Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Vareldzhyan.
Hi Julia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey into photography began over 11 years ago, with the birth of my daughter. Like many mothers, I felt an overwhelming desire to hold onto every fleeting moment—the tiny hands, the quiet smiles, the way time seemed to move too quickly. What started as a deeply personal need to preserve those memories soon grew into something much bigger. I discovered not only a passion, but a purpose: to help other families capture and relive their own most meaningful chapters. Over the years, that love has shaped who I am today—not just as a photographer, but as a storyteller. Every child, every smile, every milestone I document reminds me why I began. It’s the endless love for what I do that continues to inspire me, turning simple moments into lasting art.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My road to success has never been without challenges. I started in a very small room, taking a leap of faith before I even knew if it would work. There were moments when I questioned everything—whether to keep going, whether to take on the risk of a bigger space—but I followed my instinct and moved into my second studio. Today, I’m proud to be opening my third and largest studio yet, a dream space designed not only for my own work but to share with other photographers—where they can use my custom-created sets, ideas, and designs to bring their own visions to life. None of these milestones came easily. There were tears, setbacks, and moments when giving up felt easier. One of the most defining challenges in my journey came right before opening my largest studio. When I closed my second space, I truly believed the transition into a new location would take only a couple of months. I had a vision in mind and thought I would find the perfect place quickly and move forward with ease.
However, reality taught me patience in a way I had never experienced before. Finding the right space took nearly nine months—months filled with searching, waiting, and constantly re-evaluating what “perfect” truly meant for my work and my future. And once I finally found it, the journey was far from over. The remodeling process took another eight months, full of unexpected delays, decisions, and moments of uncertainty.
Looking back, I could never have imagined how long and demanding that road would be. But every step of it shaped this studio into something deeply meaningful. It wasn’t just built quickly—it was built with time, resilience, and a clear vision that never let me give up, even when the process felt longer than I ever expected. But I stayed grounded in my passion, trusted my heart, and kept going. Every struggle became part of the foundation that built who I am today.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in maternity, newborn, and children’s photography, capturing some of the most meaningful and fleeting chapters in a family’s life. My work is known for its artistic and creative approach—I don’t just take photos, I design each session as a full experience. From custom-made maternity gowns to carefully styled newborn sets and unique props, every detail is thoughtfully curated in my studio to create something truly special and one-of-a-kind.
What I’m most proud of is the emotional connection behind my work. These aren’t just images—they become memories families hold onto for a lifetime. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of watching families grow, photographing their journeys from maternity to newborn to birthdays, and that trust means everything to me.
What sets me apart is my ability to combine creativity with intention. I’m constantly building new sets, designing concepts, and pushing beyond traditional photography to create something more artistic and immersive. My studio is also a space for other photographers to be inspired and create, which makes this journey even more meaningful. At the heart of it all is my passion—I truly love what I do, and I think that feeling is reflected in every image I create.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Living in Chicago has definitely shaped both me and my work. If I had to choose a downside, it would be the constantly changing weather—it can be unpredictable and challenging at times. As much as I love the city, the long winters and lack of consistent sunshine can be difficult. I think, like many people here, we naturally crave sunlight and vitamin D, and when it’s missing for long periods, it can affect energy and mood. Sometimes it becomes harder to stay inspired and fully motivated every day. But at the same time, Chicago offers something incredibly special. It’s a city full of diversity, with so many cultures, traditions, and backgrounds coming together in one place. That creates endless opportunities to meet different families, hear their stories, and capture a wide range of beautiful, meaningful moments.
For me, that diversity is truly inspiring—it influences my creativity and allows me to connect with people on a deeper level. So while the weather may not always cooperate, the energy, variety, and opportunities this city provides make it all worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.studiospecialmoments.com/
- Instagram: Studio_specialmoments
- Facebook: Special moments photography studio
- Other: Capturespecialmoments@gmail.com
