Julie Stapen (right) & her family.
(Photo Credit: Meghan Aragao)
For Julie Stapen, photography is more than a career—it’s a lifelong passion. Her journey began in fifth grade when she got her first camera and took every photography class available. This early enthusiasm led her to study visual arts in college, where she focused her senior thesis on photography, spent a summer immersed in the art world at the School of Art Centers International in Florence, and earned a master’s degree in Studio Art through NYU and the International Center of Photography (ICP). Along the way, she also became certified in art education and gained experience working with fashion and documentary photographers, before joining the New York Post in 2003, where she photographed features for its Sunday edition.
Julie officially launched Julie Stapen Photography in 2010 after transitioning to focus on her growing family while pursuing her love for capturing life’s most memorable moments. “It seemed the natural path for where I was at in my life,” Julie shares. “I wanted to be with my babies as much as possible while still photographing a variety of different things.”
From families and weddings to bar and bat mitzvahs, corporate events and branding, and senior portraits, Julie’s portfolio is as diverse as her artistic background. Her work is defined by her ability to make her subjects feel comfortable and connected, capturing natural moments with an eye for beauty and capturing people how they want to be seen. Known for her mastery of natural lighting—especially her signature backlit shots—Julie creates timeless images that tell a story. “With every shoot, I don’t consider it just taking pictures, but telling a story,” she explains. “There’s so much that goes into making a great photo, and for me, all of these parts naturally come together.”
Julie getting the shot.
(Photo Credit: Alexandrea Weiss)
Julie’s editing style, rooted in her background in film photography, reflects her commitment to authenticity. She captures everything in-camera, using Lightroom to enhance her photos with the same care she would have used in a darkroom.
Julie relocated from NYC to Nyack in 2010 with her husband and their 2-year-old son. Since then, she has welcomed three daughters and embraced the vibrant, diverse community. Over the years, Julie has had the privilege of photographing countless local families and businesses, capturing the unique spirit of Nyack. “Nyack is my family’s home, and the range of beautiful locations and incredible people here never cease to inspire me,” she shares.
Documenting the growth and milestones of local families has been especially meaningful to her—a testament to the trust and connection she has built within the community. Julie is now working toward opening a studio space to complement her outdoor and event photography. The studio will not only allow her to broaden her artistic offerings but also create a space for community events and photography workshops—blending her love for teaching with her creative passion.
Julie’s love for her craft shines through in her dedication to capturing meaningful, personal memories. “My heart is filled with every shoot,” she says. “Being a photographer is so much more than a business for me—it’s one of my greatest loves.”
To follow Julie’s work or stay updated on future projects, please visit her website or follow her on Instagram (@juliestapenphotography) and Facebook (Julie Stapen Photography).
