Rising Stars: Meet Julio Wagner Tearney of Ann Arbor, MI

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julio Wagner Tearney.

Hi Julio, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I first got started in photography using the family camera—a simple point-and-shoot that made the process feel effortless, much like using a phone camera today. What really pulled me in was the sense of creative possibility and wonder. Not long after a series of clumsy mistakes—and a few close calls that nearly broke the camera—my parents decided it was best I had one of my own. I always found it amusing that they’d hand over something so valuable after all that, but I cherished it. That camera became more than just a tool; it became my window into a world I was just beginning to explore.

Fast forward to my teenage years, I began exploring film photography with my mother’s Minolta SLR, which eventually led me to join my high school’s advanced photography courses and clubs. Although my passion for photography carried through college and beyond, my real growth came from engaging with the world outside the classroom—capturing moments on my own terms. About a year after graduating in 2021, I decided to step back from photography. The success I was chasing no longer aligned with how the industry seemed to value creative work. Navigating the balance between artistic integrity and client expectations proved challenging—something I’m still learning to reconcile today.

About three years ago, I started carrying my instant film camera everywhere, driven by a simple promise to myself: if clients weren’t interested in my work, I’d give away more than I received. It was a shift in mindset that sparked something new. I’d head out, ask strangers if I could take their portrait, and then hand them the photo moments later. This spontaneous, run-and-gun style of interacting with people felt fresh and freeing—like I was rediscovering photography all over again. Every encounter brought something unexpected, making the process feel raw, honest, and alive. At the time, I hadn’t yet committed to turning photography into more than just a hobby, but this approach eventually led me into the EDM (electronic dance music) scene, where I started documenting shows and sharing my work nearly every weekend for about a year with the crowd, venues, and eventually clients. And just like that, we’re nearly caught up to where my photography journey stands today.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
From the very beginning, the most consistent thing in my life has been the support of my family. I think back to being a teenager, nervously DMing potential models, chasing light and building a portfolio from near nothing, just trying to get my “ten thousand hours” in. While a lot of my peers were figuring themselves out or following the crowd, I had this strange, stubborn drive—and my family never once made me feel like it was too much. My mom would drive me downtown for shoots without asking for anything in return. My dad? He’d buy me replacement SD cards every time one cracked or failed. They showed up for me—quietly, consistently. And honestly, I don’t think I’d have made it this far without that kind of love behind me.

In the classroom, everything came naturally—but beyond that? It was a different story. And honestly, it still is. If anything, what’s gotten easier is simply understanding how to get from point A to point B. Some of the biggest challenges have always come from working chaotic or unorganized events. But with time, a growth mindset, and some hindsight, I’ve come to appreciate those moments. Its those gigs that really push and teach you more than anything a classroom or professional could. You often walk away better—not just as a creative or a professional, but as a collaborator and teammate too.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
What I’m honestly most proud of is figuring out how to navigate the world of networking without much of a roadmap. School gave me the technical foundation—camera settings, lighting setups, business formulas—but it never really touched the messy human part of the process. The reality of trying to turn photography into a sustainable career? It’s not for the faint of heart. And networking? That wasn’t even on my radar until much later. It’s still something that doesn’t come naturally to me. I’m not the smooth-talker or the charismatic extrovert that people expect in this field. I had to fumble my way through awkward introductions, unanswered emails, and events that felt more like popularity contests than creative communities. But every connection I made, I earned. And I’ve come to realize that showing up authentically, even when it’s uncomfortable, is a kind of skill on its own.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
As Im finishing writing this interview I have an upcoming gig I’m very excited to be apart of. Be on the lookout for new projects found via instagram !

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buttonspam/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julio-wagner-tearney