Interview: Chicago Based Photographer/Videographer - M28 Photography

MunaLuchi Coterie member and professional event photographer and videographer, Mack Julion of M28 Photography brings over seven years of industry expertise to your unforgettable occasions. As a filmmaker as well as photographer, M28 Photography brings a storyteller’s perspective and fine art style to capturing your most memorable moments – striving to ensure your special day is documented with a professional quality and composition that will last for generations to come. Learn all about M28 Photography in this informative and inspiring in-depth interview.

Name: Mack Julion
Business Name: M28 Photography
Founded: 2012

Describe your business. M28 Photography is a photography and wedding film company that focuses on creating timeless portraits, capturing candids that tell a story, and providing excellent quality.

What did you do before starting your business in the wedding industry? Before I started my business, I was a high school teacher. Teaching was something that I always wanted to do but I knew it wouldn’t be long term. I stayed in education for 5 years and felt that it was time for me to go all-in on my business.

How long have you been in the wedding industry? Although I’ve been photographing and filming weddings since 2012, it feels as though I’ve been in the business longer. I’ve been a second photographer for a few years prior to my start. Since 2012 I’ve continued to grow and evolve and it’s been quite a journey.

How would you describe your style? I’m definitely a storyteller. I think that comes from my filming experience. Documenting the wedding as is, is what I do best. I also incorporate some fine art wedding photography into my style. I know what my clients want so I can easily adjust and edit to their liking. However, I love candids. I feel like the unplanned, natural and relaxed shots are the best type of wedding photography and that makes up my style.

What motivates you? I’m motivated when an amateur photographer recognizes me as their model or reasoning for getting into photography. Whenever you get a photographer who is just starting off, tell you that they love your work or they ask for suggestions and help, that means a lot. I love to be there for people and share my insight and knowledge.

Why should brides/grooms choose you? Obviously, there are so many great photographers and videographers to choose from that it can be overwhelming. I love to work with couples who share the same way I do when it comes to wedding photography; that they love candid photography, they want their photographers to be like an extended part of their wedding party, someone who is like a friend and who can quickly adjust to the wedding day changes, and lastly someone who produces great quality images that tell the story of their wedding day. If that’s what you’re looking for, let’s get it!

How does your company define and measure success? It’s simple. We’ve been published in Chicago Style Weddings Magazine, we’ve gained the attention of a number of vendors to be on their recommended vendors list, and we’ve filmed and photographed so many beautiful couples on their wedding day. That’s not success to us. Success is being recognized and respected as a professional black-owned business. Coming from the south side of Chicago, statistics would say we wouldn’t make it. However, to receive reviews from our couples that they were glad to have chosen us and, they speak on our professionalism, and how proud they are of us – that is success.

What do you enjoy most about your work? I’m a rare breed. I love editing. I’m an artist at heart. I love art, fashion, poetry, and obviously photography and filmmaking. The editing is a joy. I love adjusting the colors, lighting, and going back through the photos. That’s fun.

Describe a proud moment while working in the wedding industry. A proud moment happened last year in 2018 when a 70yr old couple chose me to capture their intimate wedding. It meant so much. They fell in love with each other at a time of their lives where people would have been content with remaining single. Between both of them, only one living parent was alive to see it. It was an emotional and heartfelt wedding, and it was so awesome to be the photographer. They loved my work enough to hire me to capture it. So cool.

What’s the best compliment you’ve received for your work? “This should be on the cover of Ebony or Vogue!”

What are your business goals? The main goal is to make our couples happy with our work. Also, we want to be able to connect with and partner with more wedding planners. Lastly, to be able to film or photograph more destination weddings is always #goals!

What’s your favorite part of the wedding industry? My favorite part of the wedding industry is coming together with the other vendors to make the bride and groom’s day special. To feel that genuine love and to be a part of that is always new to me. I never get used to it or become complacent while working a wedding. It’s always “a wedding” you know? It’s a big deal. It’s magical. It’s special. I love being a part of their lives forever. When they have their 10th, 25th, or even 50th anniversary, they’ll look back on the photos and videos with their children and children’s children, and I captured that. Every wedding is a big deal.

What’s your least favorite part of the wedding industry? Working with vendors who lack the experience can really make the wedding day difficult. From the planner to the coordinator, the hairstylist, the decorators, the DJ, etc…when there is a gap in professionalism and experience, it can make the job of a wedding photographer and/or videographer a challenge. Likewise, when you have amateur or inexperienced photographers…sheesh. Good luck.

Describe your vision of the “perfect” wedding. Three words: organized, authentic, and planned.

Where do you find the most inspiration? I wouldn’t be real if I didn’t say Instagram and Pinterest!

Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know? If you’re engaged, and you’re looking for vendors to make your day special, whether you select me or another vendor from MunaLuchi, you really can’t go wrong! Congrats!