20 on Tuesday: Julie Cruz of Lot 116

I am so excited about today’s featured photographer!  Julie Cruz caught my eye when I was just starting this photography journey.  She had posted a few times on a forum I frequent and every time I saw one of her images, even before I saw her trademark Lot 116 heart-enclosed logo, I knew it was her work.  Everything she does screams FUN to me.  Fresh, fun, and modern.  Especially the vintage family session she did awhile back complete with a funky old truck and a retro polka-dotted dress.  And not only is she a talented photographer, she is a generous person.  I have asked her opinion on a few business-related ideas and she’s been nothing but open and encouraging.  I’m thrilled to be able to share with you one of my favorites, Julie Cruz!

Hi Julie,

1    Where are you from?
Born in Virginia, but have lived my whole life (minus about 9 months?) here in San Diego, CA.

2    Where is home now?
San Diego, CA

3    Are you formally educated or self-taught in photography?
Self-taught.

4    What words would you use to describe your style of photography?
Fun. Happy. Different.

5    What inspires you as a photographer?
I’m inspired by my own family and friends. I get inspired to shoot certain things by thinking about what I would love someone else to capture for me.

6    What is your favorite kind of session to shoot and why?
Hmmm….that’s a tough one because I love so many. One of my favorites is urban sessions, because I love the various colors, backgrounds, etc to work with. It’s easy to change up the look of things just by going from one spot to the other.

7    How do you stay motivated and your photography current?
I just shoot what I love and want. I try and think outside of the box a bit and try new things. Sometimes they turn out awesome….sometimes…not so much 😉

8    If you could be invisible for one day with your camera…
I would follow around each person that I love and take photos of them…. just being them.

9    Name a photographer you would like to take a portrait of?
Tara Whitney and her family….because they are super cute 🙂

10    What’s your best advice for balancing work and family?
Family always comes first. One big part of me taking the leap to leave my “day job” to start my own business was so that I could spend more time with PJ (our daughter). The past 2-3 years in business have been a little crazy for me to balance, which is why starting this year and next, i’m taking on less shoots. Sure, I could be booking 20 shoots a month or something crazy….but then that would defeat my main purpose of starting Lot116…..which is having more time with my family.

11    What’s in your camera bag?
Canon 5DMKII,  24-70L, 50 1.2L, 70-200L, 50 1.4 (although I don’t bring all of those with me to each shoot – usually it’s just 1 or 2)….some business cards/postcards,  gum, a little pack of tissues and a pen.

12    When you’re not photographing, where can we find you?
Usually with PJ at The New Children’s Museum, Sea World, Disneyland, running errands, etc.

13    If not a photographer what would you have been?
Hmmm….most likely I probably still would have been working at DC Shoes. If not, then most likely a stay at home mom with some sort of part time job.

14    If you could live anywhere in this amazing world where would you build your dream home?
Ooh, that’s tough. I LOVE San Diego, but a part of me would love to live in New York.

15    What talent would you most like to have?
I would love to be able to sew. I would make my daughter the raddest things 🙂

16    What are the three words your spouse would use to describe you?
Funny. SuperMom (yes, i’m counting that as one). Nag? 😉 hahaha

17    Something that is over rated…
The Snuggie. Good idea, but really ugly and terrible fabric choice.

18    Your favorite movie of all time?
Acck! Way too hard. How about 3? 🙂
The Joy Luck Club (if you’ve seen it, my mom is totally Waverly’s mom 😉 hahaha)
Up (hilarious and I still tear up every time I watch it)
Meet The Robinson’s (again, funny and I tear up every time)

19    Who would play you in a movie of your life?
Well obviously Angelina Jolie or Jessica Alba! 😉
Oh wait, that would be a dream.
Most likely someone who can be goofy, like Drew Barrymore.

20    Name one blog you stalk regularly.

www.theblogisfound.com

They are super creative, I love their work….and their kids are adorable 🙂

Can you show us a few of your favorite images that best represent your work?

Julie’s work can be found HERE.

Thank you, Julie!