It's My 71st Birthday Today

71 Things I’ve Learned, Loved, and Laughed About in 71 Years

Dear friends,

I’m turning 71 today—and as someone who’s lived a camera-in-hand, heart-on-sleeve kind of life, I wanted to mark this moment with something a little different.

Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to teach hundreds of photography students, publish 300 travel stories, and pick up a single grain of sushi rice with chopsticks (yes, really).

However, I’ve also learned a few things that don’t appear in a byline or bio.

So in the spirit of reflection, celebration, and maybe even inspiration, here are:

71 Things About Me (So Far)

1. Born in July—sunshine is my season.

2. I’ve been a photographer for 40+ years.

3. I’ve published 300 travel and lifestyle bylines.

4. I’ve taught hundreds of photography students.

5. I can pick up a single grain of sushi rice with chopsticks.

6. I’ve reviewed luxury resorts and rustic ranches, and loved both.

7. The Desert Southwest is home now.

8. I never stop learning and experimenting with new art forms.

9. I’ve judged and entered photo contests and taught others how to do it.

10. Certified by Professional Photographers of America.

11. I’ve immersed myself in Native American culture and traditions.

12. Lightroom is my favorite tool—but I value a good nap, too.

13. I was awed at the Cyclorama in Atlanta (history moves me).

14. I’ve created photography workbooks, eBooks, and courses.

15. Yerba mate in a gourd? Count me in.

16. Aperture priority first. Then manual mode. Always intention.

17. I keyword stock photos better than I label my spice jars.

18. I find beauty in weathered wood and desert light.

19. I appreciate both minimalist modern and antique, cozy styles.

20. I pack light and still feel put together.

21. I’ve stood on sacred Indigenous land and felt humbled.

22. I’ve moved with technology but still trust my instincts.

23. I teach people to find the light—in images and in life.

24. I’ve eaten through cities and written about the flavor of place.

25. I celebrate age with humor, not filters.

26. I know Arizona backroads better than my own neighborhood.

27. I pitch with purpose—from Fodor’s to Luxe Beat.

28. I’ve danced at cookouts and dined in candlelight.

29. My coffee is strong (but decaf). My travel is bold.

30. Historic inns or sleek hotels—I love both.

31. Stories matter more than snapshots (not really).

32. I’ve watched the sunrise from a canyon rim.

33. Social media strategy? Check.

34. I’ve created resources to help others spark their creative fire.

35. Comfortable behind the camera and the mic.

36. Museums evoke strong emotions in me. I write about them.

37. Metadata is my secret superpower.

38. The Heard Museum? Still magic.

39. I see the beauty in aging, in ruins, in resilience.

40. I pack Salt and Vinegar chips on every road trip.

41. I’m not afraid to pivot. Or say no.

42. Yes, I’ve eaten cactus. No, I didn’t hate it.

43. Pet-friendly hotels get five stars from me.

44. Lavender turndown service? Yes, please.

45. I believe in aging out loud.

46. Food is a story.

47. My photo style? Honest and intentional–documentary.

48. I know which ranches have the best wranglers.

49. Captions are art.

50. My life is a portfolio of moments.

51. The less gear, the better the shot.

52. I’ve felt the echoes in ancient places.

53. I pass on books that moved me.

54. I bake vegan bread now and then—surprise!

55. I teach people to be the boss of their camera.

56. I write content at a 9th-grade reading level—on purpose.

57. I connect funnels to ConvertKit like a nerdy wizard–not!

58. Canva is my creative playground.

59. Architecture tells a story—I help translate it.

60. I shoot RAW, but appreciate a good JPEG.

61. Inclusion in travel matters. I advocate for it.

62. I teach with empathy and edge.

63. My students' wins are my proudest moments.

64. My Camera Love Story: Canon Mirrorless → Now iPhone.

65. I shoot with intention, not just instinct.

66. I playlist every road trip—and plan for no WiFi.

67. Kindness + clarity > perfection.

68. People trust me with their stories—and their secrets.

69. I’ve outgrown trends but still flirt with them.

70. I have big plans for year 72. Mischief included.

71. My favorite quote? “I’m not always right, but I’m never in doubt.”

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If you made it this far, thank you for celebrating with me. Whether we’ve crossed paths through photography, travel, teaching, or storytelling, I’m glad you’re here.

I’d love to know—what would be on your list?

Warmly,
Julie

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If this snapshot of insight made you smile, forward it to a friend or hit that restack like it’s the shutter button on a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Sharing is caring—and it keeps the travel tales and photo tips coming!