Welcome to the Julie Hood Photography Blog

This is where I share more than just pretty pictures. Here, you’ll find inspiring stories from women in my Fabulous Over 40 Campaign, insights on headshots and personal branding, and articles designed to help you feel prepared and confident before your own session.

My goal is simple: to show women, especially those over 40, that you deserve to be seen, celebrated, and photographed in a way that captures your true beauty and strength.

As this blog grows, you’ll discover a mix of real client stories, practical tips, and behind-the-scenes advice from the studio.

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What’s the Difference Between Headshots and Personal Branding Photos?

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Do I just need a headshot, or should I invest in branding photos?” you’re not alone. The truth is, the difference goes far beyond how the photos look. It’s about how you’re showing up, whether as a professional in your field, an entrepreneur building your own business, or a creative…

Fabulous Over 40: Meet Shelly

Age 60 About You: What is your favorite trait about yourself?My favorite trait about myself is my ability to talk to people. I find it easy to strike up a conversation with just about anyone and I enjoy learning about different perspectives and experiences. Being able to talk to people makes everyday interactions more meaningful…

Fabulous Over 40: Meet Rose

Age 68 About You: Can you share a moment of triumph or success that you’re particularly proud of?I’m proud of the fact that I am coming into my own. And it feels damn good! What was one of the happiest moments of your life so far?The happiest moment of my life was the birth of…

Fabulous Over 40: Meet Regina

Age 40 About You: Can you share a moment of triumph or success that you’re particularly proud of?One of my biggest accomplishments was becoming a CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist). I take pride in delivering high quality anesthesia care and ensuring the safety and well-being for all my patients. What was one of the happiest…

Fabulous Over 40: Meet Peggy

Age 71 About You: Can you share a moment of triumph or success that you’re particularly proud of?In 1982, my sister and I won the World Champion hand car races in Vancouver, B.C. It was so fun to compete, and we unexpectedly won the Gold Medal. What was one of the happiest moments of your…

Fabulous Over 40: Meet Michelle

Age 45 About You: Can you share a moment of triumph or success that you’re particularly proud of?Getting my Real Estate license. Passing that test. I was a stay-at-home Mom primarily and had lost my self-confidence and my identity outside of being a Mom, so that achievement shocked me and let me know I was…

Fabulous Over 40: Meet Melissa

Age 53 About You: Can you share a moment of triumph or success that you’re particularly proud of?One moment of triumph that stands out is when I reclaimed my independence and rebuilt my life on my own terms. I don’t like being referred to as a victim of domestic violence; instead, I am a domestic…

Fabulous Over 40: Meet Lori

Age 70 About You: Can you share a moment of triumph or success that you’re particularly proud of?I am very proud of the fact that I decided to do a career change in my 40’s. After receiving my Bachelor’s degree in Nursing while in my 20’s, I decided to return to college and obtain a…

Fabulous Over 40: Meet Lisa

Age 63 About You: Can you share a moment of triumph or success that you’re particularly proud of?Finding fitness at 50 is something I’m incredibly proud of. It was a turning point for me, and since then, I’ve stayed committed to my health and wellness. Because of that commitment, I’ve completed several sprint triathlons and…

Fabulous Over 40: Meet Lisa

Age 68 About You: Can you share a moment of triumph or success that you’re particularly proud of?Finishing graduate school and becoming a nurse practitioner What was one of the happiest moments of your life so far?Giving birth to my two boys Looking back on your life, what’s a lesson you’ve learned that has stayed…

Fabulous Over 40: Meet Laurie

Age 61 About You: Can you share a moment of triumph or success that you’re particularly proud of?Changing careers after over 30 years in hospitality to working in Senior Living. I loved the excitement of hotels and the challenge of big conventions but the opportunity to work in an industry where we make a difference…

Fabulous Over 40: Meet Kimberly

Age 40 About You: Can you share a moment of triumph or success that you’re particularly proud of?I hold a BS degree in Registered Nursing in the state of California. What was one of the happiest moments of your life so far?Starting and growing my family, I am very blessed with 3 beautiful children and…

Fabulous Over 40: Meet Kim

Age 57 About You: Can you share a moment of triumph or success that you’re particularly proud of?Completing my Doctor of Nursing (DNP) degree while in my 50s. What was one of the happiest moments of your life so far?Births of each of my three children. Looking back on your life, what’s a lesson you’ve…

Fabulous Over 40: Meet Katina

Age 60 About You: Can you share a moment of triumph or success that you’re particularly proud of?I’m particularly proud at moments when I receive messages from past colleagues about how I positively impacted their lives. What was one of the happiest moments of your life so far?Holding my grandma’s hand while knowing, “I’m unconditionally…

Fabulous Over 40: Meet Judy

Age 71 About You: Can you share a moment of triumph or success that you’re particularly proud of?Two wonderful children who completed college and are very successful in their careers. What was one of the happiest moments of your life so far?Ability to provide for my children and grandchildren so that they have childhood memories…

Fabulous Over 40: Meet Gina

Age 59 About You: Can you share a moment of triumph or success that you’re particularly proud of?I’m particularly proud of the fact that I was the first in my family to graduate from college and I put myself through school. It took me 12 years. I wanted to advance my career, so I went…

Fabulous Over 40: Meet Gina

Age 53 About You: What was one of the happiest moments of your life so far?I find happiness in so much of life. There are many moments when I have clarity, peace and freedom and those are the moments that are happiest. Usually, I am either with those I love, in nature, being active, or…

Fabulous Over 40: Meet Fran

Age 72 About You: Can you share a moment of triumph or success that you’re particularly proud of?My professional life as an educator, college professor, principal, consultant in many of our fifty states and inventor of a product sold around the world going on twenty-five years. What was one of the happiest moments of your…

Fabulous Over 40: Meet Elizabeth

Age 64 About You: When in your life, so far, have you felt most confident and why?The most confident I have ever felt in my life is now–in my mid-sixties. About ten years ago I realized that I had struggled since I was a young girl with self-hatred. It was almost a shock–though a great…

Fabulous Over 40: Meet Christie

Age 51 About You: Can you share a moment of triumph or success that you’re particularly proud of?Beating breast cancer. What was one of the happiest moments of your life so far?Hard to name one. When I married my best friend. This is where most of it began. Looking back on your life, what’s a…

Fabulous Over 40: Meet Charise

Age 60 About You: Can you share a moment of triumph or success that you’re particularly proud of?Graduate degree, marathons, tough mudders and Spartan Races What was one of the happiest moments of your life so far?My kids, my son and daughter have brought such joy to my life and to see them as responsible…

Fabulous Over 40: Meet Anna

Age 61 About You: Can you share a moment of triumph or success that you’re particularly proud of?My move from the Bay Area marked a career change from 16 years in Semiconductor Marketing Communications to real estate. In the subsequent 12 years, I’ve diligently grown my property management portfolio to encompass over 80 doors, which…