Julie Gayler Photography

Julie Gayler Photography —light artist + teller of stories
—little rock based + travel

Some men seek crowns. Others become worthy of them.🗡️The king has arrived. Photographers…if you have not discovered it y...
05/12/2026

Some men seek crowns. Others become worthy of them.

🗡️

The king has arrived.

Photographers…if you have not discovered it yet, one of your most powerful teachers are not other photographers at all, but experienced models. They can teach you so many things about posing, finding the light, and getting into character.

Thirl is one of those amazing models that we were so lucky to have in class. His insights, explanations and way of finding the light were all a master class in modeling. So thankful!!

Again shoutout to who created this look from thrifted pieces and upholstery fabric. She has studied not only how fabric works, but historical references that help tie an inspired look together and make a big impact.
Model:
Stylist:
Lighting:
Furniture:
Backdrop:
Assisted by: /

Images created with the GFX100s II. Thank you for making this class possible.

My bounty is as boundless as the sea,My love as deep; the more I give to thee,The more I have, for both are infinite.Jul...
05/11/2026

My bounty is as boundless as the sea,
My love as deep; the more I give to thee,
The more I have, for both are infinite.

Juliet, Shakespeare

🥀

Love him or hate him—Shakespeare. I was definitely in the latter camp for a while. But time changes the lens we see through.

Reading Jodi Picoult’s book, By Any Other Name, actually shifted quite a bit in my understanding. The humanity, longing, tragedy…and the idea that the struggle itself can outlive us was a beautiful explored theme.

That feeling became the inspiration for this set: a transported moment in time to a powerful story that has captivated so many artists over the ages.

These were the first images created on the set my class built. I’m so proud of how it all came together to tell such a beautiful story. The class outdid themselves.

And completely disappeared into the character! Watching her expressions shift between frames—softness, grief, longing, resolve—felt like watching a story unfold in real time.

Thankful for these moments to tell stories new and old and make them our own.
Model:
Stylist: (customizing a gown in my prop closet into something truly special!)
Lighting:
Set design: TX School Movie Magic Class of 2026
Backdrop:
Assisted by: /

Images created with the GFX100s II. Thank you for making this class possible.

Truth, like gold, is to be obtained not by its growth, but by washing away from it all that is not gold. -Tolstoy✨My lig...
05/09/2026

Truth, like gold, is to be obtained not by its growth, but by washing away from it all that is not gold. -Tolstoy

✨

My lighting mentor( ) told me a long time ago that sometimes, in order to create an epic image, you don’t chase the shot itself — you start fixing all the problems that hold it back.

This week became an exercise in exactly that. We worked on a new approach to lighting, used new tools, worked through the limitations, frustrations, and unexpected challenges that stand between an idea and when it finally comes to life…and that we are better together.

This set was one of the highlights of the week for me, because while I may have gathered the pieces, it was the class that truly shaped it into something more. Every adjustment, every challenge, and every collaborative decision pushed the image further than any one person could have taken it alone.

Thank you to everyone who helped create that magic moment.…when our imagination comes to life in front of the lens.
Thank you for embodying the ideas and sharing magic of your own to bring this character to life. You transported us directly into the world of the fae.

Stylist: who created this look from fabric and stapler magic—just incredible!
Lighting:
Set design: Movie Magic Class of 2026
Backdrop: Axel Brock, Castle Morning
Assisted by: /

Images created with the GFX100s II. Thank you for making this class possible.

Time does not ask permission before it changes us. All we can do is do our best with the moments we’re given. 2023
05/08/2026

Time does not ask permission before it changes us.

All we can do is do our best with the moments we’re given.


2023

A little education event appreciation post. One thing I’ve loved most about being part of the community is experiencing...
05/08/2026

A little education event appreciation post.

One thing I’ve loved most about being part of the community is experiencing that the inspiration doesn’t stop at the stage or the classroom. The techs and reps behind the scenes are artists too—and getting to learn from each other has been one of the best parts of these events.

Our Shutterfest photo walk had just over 50 photographers (with 5 sets), and the support from the Fujifilm ladies made the whole thing feel effortless. and each led a station and helped make it possible for everyone to have their creative moment.

