Featuring Julie Filyaw of Julie Filyaw Photography
Meet Julie
Julie and I met in preschool. However, it wasn't until college that we became thick as thieves. Sophomore year we both transferred into the University of South Carolina from other colleges. By junior year we had decided to become roommates, and from there, the rest is what they call "History!"
We lived near the Governor's mansion at a place called "The Pavilion Towers" {it's still there mind you...14 years later}. It was a cluster of four round apartment builds in a gated cul de sac.
TA DA!!!!! Meet the Towers.
We lived on the first floor with a great view of the pool and everyone working out in the gym.
Randomly, I found their pamphlet while looking for old pictures of Julie and myself from college. Yes, I know what you're thinking, "Who keeps stuff like this for 14 years?" I DO! {I'm a momento hoarder!}
Yes, our rent was $315 each a month, and thankfully our parents paid it {Out of curiosity I recently checked out there website, and HolyMoly it's doubled in price}.
There are so many stories I could share about the wild things we got ourselves into while living here, but trust me some things are better left unsaid {If you are curious about that loud sound you just heard, it was Julie...letting out a sigh of relief.} I'm not saying that I wouldn't be willing to share all of our juicy stories, just that I'm only willing to spill those kinds of details in person. So, if you're interested you'll need to find me and bring a nice {BIG} bottle of champagne when you come.
Our apartment was a little different from this one, but you get the idea.
I believe this was spring of 2003, and in between classes.
Believe it or not , I do have a few fond and PG memories that I am willing to share. One of which, being my favorite Julie/Nicole activity. Sitting on "The Dock," or other wise known as our Monday mid-day ritual. We would pop a bag of popcorn, sit on our balcony, and recap the details from our {sometimes wild} weekends. And whether the plot lines were full of drama, laugher, or tears...We always found ourselves completely entertained with what the other had to say. In fact, we have enough inside jokes to fill up a Mead five subject spiral notebook.
Julie's Wedding back in 2004
I know I stated earlier that there were a handful of tales I could share, but as I write I realize...Nope, no there are not. I lied. I can't reveal anything else without incriminating either myself or Julie. I find myself laughing out loud at this turn of events, because I established this blog for the entertainment of many and currently there are only two people presently amused! I guess two is better than none.
Nowadays, with Julie caring for two children, managing a home, and running a small photography business, she doesn't have much time to leisurely sit and chat over a bowl of popcorn. However, for old time sake I was able to drag her away from all that binds her for a few hours to reminisce and reveal.
1. Let's start this off with an easy question...Do you remember the brand of popcorn we used to eat in college?
I was thinking Smart Pop. It's the kind I buy now, but I'm betting that's wrong.
YUP, YOU ARE WRONG...IT WAS HEALTHY CHOICE. THEY STOPPED MAKING IT...I WAS DEVASTATED!!
2. Is there one memory that I might have passed over from college about us that you're willing to share?
Random road trips to Clemson...especially the time you walked into the room in the middle of the night and by your voice or from lack of a voice, I thought you were a man! I could elaborate on that night, but I'll just leave it at that! Priceless memories though!
TILLMAN HALL AT CLEMSON UNIVERSIty
THIS PICTURE IS FROM OUR FIRST {OF MANY} RANDOM TRIP TO CLEMSON. WE USED DIRECTIONS WRITTEN ON A NAPKIN IN BROWN CRAYOLA MARKER.
Hahaha! Oh, lord... That was the night I lost my voice at the Clemson/Duke basketball game {cheering for DUKE, of course}.
3. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CURRENT FASHION TREND?
I'm a stay at home mom, so that would be jeans and a t-shirt. I worked in a professional setting for 10 years, wearing dress clothes every single day. Hallelujah that's over! I'm all about being comfortable, but not sloppy. I hate sloppy!
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FASHION TREND OF ALL TIME?
To be honest, I love baseball caps. They keep the sun off your face, and the hair off your neck. Not to mention, when you've been so busy running after kids that you forget to wash your own hair...a monogrammed cap can help keep that "dirty" little secret private!
CLICK THE PHOTO TO SNAG UP YOUR VERY OWN MONOGRAMMED CAP...ONLY $15
5. HOW WONDERFUL IS PARENTHOOD?
It's the one thing in life that everyone should be so lucky to experience.
6. WHAT'S ONE AWFUL THING ABOUT IT THAT NO ONE WARNED YOU ABOUT?
Well, this is an awful and a wonderful thing, if that makes sense...but, it is the feeling of your heart walking around outside your body. When your child hurts, you hurt. When they are scared, sad, nervous, happy, etc...you are all those things x100. Sometimes, that's an overwhelming load to carry.
7. Let's get real for a minute. EVERY PICTURE I SEE OF YOUR CHILDREN MAKES THEM LOOK LIKE ANGELS, BUT YOUR SON, COLTON IS 90 MILES AN HOUR AND OLIVIA CLAIRE THINKS YOUR TELEPHONE BELONGS TO HER...HOW DO YOU DECOMPRESS AND RELAX AFTER A FULL DAY OF ALL THAT?
