Perhaps it is her stoic presence on set, donning her signature all-black ensemble in the Los Angeles heat. Perhaps it is the final outcome she produces with such mastery, or her quick and biting comedic sarcasm with perfect timing, but it is safe to say that Julia Swain has always intimidated me…in the best way. We met on a set one summer and didn’t exchange too many words, however I found myself quite drawn to her. I was thrilled when she agreed to a photoshoot and interview. But then I had a thought: Julia is incredibly successful at, and becoming known for, creating cinematic yet minimalistic visuals behind the camera. Who was I to direct the DP in a photoshoot? Now she would be on the other side of the camera. I’ll be honest, it made us both nervous. But Julia approached the interview and photoshoot as if it were her own film. In typical Julia fashion, she scouted the best possible photoshoot location (locations have always been her forte). As I photographed Julia while she tested lenses and cameras at Panavision in Los Angeles, I learned that there is so much more to the woman we see behind the camera. Photographing Julia in her element and at ease made me comfortable. I could suddenly feel what it might be like to work with her as a director…I could sense that if Julia believes in something, it is worth believing in. She may appear quite reserved, popping up from behind the camera only to make a note about the shot or add a witty side comment, but it is evident that she is seen and heard loud and clear through what she sees in her viewfinder. Her perspective on each story is palpable in the work she makes. She has dealt with incredible ups and downs in her young life and she somehow is able to persevere and tell others to do the same, carving out a path for female DPs and young people who make up the future of the industry. Julia, whether she be in front or behind the camera, may be, in her words, “unafraid of shadows,” but she is also, no doubt, a light in the dark.