Julie Ann Mulkay of Anthem on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Julie Ann Mulkay shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Julie Ann, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I have been baking lately, and it has been so much fun. My kids give me so much praise and thanks that it makes it fulfilling, pun intended! A friend gave me a sourdough starter and so I have been making fresh sourdough loaves, and cinnamon bread with that. Last night, I made mini cheesecake bites with a Nilla cookie as the crust which makes it so easy to put together. Last week I made a fresh apple dump cake because I was wanting Autumn to be here! Today I am making homemade bagels with the sourdough starter. My boys will be happy when they come home from school because they wanted some at the grocery store, but they were out of fresh ones. I don’t really have a set baking schedule, it’s more what I am feeling that week.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Julie Ann Mulkay and I have a bachelor’s degree in art and design with a focus in photography. I could have been a photographer without a degree, but getting an education was always important to me. I was a valedictorian in high school and felt that pursuing a college degree would also help me become more well-rounded. I took general courses, but also studied various forms of art. Drawing, painting and graphic design has helped immeasurably to broaden my artistic eye. My Art History classes were some of my favorites! Each piece has it’s own artist, time, place and intention. Then there was the beauty of the work itself, I believe art is influential.

My photography business is about creating beautiful images of people and their loved ones. That is what I want for myself, and my family and I want to share that with others. Albums are my favorite way to enjoy my own photos because I can sit with my people and remember. Photographs hold so much emotion; they can bring you back to a place and time quickly. For example, today I was looking at photographs that I took of my dog last August and he was weeks old then. It made me so happy to see him that small again! He was the cutest thing!

When I compose an image, I think about my options and intentionally choose how I want the image to turn out. With little ones, pets, and families there is a lot more looking for the moment to happen. With graduates and branding I am composing and making all the elements come together to make a great photograph.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
As a child I was outgoing and talkative. I liked taking care of things my way. I loved learning and going to school. My mom was my biggest role model. Nobody was a stranger, to her and everyone needed kindness. She always told us five kids that we were her best friends, and I think that meant she liked spending time with us and watching us play. One of my favorite places she would take us was a creek in our little hometown. Me and my siblings would jump rock to rock and look at tadpoles and when there was enough water, swim. My mother would smile and laugh and talk with us. I always loved being outside, and even as a child I would stop and look at the mountains or the clouds. These things still bring me joy today and I encourage my kids to be outside often.

As a photographer many of my photography sessions are outside working with natural backgrounds and sunlight. Nothing beats that feeling when it’s gorgeous outside and I have a graduate, family or little one to photograph! Clients can feel that energy and look at the images on the back of the camera and have fun with it.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I have learned that working hard is important. I wanted to be more fit and feel strong again physically. I have started a new regimen that would help me work up to running. One of the days I was to walk 4 minutes, then run 1 minute. I did this a handful of reps. Now I am up to walking 2 minutes and running 2 minutes. I can see improvement over time and I feel better physically and emotionally.

This applies to my business in that I push myself to accomplish goals such as writing on social media even when it is awkward and cumbersome. I was recently struggling to write. I was reading in the newspaper about how doing the mental work necessary to write on your own versus using AI would have benefits now and long term. I prayed to my God about how to write better, and the thought came to write in a place I used to write when I enjoyed it. I thought of school and I would sit on my bed at night to write. I tried it, and it worked! The words flowed and it was more enjoyable. I shared this news with a friend of mine who was a retired English teacher, and she said, “You found your writing space!” She used to teach her students to set up their own writing spaces. In the act of writing regularly, I can better communicate the ways I use photography to serve my clients.

Suffering, or the struggle of trying over and over again leads to success. This shows up in my photographic results. When I first started photographing, a photo session would yield many good photos but only a handful of amazing ones. Over the years my experience allows me to photograph more amazing photos in the same amount of time. I can then offer my clients a gallery full of a variety of photos to choose from.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
I rely on my relationship with God and my Savior Jesus Christ. I learn about them in the scriptures and call upon their help in prayer. They help me navigate life.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace praying and being still while worshiping my God.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.julieannm.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julieannmphoto/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JulieAnnMPhotography