RIGHT BEFORE COLTON PUT A CHICK ON OLIVIA'S HEAD.
I don't. I don't have very much down time at all. I can honestly say that when I worked a "real" job, that it was my down time. I could have coffee every single day without having to reheat it, and I could carry on a conversation without talking to a child or doing two other things at once. People who work full time jobs will roll their eyes at this answer and that's fine. But, I've been an Administrator of 6 physicians and 17 employees in a very busy medical office- being a stay at home mom is by far the hardest, most tiresome job I have ever had. If you have never done it, you wouldn't understand. Trust me, I didn't.
But, it was my choice. I wanted to be the one who picked up my kids from school and the one who witnessed all the first things Olivia Claire would do on her own. Those little things are so important to me!
NO EXPLANATION NEEDED!
8. STARTING FROM MIDDLE SCHOOL, YOU HAD TO PHYSICALLY ADMINISTER YOURSELF INSULIN SHOT. DURING COLLEGE, I WITNESSED FIRST HAND YOUR STRUGGLES AS A DIABETIC. HOW HAS LIFE CHANGED FOR YOU NOW THAT YOU HAVE AN INSULIN PUMP?
Well, I can't really wear a dress! Haha! There isn't anywhere to hide it or clip it to! People, especially kids, stare at it like it is some crazy foreign object, so most of the time I just go ahead and explain what it is if I notice someone looking. Most adults think it is an iPod or phone. Children are amazed that I can take medicine through a tube in my stomach- super powers ;-)
But on a serious note, it helps me stay more controlled. My endocrinologist said it was necessary to have kids, so i did it! I actually tried to go back taking injections a few years ago, and hated it!!!!
9. AS A DIABETIC, IS THERE ANYTHING THAT YOU ARE TOTALLY FORBIDDEN FROM EATING?
No, moderation is key.
10. I KNOW IN COLLEGE YOU COULDN'T COOK A LICK {SHE ONCE QUESTIONED HER PORK CHOP BEING DONE BECAUSE IT WAS STILL WHITE}. HAVE YOU PICKED UP ANY FOOD PREPARATION SKILLS IN THE LAST 14 YEARS?
CLICK THIS LINK TO FIND YOUR OWN PORK RECIPES.
I can cook some things. I can follow a recipe. But, I wouldn't say I enjoy it and I hate going to the grocery store. Blake does 95% of the cooking in our house.
11. FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, OR TWITTER?
12. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WEBSITE?
13. AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER, YOU'VE ALWAYS LOVED PHOTOGRAPHY. WHAT DRAWS YOU TO IT, AND IF YOU COULD DO IT ALL AGAIN, WOULD YOU HAVE CHOSEN THAT AS YOUR COLLEGE MAJOR?
My children are the reason I love it so much now, but you're right, I have always loved it! When I'm taking pictures, I'm completely happy. It doesn't cause me any stress and I actually find patience (especially with children other than my own)
You know I have zero patience when it comes to everything else in the world, so I would say that's a pretty great reason to love it. I love capturing moments too. All the one million little things you might forget can be frozen with a picture!
I wouldn't have changed my major though...I liked public relations and it helps me every single day when dealing with clients in relation to what they need/want from a photographer. In this business, PR is very important. You either have the skills or you don't!
14. How do you find inspiration for an upcoming photoshoot?
I always communicate with my clients - a lot! I want to make sure that what they envision or expect is what I deliver. So, I would say it is a joint effort of that communication and searching websites for great ideas... like Pinterest.
15. WHAT'S THE MOST CHALLENGING THING ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY?
Being different. Photographers are a dime a dozen these days. I try to make my pictures look a little different than the normal or popular style, but that can be hard. Especially when a client brings an idea to you and really wants it or loves it, and you know other photographers are doing the same thing or very similar.
16. DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE SHOOT LOCATION?
To be honest, I hate this question(You're not the first person to ask me). With so many photographers to choose from these days, staying innovative is key. I spend lots of time finding places to shoot that I haven't seen in pictures before. I think my clients really appreciate when their photos look unique. But the composition of my photos, "my vision" is what makes Julie Filyaw Photography distinctive. So, sharing my "favorite" locations isn't really a good business.
17. DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER TALENTS, HIDDEN OR OTHER WISE?
I can sew...well somewhat :-) If I took the time to practice and make more clothes, I think it is a hobby I could really enjoy. I'm very crafty.
Both of these beauties were sewn by Julie herself!
18. IS YOUR SIGNATURE COLOR STILL PINK AND YOUR FAVORITE ACTRESS STILL OLIVIA NEWTON JOHN?
Yes and yes...I do have a child named Olivia!
19. WHAT KIND OF CAMERA DO YOU USE?
Nikon
SHE'S RIGHT, YOU WON'T FIND A SOLO SELFIE ON HER INSTAGRAM FEED, BUT WE DID FIND THIS SUPER CUTE ONE of her and her husband!