Specialising in travel and lifestyle photography, we showcase Julia Krikorian’s passion for capturing and sharing stories that inspire and connect people.
Originally from Toronto, Canada, Julia Krikorian started photography in 2020 after graduating with a degree in Media and Communications from Redeemer University in Hamilton, Ontario, where she developed her media production, photo and video editing, and graphic design skills.
In 2021, Krikorian moved to France to work as an au pair and study French. There, she started to develop her photography expertise, especially in the world of travel and destination photography.
After 18 months in the country, she spent the next couple of years between France, Canada, and Italy. Krikorian’s first hotel shot was in 2024 at Niepce Paris; from then on, she has continued to pursue hotel lifestyle photography, working with 5-star hotels as well as private vacation homes and travel lifestyle brands.
Krikorian creates captivating visuals for various clients and platforms, delivering high-quality images that showcase their products, services, and experiences.
Q&A WITH JULIA KRIKORIAN
Firstly, what drew you to work in travel photography?
Julia Krikorian (JK): I’ve always been more artistic-leaning, and since I was young, I have enjoyed creative pastimes and working on different projects.
Photography, specifically, was something I never pursued until later in life. One of my sisters got into photography before I did, and watching her really enjoy it inspired me to try it out.
I studied media and communications at university, which gave me a basic understanding of camera operations and editing skills, but the studies were more theoretical than practical. It was at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 that I bought my first camera and started playing around with it.
It gave me an activity to do when everything was closed, and I could shoot with friends outside.
I instantly realised it was something I was interested in spending more time practising and developing my skills in.
What most excites you about travel photography?
JK: I love exploring new places and discovering new cultures. Travel photography means I can continue this as part of my work, which is truly exciting.
Even beyond the shoot itself, I love all the elements of a trip. Navigating a new country is something I enjoy the challenge of, and travel photography allows me to do it quite regularly.
The photography aspect is obviously what draws me the most. I find myself most inspired creatively in places that are new to me and don’t look like something I’m used to or have seen before.
It also allows me to spend time with locals from the country, whether it’s a private client I am working with or a hotel or lifestyle brand. I always learn so much about the culture and the place from spending time with the team.
On the flip side, what are the biggest challenges?
JK: As with all freelance work, the biggest challenge for me would be the consistency of the work and never knowing when or where the next project will be. You have to be okay with a certain amount of instability and risk, but I think you can also learn to enjoy that.
On the one hand, it’s nerve-racking not to know how long it will be between projects, but when you do get booked on a project, it’s super exciting and rewarding and potentially a project you never dreamed you would be able to do.
A slightly smaller challenge, but one that definitely comes with travel photography, is dealing with a lot of jet lag. It’s harder the shorter the trip is, but something you can find ways to handle easier. I’m getting better at it and figuring out the best quick recovery methods!
How would you describe your style of photography?
JK: I would describe it as a mixture of realistic/true-to-life and editorial. In terms of places, I love to capture the destination as authentically as I see it and I love using high contrast with shadows and direct sun.
I love a photo that is all shadowy, apart from a highlighted point where the sun hits. When I’m shooting people, I tend towards a more editorial style. I’ve always loved looking in fashion magazines and editorials for inspiration and enjoy capturing people in this more aspirational, stylised way.
What has been one of your favourite destinations to capture?
JK: Rome would have to be one of my favourites. I love the colours of the city – warm tones, yellows, and oranges – and the sun is almost always shining there. The history and architecture are also incredible.
It’s not a huge city, but you could spend a lifetime there and still not have discovered everything there is to see.
Have you been involved in any interesting assignments or projects recently that you’d like to highlight?
JK: I recently shot at Le Château des Alpilles in the south of France, which was an amazing experience. It’s a family-owned château, and the property and surroundings were incredibly beautiful. The family was so welcoming, and it was such a lovely day.
I love shooting at large hotels, but there is something uniquely special about family-owned properties which gives it much more of a personal touch and welcoming atmosphere.
Finally, what’s next for the future? Are there any new destinations you’d like to cross off your bucket list?
JK: My next shoot is at another château in the Champagne region of France. In the future, I would love to branch out into different aspects of travel photography that I haven’t worked on yet.
It’s such a vast industry with so many different elements that there is a lot of opportunity for exploration in terms of the variety of projects. I’d love to visit Greece – I’ve never been and absolutely love the style of architecture, and obviously, the natural surroundings are incredibly beautiful as well.
HOW I GOT THIS PHOTO
JK: This photo was taken at a vacation residence in Rome called CasaCau. It was in the afternoon, and the sun happened to shine directly on the wall, creating a perfect framing effect.
I was with a friend and asked her to sip her wine whilst standing in front of the window, creating this outline projected on the wall. I love lifestyle photos with a degree of anonymity to them, with a model shown in the image but not identifiable.
It enables someone to see themselves in the destination as opposed to focusing on the specific person in the photo.
