Photographer Julia O'Farrow is a Brooklyn-based visual storyteller working across film and photography. With a cinematic eye shaped by years of collecting and studying images, she brings intention and energy to everything she turns her lens toward — from street portraits to cultural moments alive with community. We're thrilled to feature her in this edition of the Flickr x Black Women Photographers Spotlight.

Flickr: Can you introduce yourself and share a little bit about your background as a  photographer? 

Julia: I’m an African-American visual storyteller working across film and photography, with a background in both undergraduate and graduate studies in film. My creative foundation is rooted in cinematic imagery—directors like Akira Kurosawa have deeply influenced my sense of composition, movement, and visual emotion.

Before I began taking my own photographs, I was already drawn to images—I spent years collecting and organizing magazine photography, building personal archives of visuals that spoke to me. That instinct to notice and curate eventually evolved into creating my own work.

My photography journey grew out of my project Teeshirt Tales, where I photograph individuals whose T-shirts catch my eye and invite them to share the story behind what they’re wearing. That process—of noticing, engaging, and documenting—expanded into a broader practice. I began capturing everyday moments in my Brooklyn community: portraits, street scenes, flowers, cultural events, and quiet details that might otherwise go unseen.

Whether through film or photography, my work is about presence—being open to what unfolds in front of me and honoring it through the frame.

Flickr: How would you describe your style or preferred genre as a photographer? 

Julia: I would describe my style as intuitive, observational, and community-centered. I move fluidly between portraiture, street photography, and everyday still life, guided less by category and more by what draws my eye in the moment.

Color plays a central role in my work—I’m especially drawn to rich, saturated tones that bring energy and emotional depth to an image. I’m also deeply interested in people: their expressions, their presence, and the quiet or bold ways they show up in the world.

At its core, my photography is about noticing—finding beauty, story, and meaning in both the ordinary and the unexpected.

Flickr: What inspires you to shoot at a specific location? 

Julia: I’m inspired by movement, energy, and human presence. Cultural events, parades, and community gatherings naturally draw me in because they’re full of life, expression, and connection.

At the same time, I’m just as inspired by everyday moments—walking through my neighborhood and noticing how light hits a tree, the color of flowers in bloom, or an unexpected detail in the street.

Often, it’s not the location itself but the feeling it holds. If something makes me pause, that’s usually where the photograph begins.

Flickr: What gear or tools are essential to your workflow, and do you have a favorite  camera setup?

Julia: My most essential tool is whatever allows me to stay ready and responsive in the moment—which is why I primarily use my iPhone. Its accessibility allows me to capture images as they happen, without interruption or hesitation.

While I’ve worked with cameras like the Canon Rebel in my film and photography practice, the iPhone has become central to my workflow because it supports the way I see and move through the world—quickly, intuitively, and always observing.

For me, photography is less about the complexity of the equipment and more about the eye behind it—composition, timing, and the ability to recognize a meaningful moment when it appears.

At the same time, I’m interested in continuing to grow technically. As I evolve, I do plan to expand my use of cameras and additional equipment to have more control over elements like lighting, depth, and overall image-making. For me, it’s about balancing intuition with technical development—honoring how I naturally see, while building new tools to shape that vision more intentionally.

 

Flickr: What message or feeling do you want viewers to take away from your work?

Julia: I want viewers to feel a sense of connection—whether to the person in the image, the moment being captured, or something within themselves.

Much of my work centers on presence and visibility, especially within Black and diasporic communities.  I’m interested in capturing people as they are—joyful, reflective, expressive, everyday—without over-staging or interruption.

If there’s a takeaway, it’s that there is beauty, story, and significance all around us, often in places we might overlook.

Flickr: Is there a body of work, project, or specific photo that feels especially  meaningful to you right now? Can you share the story behind this? 

Julia: While my Teeshirt Tales project continues to be deeply meaningful to me, I’ve recently been drawn to a growing body of portrait work shaped by spontaneous encounters. These images come from moments where conversation, curiosity, and openness lead to connection. One photograph in particular—taken in a subway station of a trans woman who carried herself with confidence and ease—has stayed with me. “Be Bold/Be Proud” What began as a simple exchange became something memorable and affirming. That image, along with others in this series, reflects my commitment to documenting people as they are: expressive, complex, and worthy of being seen on their own terms.

Flickr: You’re also a member of Black Women Photographers, can you share your  experience being part of the community? Have you connected with other photographers through BWP in a way that’s influenced your work or perspective?

Julia: While I haven’t yet had the opportunity to connect with other photographers in person, I’ve really valued being able to experience their work through this platform. Seeing the range of perspectives, styles, and stories being shared has been inspiring and affirming. I would love the opportunity to participate in an in-person meet-up in the future, as I believe those kinds of connections can deepen both community and creative growth.

Flickr: What does it mean to you to contribute to the visual landscape as a Black woman photographer today?

Julia: It means being part of something larger than myself—contributing to the visibility, presence, and documentation of our experiences in a way that feels honest and intentional. As a Black woman photographer, I’m aware of how important it is that we are not only seen, but seen through our own lens. My work is rooted in capturing people as they are—expressive, complex, and grounded in their environments. Being able to add to that visual landscape feels both meaningful and necessary.

Flickr: What would you want emerging Black women photographers to know as they build their path?

Julia: I would encourage them to trust their eye and their instincts. You don’t have to wait for the “perfect” equipment or the right moment to begin—what matters most is how you see. Stay open, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to engage with people and spaces that speak to you. Your perspective is valid, and your voice will develop the more you use it. Also, don’t feel limited by expectations—your path can evolve, just like your work.

I’d also say not to feel limited by the gear you have. I’ve done much of my work using my iPhone because it allows me to stay open and responsive to the moment. What matters most is your eye—what you notice, how you frame it, and how you connect with your subject. At the same time, it’s okay to want to grow technically. As you develop, you can explore different tools and equipment that give you more control, but that should support your vision, not define it.

Flickr: Besides photography, what are some other passions of yours? 

Julia: Recently, I’ve been enjoying karaoke. I’ve always loved music and dance, and I have a deep respect for musicians and singers. Karaoke has given me another outlet for expression—one that allows me to step into a different kind of presence and confidence. It’s been both fun and freeing in a way that complements my creative work.

Flickr: What is the best way for people to reach out to you? 

Email: ofarrowjulia@gmail.com
Instagram:  @Teeshirttales9, @Jaygeeoh
YouTube: Tee-Shirt Tales

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