Meet Julie

Julie Collins is a Certified Professional Photographer and Master Photographer serving families throughout Lake Country, Waukesha County, Milwaukee County, and beyond. She photographs high school seniors and families who want to celebrate the people and milestones that shape their lives. She also helps professionals feel comfortable in front of the camera while getting their headshots and branding photos.

Julie believes the most meaningful photographs should live where life happens every day. Her specialty is transforming portraits into finished artwork that becomes part of a home. The laughter of your children, the pride of senior year, the connections that make your family yours. These are the moments that deserve a place on your walls and in beautifully crafted albums for years to come.

Woman in black sitting on stool in front of black studio backdrop wearing glasses and smiling for camera. This is in Julie Collins Photography's studio in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin

So happy you’re here!

When I walk into someone’s home the first thing I notice are the images they choose to put on their walls. They are little windows into the moments and people that matter most. My goal at every session is to create artwork worthy of attention that brings you joy every single day. Families snuggled up, laughing and enjoying each other, chubby little toes on babies that grow too fast, sweet fleeting moments of siblings playing together celebrating a shared childhood. These images transport you immediately to another time and place that may have been forgotten without them. I love the relationships I’ve built with my clients, learning their stories, playing with their children, and making portrait sessions natural and fun.

Photography has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. My mom was always behind the camera when I was growing up and she taught me the foundations of photography early on. Over the years that curiosity turned into a passion and eventually a career I feel incredibly grateful for. Today I get to do what I love most. I meet wonderful families, celebrate meaningful milestones, and create artwork that will be cherished for generations.

If you’ve been thinking about documenting this season of life for your family, I would love to help you create something truly meaningful for your home. Portraits become more valuable with every passing year, and there is nothing quite like seeing the people you love most beautifully displayed where life happens every day.

My goal at every session is to make artwork that

brings you joy

every single day

Award for best photographer in Milwaukee by Expertise

Expertise award image for best portrait photographer in Milwaukee

my story

I’m married to my soul mate who is a true romantic and my biggest fan. We have four little boys who bring laughter and crazy fun to our Oconomowoc home every single day. Wrangling those four active boys has prepared me so well for working with children! That and my previous career as a teacher have both made me masterful in redirecting the upset sweetheart who missed her nap, capturing the energetic boy who does not like sitting still, and quietly warming up to the shy child hiding behind mommy. Reading children is one of my specialties and a challenge I welcome every chance I get.