This week, KDHamptons catches up with Bridgehampton photographer Julie Kate Vanacker [above], owner of Julie Kate Photography & Design. “My parents have had a house in Bridgehampton since I was born,” shares Julie. “I spent every summer and weekend throughout the winter out here and used to beg my parents to move out here full-time throughout my childhood. My attachment to the Hamptons runs deep since all of my happiest memories are out here.” Learn more about Julie in this NEW KDHamptons Lifestyle Diary below:

 

 

 

 

 

KDHamptons: How long have you been living in the Hamptons?

Julie Kate Vanacker: My husband Sander and I got married in 2010 at Wolffer Estate Vineyards and decided to try living in Boulder, Colorado for a change of pace. I never quite felt at home anywhere else but in the Hamptons. We recently moved back here in August 2014 and are looking forward to raising children on the same beaches that I grew up on.

 

 

 

“Chasing The Colors of Fall” on a 50” x 75” canvas with a mahogany floating frame

 

 

 

KDHamptons: How would you describe your photography?

Juie Kate: I describe myself as an intimate portrait & fine art photographer as well as a designer. Art and design do tend to walk hand in hand in many situations so I find it only natural to weave those two passions together. When photographing portraits, I normally focus on small, intimate sittings. I mainly shoot engagement, maternity, newborn and family portraits, and boudoir. I feel very fortunate to be able to be a part of so many families and contribute to their memories.

 

 

 

 

My fine art print collection is a mix of different kinds of images. I like to photograph anything that is beautiful and intriguing to me in hopes that I can share life’s greatest treasures with the rest of the world through photography. I sell my fine art print collection locally in my studio and internationally on Etsy. All of my pieces are limited edited pieces. My most celebrated collection is the “Aspens Collection”. I like to dabble in a lot of areas of design. Clients will ask me to choose prints from my fine art print collection or from their portrait sitting and design the art in their home. In other cases, some clients will ask me to design an entire remodel starting with the finishes and ending with furniture in the rooms and the art that goes on the walls. Each job, no matter how small or big, really allows me to tap into my creativity which I love.

 

 

KDHamptons: How would you describe your style as a photographer? What subject do you like to shoot the most?

Julie Kate: When I photograph portraits, my style is primarily photojournalistic, though I tend to integrate aspects of traditional photography into each shoot. When I photograph my travels, I like to photograph different aspects of nature and architecture the most. I love how a nature print can add so much color to a room but I also love how a photograph of architecture can add so much dimension to a space. Of course, my collection is not limited to these two categories – I just end up being most intrigued by them.

 

 

 

 

 

KDHamptons: Please describe your perfect Hamptons day in detail for our readers?

Julie Kate: My perfect Hamptons day would start with a walk on the beach with my husband and our two dogs. After, we’d probably take a walk around Sag Harbor, grab smoothies from Provisions and sit on the wharf to watch the boats. Then we would go to Long Beach to paddle board for an hour and on the way home, stop at Wolffer for a glass of wine and a cheese plate. My favorite thing to do at the end of the day is to zone out with my music, do yoga by myself outside and watch the sun dance across the yard before it sets. I love cooking so my idea of a perfect night includes cooking for my husband and watching a movie at home together. My husband and I really enjoy the simple life out here – there is so much beauty and so many fun things to do.

 

 

 

Julie and husband Sander with their pups

 

 

KDHamptons: What is your favorite Hamptons restaurant, got a favorite dish you order every time?

Julie Kate: My favorite restaurant is Yama-Q in Bridgehampton. For lunch, I love their hummus wrap and sweet potato tempura and for dinner, as well as their salmon or avocado roll and vegetable stir fry. I love that they have a variety of healthy foods to choose from and if I’m in the mood for sushi [which is always]. It’s just a great mix of my favorites all in one place.

 

 

 

 

 

KDHamptons: What do you like to do in the off season months on the East End?

Julie Kate: I really enjoy the peace and quiet during the fall and winter months as well. In the fall, I love apple picking at the Milk Pail and then spending hours in my kitchen cooking and baking. I also love watching the leaves change around here – the colors are so vibrant. In the winter, I really love dining out when the restaurants are calmer and taking walks in the snow – it’s such a winter wonderland. I just can’t get over how beautiful it is out here…in every season!

 

 

 

 

 

 

KDHamptons: Please describe your Hamptons home and decorating style?

Julie Kate: I am very much a water person so our house looks like a typical beach house. White moldings, a white kitchen, fish shaped serving platters, seashell displays around the bath, etc. My favorite piece in our house is a beautiful, ivory linen chaise. I’ve moved it three times since I bought it and it has always managed to make each room that it’s been in look incredibly elegant yet cozy. It’s one of those timeless pieces that dresses up the room but not so formal that you feel like you can’t sit on it.

 

 

 

 

 

KDHamptons: If you could photograph anyone in the world, whom would you choose and why?

Julie Kate: I’d love to photograph more shelter dogs. My husband and I are both big animal lovers and have worked with rescues before to rehabilitate and foster dogs. When there are just too many in one shelter, a lot of perfectly good animals get overlooked. One thing I’ve realized that really helps is a great profile and portrait picture. If potential adopters are looking through the different profiles and the pictures make the dogs look mean, or sad, it’s less likely that they will be adopted. First impressions count and I’d really like to help shelter dogs give the best first impression and a real shot in finding a forever home.

 

 

 

 

 

KDHamptons: How can our readers see more of your work and book you?

Julie Kate: The best way to view more of my work is to go to my website: www.JulieKatePhotography.com. You can email me directly through my site if you are interested in booking me for your next portrait session. If you’re interested in viewing just my Fine Art Print Collection, you can browse through and purchase pieces via my Etsy Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/juliekatephotography I am always happy to customize prints to fit my client’s individual needs so please do not hesitate to ask!

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Warm Weather Aspens” on a 40” x 60” canvas with a mahogany floating frame

 

 

 

 

 

**Here’s a great deal KDHamptons readers: For the holidays, Julie is offering 10% off in her etsy shop for holiday shoppers – the coupon code can be found on her facebook page and expires on December 10th.