Conversations with Julie Luehrs

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Luehrs.

Hi Julie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in a small town in western Nebraska and at the age of 16 I starting working for the local photographer. At a young age, I followed in my mother’s footsteps, having a love for art. I loved watching her paint and often painted along with her or begged her to let me use her paints. But when I starting working in the photography field, this is where my true passion was discovered. Throughout high school and college I assisted many photographers in Nebraska, London England and Colorado. Here is where I learned not only about the camera and lighting but also about running a business. I received my BFA from the University of Denver in 2003 and in the spring of 2004 I opened the doors of Photo Element Studio.
Over the last 20 years I’ve been photographing wedding, families, newborns, toddlers, graduates, headshots and every joyful life changing moment you can think of. I enjoy creating and capturing the most memorable moments in one’s life and giving my clients something they will cherish for a lifetime.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Being a business owner is never a smooth road! Over the last 20 years I’ve learned a lot about the little and big choice you make to keep your business healthy and growing. Choices from where to market or advertise and how you want to market your business. Choices of competitive pricing and product you want to offer your clients. And one of the most important choices of how you want to represent yourself and your business. The road does become smoother along the way as you learn the direction you want your business to travel. And over those years you begin building relationships with clients who support and encourage you along the way. My clients have been such a important role in helping me along the way and words can’t express how grateful I am for them.

One of the most impactful things my dad said to me when starting my career was, ” Regret not that which you have tried and failed. Regret only that which you failed to try”

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have a love for capturing that magical moment and family connection. A love for beautiful storytelling and a desire to see you decorate your home with valuable photographs that will grow more in value over your lifetime. I love connecting with my clients and understanding their vision and wants. And I have a love for building a strong relationships with my clients so I get to capture their newborn turning into a toddler turning into a teen to walking down the aisle. I think what sets me apart is my ability to connect with my clients on a personal level and capture those special unseen moments of their life.

What matters most to you?
What matters to me most is satisfying my client. To go beyond their expectations and leave them with photographs that bring a smile to their face or a tear in their eye. Since I starting in 2004 I have clients who have been coming to me year after year. I feel like family to many of them and I feel truly blessed to capture the lives of so many. It brings me joy to have a career in a passion of mine.

Pricing:

• family sessions starting at $275
• newborn packages starting at $395
• high school seniors starting at $350
• wedding starting at $2600
• headshots starting at $145

Contact Info:

• Website: www.photoelementstudio.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/photoelementstudio_julieluehrs

Image Credits
Photo Element Studio