Interview with Julia D Whitley

**Personal & Career Journey**

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you started your modeling career?

I have been modeling informally since I was 18 years old and really never pursued it as a career. I saw and still see it as an opportunity for self-expression. But that expression is only complete when I am able to work with magnificent photographers like Asheigh Taylor who captured the essence of my personality through these images.

2. What inspired you to become a model?

I was scouted at a High School graduation and had been approached by a few photographers before the age of 18. At that point in my life I had not even thought of being a model. Only truly stunning women were able to achieve such a status or title. I remain encouraged each time I visit Ashleigh’s studio in Santa Barbara. It is always a great experience and continues to inspire me to be expressive through the medium of photography.

3. Was there a defining moment that made you realize modeling was your true passion?

To be completely transparent, it wasn’t until I was placed on the cover of a French magazine about 2 years ago that I realized maybe this was something I could be truly passionate about.

Ashleigh, was there a defining moment that made you realize portrait photography was your true passion?

I can’t say that there is one defining moment that lead me to follow the path of portrait photography – especially since I am a multi passionate artist who also loves cinema, theater, fashion, and music as well. What I like about portrait photography is that it allows me to combine my many artistic loves into one thing. I get to direct my clients to the emotions and body language needed to tell the story of the shot. I get to compose and light images that might reference visual mediums like cinema or paintings. I get to style clients in fashion to help elevate the image. Portrait photography to me is a way to blend all my loves into one experience that is special to me. - Ashleigh

**Industry Experience & Challenges**

4. What has been the most exciting or memorable shoot you’ve worked on?

Great question. Ashleigh has shot women worldwide and I am honored to be one of her muses.

I believe everytime I step into a different space and different wardrobe, it is always memorable. However, the most exciting is almost always with Ashleigh. I bring a ton of wardrobe and she absolutely creates magic around me. The day of this shoot we had 3 extremes and she illuminated every single one with her talents.

Ash, would you like to add your insights?

I am lucky to have been a professional photographer for 15 years and I have been able to shoot in really exciting locations such as a Castle in the Dolomites of Italy, or Paris, France. So of course any time I get to travel to an epic and foreign locale such as that for photoshoots that is memorable. But I also love what I have been able to create in the studio. One funny memory is on a past shoot with Julia we painted her whole body with gold glitter and I do not have a shower at my studio so she had to go home with it. For days there was a Hansel & Gretel-esque trail of gold glitter leading down the hall of my building to my studio door. That was certainly a memorable moment!

5. Have you faced any challenges in the modeling industry? If so, how did you overcome them?

The challenge is the stigma of being a “model”. Humanity loves to elevate others based on their achievement, status or title. I was never in search of that. In truth, I just didn’t wish to be invisible. Often, those that are shy, or just not seen fall into what they perceive as obscurity. I was one of those people.

6. How do you prepare for a big shoot or runway show?

I mentally prepare by reminding myself that I love the creativity of every shoot. The best part truly is watching yourself transform into another part of your personality. I adore that the lens of any photographer is a compliment to the essence of who they see through that lens. Ashleigh is magnificent at that.

**Creative Process & Style**

7. How would you describe your modeling style?

My style is very much like the Urban Brand which I almost always wear in my shoots. I always try to incorporate a bit of passion, creativity, entrepreneurial and especially soulful.

Ashleigh teaches courses at WPPI on this and she truly is remarkable at her creative process.

8. Do you prefer editorial, commercial, or runway modeling, and why?

Great question. I think editorial, but commercial and runway are also very fun. Editorial is most expressive and I hope to convey a message of inclusion, of timelessness and of sophistication through imagery.

9. What role do you think storytelling plays in modeling?

I think this question is best left to the photographer. Asheigh, what are your thoughts?

I definitely think of the photographer as the director– almost as if it’s a movie set. Except they have to wear more hats. They have to understand the story they want to tell with their image and then set the scene with lighting, the set, and work with the makeup and hair team as well as any potential wardrobe stylists to make sure everyone is on board to tell the same story. Then the photographer has to direct the model to get the right poses and expressions– the body language, gestures, and facial expressions to also tell the story of the image. In this case, we didn’t have a wardrobe stylist but Julia as my client had the vision that she wanted a swimwear look and brought that outfit in. I had the idea to create a tropical resort story and used the proper lighting techniques to recreate a palm tree bright sun environment in my 450 square foot studio. I selected a hand painted orange backdrop I own because it looked like it could be a facade of a building in Mexico or Thailand and really used all the visual tools I had to convey the story of being at a resort.

**Influences & Inspirations**

10. Are there any models, photographers, or designers who have inspired you?

Too many to list, but again the Urban Brand (Anthropologie, Free People, Urban Outfitters) is my visual poetry. It speaks to me like no other.

11. How do you stay motivated and continue growing as a model?

Ashleigh created 50 over 50 and I realized that my time in the world of modeling was far from over. I will let her share a bit more about that.

I see a lot of beauty in women over 50 and love to photograph women in this age range. Often my clients are actually in their 60s. I truly love to bring out the beauty of this time of life– there is a certain confidence to women in this demographic. I like to create images that change the narrative around beauty. I don’t think we need to perpetuate the story that a woman is beautiful and valuable when she is in her early child bearing years and after that it’s all downhill. I like to create and showcase images that instead tell the story that your best years are neither in front of you or behind you– every chapter of your life is beautiful in its own way and deserves to be celebrated. Let’s stop saying one age is more valuable than the other and beauty exists at all stages of life.

**Future Goals & Advice**

12. What are your biggest career goals for the future?

I am finishing a book that speaks on finding yourself in the most unexpected ways. This cover is number 53 in just about 2 years and I do not think I will ever truly embrace that reality, which is partially why I am writing a book about it. I hope to continue to find publications and photographers to collaborate with to help to illuminate their purpose.

13. Do you have any dream collaborations or brands you'd love to work with?

I would love to work with Free People, Terrain and Anthropologie.

Ash? How about you?

I would love to be hired by any lingerie or fetish wear companies. For example, if Atsuko Kudo or Agent Provocateur is looking for a new talent to photograph their next campaign, I am available and would love to work for them.

14. What advice would you give to aspiring models looking to break into the industry?

I try not to give advice, but I do believe the most important part of aspiring to be anything is to know yourself and be open to exploring what is possible in this industry or any other. Modeling has been redefined over the past 5 decades and I love seeing that beauty is no longer a certain standard. I do believe though, that embracing who you wish to convey in print and in messaging is the most important part of the intention you set. It isn’t about attention, it is about intention.

15. You have included your photographer from this shoot in this interview, may I ask why?

We are truly only as successful as the team of incredible people we work with. I cannot take credit for these images, as I didn’t take them, nor did I apply the makeup and style the hair. I keep shooting with Ashleigh because her work is stellar, professional, award winning and mostly, so much fun! I have enjoyed over 10 years of shooting with her and look forward to another 10+. Thank you Ashleigh and Lacey for your talent, encouragement and embodiment of being a woman. I adore you both.

Brought to you by Bold & Beyond—where curiosity meets clarity.