Spotlight on a photographer: Juliette Fradin
What can you tell us about your background? What brought you to photography?
My name is Juliette. I’m origins from France. I was raised on the west coast of the countryside, but I lived in Paris until I moved to U. S. where my husband and I resided in suburban Washington, D.C., ten years ago. Our two children are becoming too fast and strive to instill a bit of Frenchness in their little minds to make sure they remember that there’s a world to explore. I’m from a family that is full of photographers, painters, and dreamers. Art is an important subject, and creativity is at the center of our family life. I was a photographer for a while in high school and university. Still, my photography began to take a more professional direction after the birth of my daughter in the year 2011. Prior to that, I joined an online community for photographers (clicking moms) and continued reading about, taking pictures, and growing.
What are you most excited about when you are a photographer?
Photography allows me to stop time and slow it down. I am a shy and contemplative person, so taking photos lets me be present in the moment of what’s happening, but I take a step back and enjoy. I try not to interrupt the moment with my children or customers and let things unfold naturally. I don’t want to be a liar or try to force anything (which is difficult in the photo-family industry currently). There are a lot of emotions that are portrayed in photographs. They are a result of the subject obviously, but also from the moment and the specific stage of their lives they are at. With a great photo, you’ll be able to recall the sounds and smells, the laughter as well as the things your children would perform or say. It’s a treasured time recorder.
What would you say about your photography style?
Time moves quickly. Love, beauty, and sacred times are interspersed with change, pain, and loss. It’s not easy, but this tangled web of emotions and moments allows us to enjoy life to the highest level. It is my belief that we should tell authentic stories to pass on to our children as a lasting legacy. It helps them feel good and, believefully, will give them an identity. My goal is to remain true to my client’s stories. I would like them to be able to handle the best part of their identity as a family and to take a moment to appreciate the simple joy of being in a home. I believe that even if you’re full, the most meaningful moments are the ones that are simple and should be documented.
Does this have evolved, or do you have always used this method?
The most difficult aspect of being a photographer is trying to discover your unique voice and your style. It’s a very personal thing since your personality is the basis for what you want to photograph. I was aware from the beginning that I wanted to capture families, so I began doing the same thing everyone did: setting the perfect location and dressing my clients, purchasing props as well as suggesting activities, and bringing blankets at the local park… Although it was enjoyable however, my heart was, sted and I was looking for more. Something was missing. I wanted connection and raw mo, men’s, and I discovered it easier to capture them when I wasn’t getting in the way. I needed to let go of the influence I felt over my clients to capture them as authentically as possible.
I believe that a collection of photographs that tell a tale of a completely imperfect person is more interesting than a staged photograph where my clients appear to be like other families. They won’t trigger the same feelings. The ability to record the time of a specific day will take you back to the year and showcase your distinct personal characteristics and the way of life that has changed over the years. The stroll to the neighborhood playground may be routine now, but it’ll be a cherished moment in the future.
You can capture emotions and events naturally. How do you make sure the subjects are relaxed? You can even meet my clients. The pa natural ways I post on social media already create the mood. I’d say the majority of my photographs depict people who do not stare straight into the camera. They are caught in the midst of their daily lives as parents, bathing babies, nursing and playing with legos, establishing boundaries… It’s a kind of documentary style that isn’t all people’s cup of tea, but potential clients can tell whether this style of photography appeals to the person they are looking for. I also re-read the details on my “About me” page to establish confidence. It’s easy to invite someone into your home, and I would like them to feel at ease being together for even a time. I give them a survey to determine what their hopes for the shoot are. When the time comes to shoot, the node is a mix of talking and shooting. I am really fascinated by their lives, and we frequently discuss parenting, traveling, and raising bilingual children… My approach is that I am non-intrusive and unbiased, which means that after the first 30 minutes, everyone is relaxed.
What is the reason why families need to document their lives in this manner?
A documentary or storytelling session brings LIFE into the photographs, including the location where we shoot, the emotion, and the clothes they choose. Kids’ lives are beautiful and hilarious, but they can also be difficult and often not as simple as we have imagined. I want to make images that are meaningful and will spark conversations 10, 20, or 30 years down the road.
What tips would you offer to someone who they’re in search of an experienced professional photographer for their family?
Do not choose the photographer from the selection. Do not choose the most affordable. Choose a photographer with whom you feel there’s an affinity, or because you are a fan of the philosophy and aesthetic, or because you have a friend who enjoyed her experience with him. Choose a photographer because the photographer will be able to be flexible with your family’s requirements and adapt your session to suit your requirements. Based on the stage of your life you’re at, you may require different photography styles. Sometimes, a simple headshot on the way to work is enough, and on other days, you may want to capture your oldest newborn baby in more of a time…
What advice do you have for those who want to capture their family in the same style as yours?
Take on the role of a photojournalist in your family! Make sure you don’t interrupt what’s happening and simply follow as you go. Do not ask your child to “cheese-smile” but instead focus on the small things, such as the way your child, Holden, or your son is trying to tie his shoe. These are little milestones that will be treasured in the years to come. You can capture a complete “day in your life” or even catch the best moments that you have experienced during the day. To do this, you must have your camera always, perhaps in a cabinet or on your mantel, ready to go. I own a large and heavy camera. However, this does not stop me from taking it everywhere, including the park and the restaurant, or at the sea… The more you take pictures, the easier you will be able to do so, even in public areas. It becomes apparent that people don’t at sea you anyway. You will have captured the moment for your loved ones! It’s worth every minute of discomfort.
You’re an eco-friendly business. What is this?
In September of 2018, my family, including my husband and I made the decision to embark on a journey towards zero waste for an eco-friendly lifestyle without plastic. In order to make a decision, I had to alter aspects of my business, too. Each order is carefully wrapped with eco-friendly materials as part of a continuous effort to promote sustainable development. I advise my customers to reuse, reuse, or reuse their containers. And I source products that are as environmentally friendly as possible for the planet. I enjoy making crafts, and I frequently sew small pouches and wrap items in fabric using the traditional Japanese method known as Furoshiki.
Additionally, I joined forces in a partnership with One Tree Planted to aid their work around the world by planting one tree. Each time my customers purchase products from my shop there is a tree planted (or many!). If they select me as your photographer, they are choosing to honor their family’s lives… as well as also helping in forest restoration.
You frequently create photo books for your customers What tips do you give someone who wants to make the book themselves?
I like my clients to have things that are tangible following them.r time spent together. Prints with pixels look better and it’s always nice to glance through your photos each day and recall the great moments! Based on my experiences, books are the most effective way to share your family’s story. Kids are amazed by the pages and have a lot of questions about their time as young, and it allows them to get to know themselves better. As our memories fade with the passage of time, you’ll have a great memory of all the things you’ve accomplished as well as the places you’ve been to and with times dear to you. It is possible to create yearbooks or one for each, or even for the perfect vacation. It is common to take several photographs of the same location So, pick the most memorable images that make the viewer feel a certain emotion. Note down the date, the name, and an anecdote. Do not also your sights on perfection, or you’ll never complete the task (and I’m speaking from personal experiences here!). Please take a look at the end product and set aside a few hours in order to finish it.
Which do you like the most about the books you write using MILK?
I purchased a number of Moleskine notebooks that include MILK because it is perfect for my brand, and my customers enjoy these books! It’s a wonderful method of mixing the classic notebook with meaningful images. I am amazed that MILK retained all of the features, such as round corners, ivory pages, an envelope at the bottom, and a band of black. Each time I get one by mail, I am stunned by the high-quality photos and can’t wait to mail it to my family. I created a few for myself as well, and they look lovely when displayed on the shelves!
