Hi, I’m Julie, the heart and camera behind Julie Coan Photography.

Originally from Brazil and now living in St. Albert, Alberta, I bring a blend of Brazilian warmth and Canadian calm to the way I see and photograph the world. My approach to photography is simple: capture the beauty that already exists in the meaningful moments of everyday life.

Photography started as a spark, but somewhere between chasing sunsets and trying to freeze my daughters’ giggles in time, it became something much deeper. It became my way of pressing pause on life’s most fleeting seasons, the tiny hands, the spontaneous laughter, the hugs that last just a little longer than usual.

As a mother of two incredible girls myself, I understand how quickly these moments pass. That perspective shapes the way I photograph families: gently, naturally, and with patience, allowing real connection and emotion to unfold.

When I’m not behind the camera, I’m also an industrial engineer and university instructor, which might sound like a different world entirely. But it’s actually where my balance comes from, a mix of creativity and structure, emotion and precision.

At home you’ll usually find me with strong coffee in hand, a piece of salted caramel chocolate nearby, and our cat keeping watch over everything. I love laughter that makes your cheeks hurt, changing my hair more often than I probably should, and the simple beauty of ordinary days.

Through photography, my goal is to create images that feel natural, timeless, and full of heart,  photographs that will remind you, years from now, just how beautiful this season of your life truly was.

A Few Things About Me

I’m slightly obsessed with sunsets and soft light. They have a way of turning ordinary moments into something magical.

I believe the little moments are the big ones: the quiet hugs, spontaneous laughter, and the tiny details that often pass too quickly.

I’m left-handed, which apparently makes me part of a small club of creative thinkers.

My favorite food is Brazilian BBQ. Nothing beats gathering around a table with good food and even better company.

I’m also a recreational runner. Running gives me the same feeling photography does: a chance to slow down mentally while moving forward.

And when I was a child, I was absolutely convinced I would become an astronaut. While that didn’t happen, I still love the idea of exploring and seeing the world with curiosity.