Julie Aarts
Lecturer
Gqeberha
Summary
Experienced photographer and art director with a talent for supporting creative research, visual storytelling, and academic research and teaching. Proficient in developing concept treatments, moodboards, and shoot materials that have led to numerous published and exhibited works. Demonstrates strong visual organization, attention to detail, and effective collaboration with creative teams and clients.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
18
18
years of post-secondary education
5
5
Certifications
Work History
BVA Lecturing Assistant
Nelson Mandela University
08.2021 - Current
- Managed classroom effectively, maintaining a respectful learning environment conducive to student growth.
- Mentored new lecturing assistants, sharing best practices and providing guidance on effective teaching techniques.
- Enhanced students'' understanding of course materials by utilizing multimedia presentations and interactive activities.
Lead Photographer
VanBode Wedding Photo & Video
02.2021 - Current
- Lead photographer on high-end wedding productions, ensuring cinematic quality and emotional storytelling.
- Skilled in pre-production planning and on-set direction, fostering smooth collaboration with clients and second shooters.
- Enhanced client satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality photography services for various events and projects.
Freelance Photographer
Makes Aarts
01.2016 - Current
- Freelance Photographer and Assistant specializing in commercial, fashion, and event photography.
- Photographer for clients: Top Billing, Glamour Magazine, Execuspecs, Yellow Zebra, Rooftop, The Folklore, Anchor Me Magazine, Gugu Peteni, Zuri & Imani, Developing Agency, and more.
- Assisted leading photographers such as Paulo Sergio Toureiro, Michael Oliver Love, and Duane Howard.
Art Director
Developing Agency
06.2023 - 07.2023
- Art Director at Developing Media, leading visual direction and conceptual development for short films.
- Recent Project: The Story of a Thorn, a short film sponsored by the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF).
Photographic Agent & Stills Production Assistant
Hero Creative Management
02.2019 - 12.2020
- Served as a production assistant and agent to photographers, handling artist bookings, casting coordination, and on-set support for commercial shoots.
- Managed social media marketing and day-to-day production logistics, including script distribution, call sheets, and shoot documentation.
Education
Diploma - Photography
Nelson Mandela University
04.2014 - 01.2016
Bachelors of Technology - Photography
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Cape Town, South Africa04-2018
Bachelor of Arts - Photography
Nelson Mandela University
Port Elizabeth, South Africa 04.2001 -
Skills
Studio Lighting
Awards
Alexander Macun Photography Award, Port Elizabeth, South Africa, 2015
Short Courses
- WordPress.com Essential Training, Linkedin Learning: Carrie Dils, 01/01/23
- Professional Retouching Course in Photoshop, Udemy: Marcin Mikus, 01/01/21
- The Complete Graphic Design Theory for Beginner's Course, Udemy: Lindsay Marsh, 01/01/20
- Social Media and Online Marketing Workshop, NTA and Academy for Business Excellence, 01/01/20
Certification
Graphic Design, Lindsay Marsh, Udemy
Exhibitions
GROUP EXHIBITION RECORD:
2023
Portrait Show 2023, Through The Lens Collective,Johannesburg, South Africa
Together, Ava Gallery, Cape Town, South Africa (curated by Gareth Pearson)
Sasol New Signatures Exhibition 2023, Pretoria Art Museum,Pretoria, South Africa
2022
04 Annual Exhibition: Leap from A Century, Artec Gallery, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Together, Ava Gallery, Cape Town, South Africa (curated by Gareth Pearson)
2022 Together, Ava Gallery, Cape Town, South Africa (curated by Gareth Pearson)
Medical & Memory, Artec Gallery, Port Elizabeth, South Africa (curated by Taryn Jade)
2021
Black: Our Stories, Athol Fugard Terrace Gallery, Port Elizabeth, South Africa (curated by Gugu Peteni)
COLLABORATIVE PROJECTS:
2022
Thanks, Mr Bell, Durban FilmMart Institute, Durban, South Africa (Screening in collaboration with Mzimasi Ndzombane)
2021
Hollow City, My Røde Reel (Short Film in collaboration with Mzimasi Ndzombane)
Personal Information
Driving License: Valid Code B - Own Vehicle
Timeline
Art Director
Developing Agency
06.2023 - 07.2023
BVA Lecturing Assistant
Nelson Mandela University
08.2021 - Current
Lead Photographer
VanBode Wedding Photo & Video
02.2021 - Current
Photographic Agent & Stills Production Assistant
Hero Creative Management
02.2019 - 12.2020
Freelance Photographer
Makes Aarts
01.2016 - Current
Diploma - Photography
Nelson Mandela University
04.2014 - 01.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Photography
Nelson Mandela University
04.2001 -
Bachelors of Technology - Photography
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
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