Julie began her career as a stills photographer in her teenage years, capturing children’s sports teams on weekends. While earning her undergraduate degree at the University of Oregon, she worked as a staff photographer for Oregon Voice, honing her skills in visual storytelling. She later pursued a Master’s degree in education and spent several years as a university administrator before returning to her passion for photography in 2011, launching a portrait and event photography business.
Her work in the stills market eventually led her to her first narrative film set in 2017, where she became captivated by the collaborative nature of filmmaking. Inspired to deepen her expertise, she enrolled in the Film Production program at Portland State University. During her first year, she was selected as an OMPA PATHWAYS Camera PA on the feature film Pig, where she had the opportunity to train with some of Portland’s top filmmaking professionals. Since then, she has worked on numerous film projects in the camera department as a Local 600 Camera Assistant (see IMDb link below for details).
Most recently, Julie has been applying her diverse experience to cinematography, serving as Director of Photography on several projects (see Cinematography link in the menu). Her years of studying light and composition through still photography provided a strong foundation for motion work. Her cinematography has received honorable mentions, category wins, and official selections in several local film festivals.
Coming into the film industry later in life has given Julie a unique perspective, allowing her to approach storytelling with a depth of lived experience. Having spent years living abroad, she brings a global sensibility to her work, with an eye for the nuances of culture, identity, and human connection. As a single mother, she has learned to navigate challenges with resilience and adaptability—qualities that inform her filmmaking. Her background allows her to tell stories with an instinct for authenticity and a deep understanding of underrepresented voices, making her work both visually compelling and emotionally resonant.
