Julie Clarke is a UK-based family photographer specialising in natural, heartfelt imagery that celebrates the beauty of everyday moments. As a mother herself and with a lifelong love of photography, her sessions are natural, cosy and centred around genuine connection. From snuggles on the sofa to adventures outdoors, Julie captures the raw, tender magic of family life – and the presence of mothers, who are so often behind the camera. She offers relaxed, on-location shoots in Suffolk and Cambridgeshire that preserve the fleeting, precious moments families will treasure for years to come. Here she talks to The Natural Parent Magazine about the passion behind what she does, her biggest breakthrough, the pros and cons of running her own business, and her hopes and dreams for the future.
The passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
My love for photography began at a young age. Growing up, my nieces and nephews were born when I was between 9 and 15 years old. They spent so much time at our house, and I took every opportunity to document their childhood as they played and explored.
When I became a mother in 2020, my passion for photography took on a deeper meaning. It became about documenting the beautiful, raw moments of motherhood – not just of the children, but of mothers too. We, as moms, are often behind the camera, capturing our children’s lives but missing from our own family photos. It’s so easy to let moments slip by without realising how precious they are – snuggling on the couch, chasing little ones or receiving those sweet group hugs from your kids.
After having my son, I found that I was the one always taking photos of him and my husband, and there were hardly any of us as a family. That’s when I realised how important it is to make time for family photos, to document the moments we all share. I made it my mission to include mothers in the photos and show them how essential it is to be part of those memories.
So many moms hesitate to be in the photos – because they want to lose weight, have a “good hair day” or are waiting for the perfect outfit. But when I look back at my childhood, I’m so grateful for the photos of me and my mom, despite being the youngest of eight. My parents made documenting memories a priority, and I want to give that same gift to families. These moments are fleeting, but the photos last forever.
The launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
My journey into photography has deep roots. I grew up in a household where photography was a family tradition – my dad was a wedding and family photographer, and my grandmother was too. My dad started working with her when he was just 11, and he built his own photography business when we moved to North Carolina in the 70s. My siblings and I would help out, whether by assisting at weddings, sorting prints or joining him on shoots.
By the time I was 11 or 12, I was already photographing my nieces and nephews. As I got older, I started babysitting for families and began photographing for them too. My first newborn session was when I was 16. Photography was always a side hustle while I worked as a professional nanny for 10 years. But in 2021, my husband and I decided to move back to the UK, and that’s when I finally transitioned to full-time photography in Suffolk & Cambridgeshire.
Building my business back up in the UK has been a journey, but it’s been so rewarding. I’m thrilled to be able to bring more meaningful, beautiful moments to families here.
It’s been a long journey getting my business built back up to where I had it in the states, but I am so excited to bring more beautiful moments to families here in the UK!
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
Family photography has always been my true passion, but when I first moved to the UK, I struggled with the belief that British families didn’t value family portraits as much as American families do. I initially focused on weddings because it seemed like an easier market. But earlier this year, I realised I was holding myself back by believing this theory. I asked myself, “Why am I limiting my business based on an assumption?”. That was when everything shifted.
I decided to fully invest my energy into finding families who do want their moments documented – families who appreciate the beauty of natural, cosy family photos. It was a breakthrough that freed me to pursue what I’m most passionate about.
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
Balancing work and family is always a challenge, but I try to manage it with intention. Most of my work happens when my daughter is napping and my son is in school. I do family sessions on weekends when my husband is home to help with the kids, and I’m fortunate to have a solid support system.
While I do tend to answer emails in the evenings, I’ve made a conscious effort to disconnect from work earlier in the day. I’ve committed to logging off my email and social media apps until after I drop my son off at school, which allows me to focus fully on my children in the mornings. The slower winter months also give me the opportunity to spend more time with my family, which is a much-needed recharge.