When you walk up to the Fujifilm booth, it’s not just someone who knows tech specs of the gear…it is someone who truly wants to see you succeed in the creative space. That energy is something I’m forever grateful to experience.

Y’all go check out series work and see what I mean! And watch for where the team hits the road next…
Thank you to our model for your creative energy and all the posing work you brought to life on set!! You rocked these shots!

HMUA:
Lighting: Ice Light
Assist/Support:
Dress on loan from
Created with Fujifilm GFX100s II

Act natural. The paparazzi are watching.Making an entrance on day one of was so much fun. There were so many talented a...
05/07/2026

Act natural. The paparazzi are watching.

Making an entrance on day one of was so much fun.

There were so many talented artists in the room with me…I hope every single photographer knows that I feel like the lucky one for being in the room with them!!

True star power is when we leave our egos at the door and have fun together. That’s where the magic really happens.

True star power is creating without competition and cheering each other on the whole way through.

True star power is making room for each other to shine.

That kind of energy is what makes people unforgettable.

The best rooms are the ones filled with talented people who want to see each other win.

That’s the kind of magic you can’t fake.

Model:
Stylist:
Lighting:
Assisted by: / ray

Images created with the GFX100s II. Thank you for making this class possible.

More Old Hollywood magic vibes from Day One at There was so much variety possible on this simple set. I only had a few m...
05/07/2026

More Old Hollywood magic vibes from Day One at

There was so much variety possible on this simple set. I only had a few moments to create myself, but every student brought their own ideas and imagination in endless ways. It was so inspiring to watch!

One of the best parts of teaching is getting to step back and see possibilities you may never have discovered on your own…watching other artists take a concept and make it entirely their own.

The longer I teach, the more I am grateful for the opportunity to learn something from every person who shares a classroom with me.

Sharing a room with people all dedicated to learning from each other is the best place to be. ✨

Model:
Stylist:
Lighting:
Backdrop: Grunge Wall
Furniture:
Assisted by: / ray
Special thanks: dress on loan from

Images created with the GFX100s II. Thank you for making this class possible.

Movie Magic…Old Hollywood inspired.Let the recap begin. ✨We kicked off Sunday night with three Hollywood-inspired sets,...
05/06/2026

Movie Magic…Old Hollywood inspired.

Let the recap begin. ✨

We kicked off Sunday night with three Hollywood-inspired sets, and honestly, it felt meant to be that Texas School’s theme this year was Hollywood. We kept joking that they planned it just for us.

To start the week, we used all continuous lights (the L120 here). It let everyone jump right into creating and getting to know each other without worrying about channels, groups, or technical setup just yet.

One of my favorite parts was watching this huge room come alive—light spilling across every corner, conversations starting, cameras clicking, creativity building in real time. It felt like the perfect way to begin a week centered around storytelling, collaboration, and movie-inspired magic.

Over the next week, I’ll be sharing more from each set along with some behind-the-scenes moments to keep the magic going. Stay tuned. ✨

Model:
Stylist:
Lighting:
Backdrop: Wonder Wall
Assisted by: / ray

Images created with the GFX100s II. Thank you for making this class possible.

05/04/2026

Color…how does it feel?

It’s amazing how color changes can shift the mood and story of an image right before our eyes!

Thanks to for bringing me to Shutterfest to talk about how color can transform an image. It was an amazing class gathered around for this demo last month. Sharing my perceptions is only one half of it…the class participation and questions always take it to the next level. I’m so grateful for the inspired energy of so many talented creatives joining forces.

That combination of lighting decisions, camera profiles (where Fujifilm simulations truly shine!), posing and styling that bring it all together…and give infinite creative options for whatever you imagine…it’s just one reason why photography is so much fun to explore.

Model: .vintage.life
Styling:
Lighting:
Backdrop:
BTS/Assist:

OUT OF OFFICE — new inquiries find me via email below or on my website. If you’re an existing client, please feel free t...
04/20/2026

OUT OF OFFICE — new inquiries find me via email below or on my website. If you’re an existing client, please feel free to reach out via phone/text. Will be away from social media for some events, projects, etc. Thank you!

Address

Little Rock, AR
72210

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Julie Gayler Photography posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share