Conversations with Julie Palmer

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Palmer

Julie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
If you had told me years ago that I’d be running both a thriving micro bakery and a photography business, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. But looking back, every step led me here.

I’ve always been drawn to creativity—whether it’s through capturing the raw emotions of a wedding day or perfecting the art of sourdough. Photography started as a way to tell people’s stories, and over the last decade, I’ve built Catchfly Photography into a business that helps couples relive their most meaningful moments. But my creativity doesn’t stop at the camera. I also find joy in the slow, intentional craft of baking, which led me to start Whisk & Bloom, my micro bakery, where I create handcrafted sourdough and baked goods that bring people together.

At the heart of both businesses is my passion for connection—whether it’s through a photograph that tells a love story or a loaf of bread that’s shared at a family table. I’ve built my brands around quality, authenticity, and the experience of creating something meaningful.

Now, I’m focused on growing my businesses in ways that align with my vision—scaling Whisk & Bloom, refining the experience of my photography reveal parties, and creating spaces where people feel valued. It’s been a journey of learning, adapting, and pouring my heart into my work, and I’m excited for what’s next.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
For Whisk & Bloom, one of my biggest challenges is scaling efficiently while maintaining the quality and craftsmanship that define my brand. I’m working through decisions like optimizing my product offerings, minimizing waste, and improving my pickup experience—whether that’s refining my roadside stand or rethinking the use of a greenhouse. Investing in the right equipment, like a commercial mixer and a professional bread oven, is also a big focus as I look to increase production without compromising quality.

With Catchfly Photography, my challenge has been streamlining my workflow and refining my business model while still providing an exceptional client experience. I’m working on redefining my packages, enhancing my Reveal Parties, and improving my website structure and SEO to ensure I’m attracting the right clients. Balancing the logistics of travel, client expectations, and business growth while maintaining a high level of artistry is an ongoing challenge.

Another obstacle I’m navigating is efficiency and time management. Juggling two businesses means constantly evaluating where to focus my energy to maximize impact. Whether it’s refining my workflows, improving customer communication, or finding ways to optimize my setup, I’m always looking for ways to work smarter, not just harder.

Every challenge presents an opportunity to learn, adapt, and grow. While the path isn’t always linear, I see these obstacles as stepping stones toward building businesses that reflect my vision and values.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My work is built on creativity, craftsmanship, and connection—whether through the lens of my camera or the loaves I bake.

With Catchfly Photography, I specialize in capturing intimate weddings with a documentary approach that focuses on storytelling and authenticity. My goal is to create images that feel natural, unposed, and deeply personal—ones that couples can look back on and truly feel the emotions of their day. Beyond photography, I’ve designed a unique client experience centered around Reveal Parties, where couples get to relive their wedding day in an immersive way while having the opportunity to create heirloom albums. It’s not just about delivering photos; it’s about creating an experience that brings their story to life.

With Whisk & Bloom, my work is hands-on and rooted in tradition. Baking is both a science and an art, and I love the process of refining my sourdough and experimenting with new flavors while staying true to slow, intentional baking methods. My bakery is small, but it’s built on community and quality, offering handcrafted bread and pastries that bring people together. Right now, I’m focused on growing the business in a way that balances efficiency with artistry, making sure each loaf that leaves my hands is one I’m proud of.

At the core of everything I do—whether photography or baking—is a commitment to creating meaningful, high-quality work that resonates with people. My work isn’t just about taking pictures or baking bread; it’s about crafting experiences and products that people connect with, remember, and cherish.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
I’ve always envied people who can recall their childhood with rich, detailed memories—because for me, it’s more of a blur. I don’t have one specific standout moment, but I do remember little things—the feeling of cold air hitting my face in the winter, the smell of something baking in the oven, or the way certain songs take me back to car rides I can’t quite picture.

If anything, the absence of clear memories has made me more intentional about creating meaningful moments now. Whether through baking, photography, or just slowing down to appreciate the little things, I try to build experiences that I’ll actually remember—ones that feel worth holding onto.

Pricing:

• 4,600

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.catchflyphotos.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catchflyphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catchflyphotography
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@catchflyphotography?_t=ZT-8tYygKYdM7u&_r=1