I would love to learn more about your ‘story’. Tell us a little about your path in life so far, how you got to this point in your career.

I always loved architecture and decoration but I never thought about it as a profession. I ended up studying business administration and worked for 10 years in advertising agencies. It was a profession where I worked a lot and I was not recognized. In fact, i didn't like what i did. I spent some time trying to discover a new profession that would bring me fulfillment and also that I had talent, of course. I think that to be fulfilled in the profession it is very important to have a talent and passion for what you do. One of the things I liked to do most was browsing through architecture magazines. I could see the same stories over and over again. Being an architect was not an option because the day-to-day life would be very similar to the life I had in customer service at advertising agencies. One day came the insight! “I'm going to be an architecture photographer”! I entered a photography training course and quickly started working as an assistant to a super architecture photographer from São Paulo, Brazil, called Evelyn Muller. I finished the 2 years of photography course but I didn't learn anything about architecture photography in the classes. I learned even while working as an assistant. This photographer taught me everything I needed to learn about photoshop for this type of work. I watched her photograph and then edited her images. Then, I started working with another great architecture photographer named Tuca Reinés. At this time I was taking a risk in some jobs but without charging for the service. I needed to train and build my portfolio. Still working with Tuca, a friend who had a relevant decoration blog called Casa de Valentina, invited me to photograph for her. I ended up photographing beautiful residences and my portfolio and name were gaining strength. Instagram helped me to publicize my work and the clients were showing up more and more.

I see that you have done your studies in Business Management. Was it with the idea of having your own business or was it luck that your path changed like that?

When I graduated from college in business administration, thinking about the curriculum, I did this postgraduate course because it was recommended for recent graduates. It was a complementary course to college. I had no idea what I was doing. I just wanted to increase my resume to increase the chances of having a good job and a good salary. But it was no use. A great resume doesn't make you a great professional. That's why I always say that in order to be happy at work, you have to work with something that you like and have a vocation for. Of course, all learning is worthwhile and that even subjects that have no direct relationship with photography have made me a better professional. But what makes my work better every day is my taste for the theme, my dedication and talent.

I imagine that having studied business administration has helped a lot in your own photography company. How has it helped you?

I am a very organized person. I think that studies in business administration and experience working with large companies helped me to organize my daily life. I work practically alone and I need to be well organized and focused. In addition to managing my own company I spend many hours in photoshop and my office is at my home, surrounded by family and matters to resolve.

I love that many of your interior photographs have the human element; shows people using the space. Was this an intentional decision or something that came naturally? How do you find people for these photos? Are they professional models, friends or ...?

I basically shoot for architects. The human element serves mainly to scale. So that those who see the photo understand the size of the elements and the space. In addition, photos with people result more likes and interaction on social networks. People love it. Usually the models are my customers, the architects, who always are together in photo sessions and like to appear. Sometimes models are homeowners. Sometimes I need to show a detail of carpentry for example and I photograph my hands doing some movement.

Do you have any "tips" for integrating people in interior photography?

I think the best way to integrate people into space is to make use of it. It will depend on what you intend to show in the photo. If the living room is beautiful, for example, the model can appear on the sofa, playing with a pet, walking down the stairs, talking on the cell phone. The more relaxed and natural the better. Sometimes the intention is to show solutions that the architect created. It can be an optimization of space, it can be an idea for a specific customer demand. In this case, we can photograph the model by opening a cabinet or a “camouflaged” door on a wall, a revolving TV…

When you arrive at a property to photograph, what is your process? What steps do you take to organize and focus - getting into your "zone"?

I like to know the whole property to see which lens I will use, to have a sense of what I will have to photograph, to see which environment would be better to start thinking about natural light and to give some tips to the architects and producers about the cleaning and organization of the property. Sometimes there are details that only a specialized photographer can perceive. Then I talk to the architect to find out what he wants to put more emphasis on in the photos, which angles and objects cannot be missing from clicks and what he wouldn't want to appear. Then I assemble my equipment and start! I prefer to shoot alone in silence. That way I can organize myself better and I don't forget any important angle. I usually take a lot of pictures. The more time I have, the more photos I can take. Today, with social networks, architects need quality as well as quantity.

What applications, equipment or tools do you love now? What are the essentials in your bag and what are you experimenting with now?

Instagram is my best friend lol. I disclose my work and I am able to spend hours and hours looking at pictures of architecture. Regarding equipment and tools, I use the same for a long time. I still haven't found anything new to make my job easier. I always take 2 cameras so as not to change too much lens. I usually work with a zoom lens, another wide angle and a macro or tele for details. I also always carry a tripod for the camera, flash, extension for the wires and accessories that can help like scissors, tape, cloth, alcohol… sometimes I even end up cleaning glasses lol.

Finally, starting this career can intimidate many people, especially women. What is your best advice for women who are just starting their careers in interior photography or architecture?

Enter this career if you really love the theme of architecture photography. Shoot a lot to train. Learn Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom or the tool of your choice. The photographer must know how to edit his own images. Always see many references to train the look. Work hard to deliver the best possible result even if it requires many more hours of work than expected. I am a short woman and look younger than I am. When I arrive at a place to photograph, those who do not know my work, look at me with a certain prejudice, as if they do not trust my competence. I don't care because I know that when this person sees the result of the photos, he will change his mind. The first contact is often full of prejudices but I focus on doing a good job because I know that this prejudice will only end after I deliver the job. The second contact is always quite different ;)

Thanks so much for your time and for sharing, Julia!

You can find Julia’s portfolio at www.juliaribeiro.com.br and can follow her on IG at @juliaribeirofotografia.

Until next time,
xo,

Natalia