“Artemis of the Wildland” Meet Julia Starr!

Artemis…

“she often was depicted as a huntress carrying a bow and arrows.” –The Oxford Classical Dictionary

Julia Starr can be depicted as today’s modern Artemis with a Camera.

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 I’m very excited to introduce you to a very special and inspirational woman. Almost 9 years ago, I met the beautiful and talented Julia Starr  on Deviant art ( A website for all artists). Her photography drew me in and I fell in love with all her images. The photos that she takes are so breathtaking and very beautiful. She captures the true spirit of nature! Julia Starr is what I call Artemis!

“Artemis of the wildland…” – Homer, Iliad xxi 470 f.

I asked Julia if I could interview her because I admire her work and I feel that she is truly a brilliant and inspirational photographer. I want her story to be heard and I would love for her images to be seen around the world. She is truly a beautiful person inside and out. Here is what she shared with me and I am truly grateful to share her story with you.

1. Where are you from and what inspires you to take photos? How do you choose locations to shoot? 

I currently reside in Northern Utah, away from the major cities. I live in a very photogenic location––vast landscapes and large mountains. It wasn’t until I started going on nature walks with my camera a little over five years ago that I started taking notice in the beautiful scenery and plants that had been in plain sight all along. The walks always led to somewhere peaceful and quiet on the outskirts of town, a place I could think and admire nature. I feel inspired depending on the weather and just wanting to go out and enjoy some fresh air. I’ve spent most of my time at the local bird refuge because it offers a panoramic view of beautiful mountains and distant storms. It doesn’t look like much until you go out there to appreciate it.

2. I would love to know what camera you use when you are out shooting? How many cameras do you have? When did you start taking photos?  

I’ve been using a Canon 5DMKII for the last few years, with macro, telephoto, and wide angle lenses. Although I shot with various point-and-shoot cameras for a few years, I didn’t get my first DSLR until 2008, and then gradually over the years I’ve improved my awareness and interest in the naturey moments that I capture, which can be seen in my gallery here: http://www.juliamstarr.com/photos

3. What kind of photos do you take and why? 

Landscapes, scenery, and plants, and occasionally I will throw some props into a naturey moment. I find nature more tolerable and positive than most people; and I connect to nature and feel alive and authentic when I spend countless hours photographing sunlit moments. 

4. What clothing do you wear when you are out in nature climbing different landscapes? 

If I am going on a local nature walk it depends on the temperature. From spring to autumn, I will take a sweater jacket and usually wear workout clothes and walking shoes. And if I am venturing into landscapes that are rocky, muddy, or just a place that’s not ideal to wear regular walking shoes or sandals, then I will wear hiking boots, a fitted pair of hiking pants, and whatever shirt or jacket the weather may require. I commonly wear the boots with my fitted pair of hiking pants, or sometimes a pair of skinny jeans that I’ve worn so often that they have become flexible to wear.

Pants – http://www.prana.com/meme-pant.html?color=cargogreen

Boots – http://www.salomon.com/us/product/quest-4d-2-gtx.html?article=373259

5. Is it important to bring extra clothing? What does your camera emergency kit include? 

Based on the stuff I do most of the time, I never take extra clothing, unless I am going somewhere during the winter, I will take extra gloves, a scarf, and a couple hats. If you’re going to be trekking near water, it would be ideal to bring an extra pair of everything. But it would be a good idea to always have extra clothing no matter what you have planned. 

I prefer to be mindful of what I am wearing and how it can benefit my adventures. For example, I often wear a fitted pair of hiking pants (I am need of updating to new colors!), but it has two pockets over the thigh area where I can easily store my phone, a knife, lens cap, tissues, etc. Easily accessible and very useful. 

As for the camera, it’s best to have extra charged batteries and empty memory cards, and a microfiber cloth to wipe off the lens glass or filters. 

6. What kind of jacket and shoes do you wear and are they waterproof? 

I often wear a ZeroXposur windbreaker. It’s lightweight but very warm when it’s windy and/or cold outdoors. I wear Saloman boots, and they are waterproof, which comes to use when I walk through puddles of rain to take photos or through very shallow water. I like them because they are tough and have saved my ankles on several occasions when tripping over rocks and sneaky little tree roots that blend into the hiking trails.

7. What extra items do you bring with you? 

Kleenexes! I always make sure I have some tissues in my hiking bag or camera bag, or my pockets if I am taking no backpack. I often have my little hunting knife, which I try to carry in a pocket or somewhere easy to access. If I am going on a little hike, I may go very light and bring a little point-and-shoot camera. There are other things I might bring but these are the first things that seemed to be most common at this point in time. 

8. What kinds of snacks do you bring with you? 

Usually some nuts, string cheese, apple, fruit snacks, kettle potato chips. 

9. How do you prep your skin for nature? (Sunscreen, lip balm, moisturizer…) 

Since I rarely wear makeup, I will just settle for some sunscreen if I am going to be outdoors for more than a few hours. I don’t always slather sunscreen on my face, but when I do I just use whatever I have on hand. It’s kind of hard to avoid the chemicals, so I guess sometimes sunscreen is better than no sunscreen. Other than that, I will moisturize my face with jojoba oil. I’m very minimal when it comes to face products.

10. If there is one place you would like to photograph in the world where is that place and why?

Iceland! I have been drawn to its isolated beauty and volcanic landscapes. It just takes my breath away. I can’t really explain or describe why any more than that, but I have this part of me yearning to go there, and to take dozens of 32GB memory cards.

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For more wonderful images please be sure to check the links bellow.

Julia Starr on Instagram 

Julia Starr’s Blog

Thank you so much Julia Starr for allowing me to interview you and for sharing some of your breathtaking images!

I’m honoured and grateful for our friendship. She is brilliant, talented and inspirational!

Thank you for visiting!

@bestdayblogger

*Photo Credit. The Picture of Julia Starr taken by ->  http://indigoverse.com