Meet Julie Ulstrup: Portrait Photographer, Elevation Experience Curator, TEDx and Inspirational Speaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Julie Ulstrup and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Julie, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
Education – Hands Down. I found a mentor who I have worked with for about four years. She provides advice, encouragement and practical tips for everything from running a successful business, mindset and creating the most beautiful portraits for my clients. I also continue to read lots of business books, autobiographies of photographers and photographic art. It is imperative for me to continue to grow so that I can serve my clients while creating exactly what they want. Whether it is to create business branding images so that they attract their ideal clients, an empowerment session so that they can see their true value or a family experience to treasure for a lifetime. I have the skills, creative inspiration and ability to make everyone feel comfortable in front of my camera so that they feel and look incredible. 

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Julie Ulstrup Photography elevates our clients to see the best in themselves so they can live the life of their dreams. Everyone wants to be seen. It is a basic human need. Yet often we do not see ourselves as the beautiful, powerful, creative, passionate humans that we are. The moment we have our first conversation, my clients understand that they will be safe to share with me the deepest parts of themselves. People often comment that the photographs we create are more than pictures, they are a representation of the soul. One aspect I am especially excited about it the many projects I have to elevate women. My recent project 50+ and Fabulous empowers women living “the best of their life for the rest of their life” to see themselves in a time when our culture often makes us feel invisible. Empowered women change the world. I am passionate about elevating women to experience and see their value. My business has grown by learning, trial and error, listening, being open to growth, joy and hard work. I would not say that it has been easy, but it has been so full of JOY and it is completely worth every moment. I overcome challenges by connecting with my purpose to empower others to live their very best lives. I have been a photographer for many many years, my grandparents got me my first camera when I was eight years old. I still remember the smoke and the funky smell when I would click the button and the flash cube would turn to the next side. While visiting Spain several years ago, I had an experience that made me realize that I had more to offer. It was then that I started my portrait business to elevate others to live their best lives. There is more about my experience on the Camino de Santiago in my recent TED talk. Julie Ulstrup Photography is a high value brand that serves our clients in our incredible studio locations in Colorado, California, and coming soon to Spain and Mexico. We also create dream destination sessions across the country and around the world.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There are so many great places to visit in Denver and Northern Colorado. If I had a friend coming to the area for a week, I’d plan a mini camping trip to Chatfield or Cherry Creek State Park. I enjoy glamping (my husband builds custom camper vans) so we’d spend the day hiking or cycling around the city on the bike trail then head to Uno Mas for tacos and Little Man for ice cream. We’d also visit the Denver Art Museum and the Botanic Gardens. I’d take my best friend to Rino to see all of the beautiful art murals then grab wine and appetizers on the patio at Il Posto. We’d take a day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park then head to Fort Collins and cook Paella on our outdoor fire pit. More bike riding in Fort Collins, Loveland and Windsor. We’d stop by some of our favorite places for Happy Hour; Jax, The Moot House, Domenics, Betta Gumbo, and The Glass Chimney – you get hungry riding so much! Of course no trip to Fort Collins would be complete without a famous bicycle tour of a few breweries and our favorite food trucks, The Rolling Stone pizza and Dive In. Lots of hiking, walking and bicycling.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Gratitude! I am so grateful for many people in my life who have supported me and encouraged me on my photography and business journey. The list is long. My husband Mark has been enoucouraging and supportive from the moment I decided to quit a full time stable career to launch into my photography business full time. My grandparents inspired and encouraged me from a young age to explore photography. Before I was born they owned a camera store and were successful entrepreneurs themselves. My children are adults living incredible lives and continuing to create the lives of their dreams. They have been a powerful catalyst as I build my business. I realize that creating business and I life that I love is similar in many ways to raising children. It is a long, sometimes exhausting journey and so worth the love and effort required.

Website: www.JulieUlstrup.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julieulstrupphoto/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-ulstrup-7b158b18/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JulieUlstrupPhotography
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KPEnDMjPW4&t=4s
Other: Watch my TED talk here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmlvEila1DU Leave a comment as I’d love to know your reaction.

Image Credits
Monique Renee Photography