Julie Giovanelli | Interview
“Through my lens, I capture the world as it is—but also as it could be.”
As we continue to celebrate women photographers worldwide and its wonderful members, 2025 became the year of new opportunities being created. Each month, we will pick and highlight one photographer and (re)introduce her work to you. This month, Julie tells us more about her photography, her inspirations and her creative process.
© Julie Giovanelli
© Julie Giovanelli
ND: Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit more about yourself?
JG: I’m a French photographer based in Germany, not far from Frankfurt, Mainz, and Strasbourg. I’ve always been fascinated by photography—my father had a Nikon F-401 that he always took on vacation. When we got back, we would look at the slides all together—and laugh a lot!
As a teenager, I had a couple of cameras—mostly to capture funny moments with family and friends. I rediscovered photography when my husband gave me my first proper digital camera for my 30th birthday: a Nikon D5100.
I started with travel photography, and the passion grew—first family photos, then I discovered other genres, especially street photography, through Genaro Bardy and his online program L’Étincelle. That was during the pandemic, and it was a revelation for me.
Since then, I see and think in photography—all the time, everywhere—even if I don’t have my camera with me (which is rare these days).
ND: . What inspires you in your daily photography work? Can you tell us more about your style, and what you wish to capture and share?
JG: Architecture, symmetry, lines, shapes, structures, and frames within the frame. But also reflections, high contrast, and bold colours.
To build my storytelling, I like to explore the boundary between human and object, urbanism and its inhabitants, form and substance, architecture and its use.
Through my lens, I capture the world as it is—but also as it could be. I’m always ready to experiment with new techniques to create abstract images.
I also enjoy street portraits, especially of people who stand out from the crowd. I usually send them their portraits afterward.
© Julie Giovanelli
© Julie Giovanelli
ND: Could you share some insights into your creative process? Are you more drawn to colour or black and white? And do you see yourself as a ‘hunter’ or a ‘fisherman’?
JG: My eye is usually drawn to a frame, a line, or a colour—and that’s what defines my composition. Then I wait. I can stay in the same place for a long time to get the human element I need to complete the story. So yes, I’m more of a fisherman.
But I also sometimes try my luck at hunting.
I don’t rule out black and white—especially if there’s strong contrast. I don’t want to be tied to one style. I keep the door open and follow my inspiration in the moment.
ND: Was there a particular moment that shaped your photographic journey that you would like to share? If not, any fun memories?
JG: As mentioned before, L’Étincelle in 2020 was a turning point. So was an urban photography workshop with Eric Forey in 2023.
Last year, I joined street photography communities such as UPC and Street is a Woman—of which I’m now the vice-president. That really changed everything: I strengthened my practice, took part in my first group exhibition, started sharing my work, and even entered competitions.
I was recently shortlisted for the Siena International Photo Awards—something I wouldn’t have imagined just a few months ago.
The support of a passionate community is priceless.
© Julie Giovanelli
© Julie Giovanelli
ND: How do you see your photography evolving in the future? Do you have any news/activity or goals you’d like to share?
JG: After more than 10 years in the translation field, I’m currently transitioning into a full-time photography career.
I aim to explore documentary family photography—as a new way of translating the world into images. I’d love to bring my sense of colour, shapes, and lines into capturing the daily life of families.
I’m also interested in organizing lifestyle sessions in urban environments.
© Julie Giovanelli
ND: Are there any photographers you admire, past or present? How do they inspire you?
JG: Vivian Maier—for her sharp observation skills.
Elliott Erwitt—especially the iconic Mother and Child, one of my favourite images.
Annie Leibovitz—for her creativity and stunning portraits.
Sebastião Salgado—for his powerful black and white work and deep humanity.
I also admire Eric Forey’s approach to combining street photography and architecture (@eric_forey), and Marianne Doz (@marianne_picblo) for her vibrant architectural photos.
© Julie Giovanelli
ND: Any advice for fellow photographers?
JG: To me, the most important thing is to have fun, and shoot the kind of photography you love.
Every now and then, step outside your comfort zone.
And don’t forget your camera at home!
ND: How did you find UPC? What has your experience been like with the community so far?
JG: I discovered UPC through other members and got curious enough to give it a try.
It’s a respectful and peaceful community where I don’t feel any sense of competition—which is so refreshing.
I’d like to thank the UPC team for this amazing opportunity to share my work.
© Julie Giovanelli