Today we’d like to introduce you to Julio Naranjo.
Hi Julio, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Thank you VoyageMIA for this opportunity. My name is Julio Naranjo, I’m a Professional Photographer located in South Florida. I was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela, and I could say my path began when I was just a kid. I remember playing with my dad’s camera and flipping through our family photo albums. I really was captivated or I could say fascinated, by how those pieces of paper with images on them could evoke emotions, smiles, stories to tell, and even tears.
Although my childhood passion took a back seat to a more practical career, I always had a camera with me. Perpetuating those moments that are so important in our lives. I even remember I got the nickname “Photo Julio” from my friends for taking photos or videos all the time.
My life path not only led me to experience spiritual growth and reconnect with myself but also revived my old passion for the activity that makes my eyes sparkle. So, after almost 17 years working in the finance field, I heard a soft but certain call from my heart. I began to walk my photography path — I started taking courses, working on my skills, sometimes working for free, and step by step gaining clients. One day, the company where I was working in finance, decided to move its Miami office. All of a sudden, I knew it was the right opportunity to pursue my dream. And believe me, I’ve never looked back!
I have been absolutely amazed and humbled by all the opportunities I have been given. I’m so grateful that I get to do what I love: connecting with people on different levels, building trust, and using my camera to capture not just moments, but the essence of people’s feelings and emotions along with their stories. Also, I’ve been fortunate enough to have great mentors who have shared their invaluable insights and knowledge.
Every single day I am learning something new about this fascinating and wonderful journey of capturing the beauty of the world.
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?
It was not a smooth road. However, I always had certainty. Moving from the structured terrain of finance to the more unpredictable and textured landscape of photography, was not easy on any level (physical, mental, and emotional). This is a path that only can be overcome one step at a time, otherwise, it is overwhelming. A piece of advice? Just listen to your heart, and then ask yourself how you feel. If it feels peaceful, you are good to go!
I learned many things and technicalities, that sometimes I knew in practice but without knowing their names. Acquired new skills. Navigated the complexities of a creative field. However, the biggest and strongest struggle one person has to overcome is with himself. I’m still learning new skills, such as Videography, Macro-Photography, among others. Improving every day and evolving with technology is super important to keep up to date and even for a good conversation with your customers.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a professional photographer based in South Florida. I specialize and love to work with people, from weddings, maternity, family sessions, and any kind of life celebration. I do Branding sessions and Corporate events. Also, I’m working on a personal project related to landscapes from my travels around the globe. This is also something I’m so proud of since I was able to print my work and decorate a couple of houses with my images.
It is a little difficult to say what sets me apart from other photographers. Every artist has his own perspective and edition style. However, I would say that my finance background equips me with a strong analytical mindset and strategic thinking. This unique blend, allows me to approach projects with a meticulous planning and problem-solving perspective that might differentiate me from others. It’s a distinctive edge that sets my work apart in terms of both creativity and business savvy.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
During Covid-19 photoshoots drop to zero. There was no work for several weeks. I started to prepare myself and learned also the basics of Videography. Updated my portfolio, taking care of the other parts of the business you usually leave a little bit behind.
The opportunity came, and I was prepared. Restaurants needed to have images of their food to sell them online by themselves or on delivery platforms. So, I started to take pictures of food for almost a year. The most important lesson is to be always prepared, willing to learn and keep pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.
Pricing:
- Mini Family Session – 30 minutes/10 digital images edited in high resolution for $199
- Full Family Session – 60 min/35 digital images edited in high resolution for $395
- Proposal packages start at $375
- Express Wedding Package – Starts at $1,375
- Branding Session – 120 minutes/45 digital images edited in high resolution for $525
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Julionaranjo.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/Julionaranjo.Photography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/Julionaranjo.Photography
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/julio-naranjo-photography
