The Range I Ride: Julia Palmer's photos on display at Allied Arts

Photographer Julia Palmer
J. Davis photos

Josh Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

'The Range I Ride', photographer Julia Palmer’s first solo show, held its opening reception on Saturday February 2, hosted by the Allied Arts Council of Pincher Creek at the Lebel Mansion. The event had a great turnout, with the halls of the Mansion filled with an appreciative crowd. Fruit and vegetable platters were served, along with wine, and beer for all the old cowboys in attendance.

Palmer, who has been involved in photography for about ten years now, was sociable and friendly. Asked how she started in photography she answered: “Well, my dad’s a photographer, and so I kind of grew up thinking about photography. I didn’t really do very much of it myself. I went away to university in the United States, came home from the states and had friends all over the world, and I’m living on this ranch and it’s beautiful, and I wanted to share that experience with those friends. So I started by just taking photos for them… and then it kind of grew into something I realized I really enjoyed.”


Palmer studied history at Reed College in Portland, Oregon, writing her thesis on the Hutterites.

“It was really wonderful to learn about my neighbours and my community,” said Palmer with her winning smile.

When asked about the subject matter of her work, mostly cattle and the cowboys, Palmer replied: “It’s mostly because that’s the life I live and lead. That’s where I work and so that’s where I photograph. I like recording it, as well, I like documenting those experiences, and what those experiences mean to me as well.”

Photo of a photo: a sample of Palmer's work

However, she will photograph anything else that crosses her path. “It travels with me everywhere,” she said of her camera.

Palmer’s method has changed over the years as she’s practiced her art. “I started developing some knowledge about cameras and photography. I also really started to think more about the stories I wanted to tell with those images, about the people I work with, about the life they lead, and about the culture that goes with that community. I think it’s really helped me.”

“I also love the way photography gives me a way of looking at my world. I’m always looking at things going ‘Oh, how would I share that experience with someone? How would you photograph that?’”

Palmer spent a little bit of time talking about her equipment and printing process. “I shoot with a Canon 70. I have three different lenses, but I usually am using a Tamron lens. It’s a very sophisticated camera, that usually I end using as a point-and-shoot. I’m really fortunate I work with the printer, who prints my work for me. Resolve Photography out of Calgary have been wonderful to work with, helping me get (her photos) ready for shows.”

I asked her where she sees herself going with her art. “We’ll see where it goes, I don’t know yet,” she said with a laugh. “But it’s really exciting to have a show in Pincher Creek. And it’s a wonderful gallery space, so I’m really lucky to be able to show in it.”

Her advice for us aspiring photographers is simple: “Take a lot of photos. Have a lot of fun with it. And photograph what you know, because you always can tell if someone understands their subject matter, because they present it in a very different way.”

“The Range I Ride” Photography by Julia Palmer will be showing at the Allied Arts Gallery from January 29 - March 8, 2013.  The gallery is located in Pncher Creek's historic Lebel Mansion at 696 Kettles Street.  

For more information call 403-627-5272

email: lebelpc@gmail.com

Related links:

Julia Palmer's website

Allied Arts