlighting FJ800 // FJ400ii Using a combination of bounced light using the included reflector pan, and the @Flashgeardotnet 34” Quick Octabox. Links in bio (scroll to bottom) for more gear info! . . . #photographybts #westcottlighting #flashgeardotnet

FlashGear.net presents another Stories with Light seminar — a deep dive into dance photography. You’ll walk away with the knowledge and lighting techniques you need to collaborate with dancers in studio, and images for your portfolio…but more than that, new inspiration for creating beautiful art that dancers will be proud to showcase. PM to find out more and register.⁣.⁣.⁣.⁣…….Talent @lydiamballerinaStudio @530dancephotography.⁣.⁣#ballerina #ballet #balletdancer #balletlife #balletphotography #balletpost #dancelife #dancelove #dancephoto #dancephotographer #dancephotography #dancephotoshoot #dancer #dancerlife #dancerpose #dancers #dancerslife #dancersofig #dancersofinstagram ##dancing #instadance #lovedance#behindthescenes #flashphotography #ocf #offcameraflash #offcameraflashphotography #flashgearnet #lightingeducation

This sweet little girl had me smiling and laughing the whole session. Hope she brings a smile to your day, too! <3 Children are such a precious gift. <3

I was asked to photograph a surprise engagement...here's the story in his words, because I sure couldn't do any better! <3 Congratulations to an incredible couple!! ---- "Two months of plotting, planning, scheming, and praying for no rain for Sunday all culminated in the perfect Proposal!!!.....and yes she said "YES". I created a "photoshoot" with a photographer Julie (and friend of Fanny) and a local musician Andrew Tufano. Fanny and her enthusiasm for photography, had noooo clue this was all a set up!!! (evil grin). Fanny was asked by the photographer to assist and be the 2nd shooter. Fast forward to this evening as I followed them to Burke Lake in secrecy and remain out of sight until my cue., 10 min. into the shoot the guitarist starts to play Train's "Marry Me" as I tiptoe behind Fanny (how she didn't hear the leaves crunching and my footsteps is beyond me) and wait for the chorus of the song to tap her on the shoulder and pop the question!. She was over come with tears....so I guess I nailed it!! Life's full of tough decisions.....this was a no brainer! Fanny your compassion, love, nurturing and unconditional support makes me and our wonderful children, the luckiest people on Earth! Can't wait to Live, Love, Laugh and grow older together!"

It was such a joy to work with Katie and document these expectant moments. It's just amazing to me how precious the gift of life is, and that despite all the challenges of carrying that life, the love for your little one only grows and grows as time passes. <3

Julie Gayler Photography

02/26/2025

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