Julie WestI grew up in Thousand Oaks, California.  I went to California State University Long Beach, and after taking one course in photography, I knew what I wanted to do.  I ended up graduating with a degree in Fine Arts Photography.  I then went on to work with several photographers who specialized in the different areas of photography, trying to find my way.  I had the honor of working with Charles Peloso of Charles Peloso Photography.  I photographed high school seniors for Mr. Peloso for 6 years and also for his children’s portrait division, Carousel Children’s Portraits, which is where and when I found my passion.  In 2002, I became a mother of a beautiful baby girl. Shortly after the birth of my daughter, Mr. Peloso presented me the opportunity to open and own my own division of Carousel Children’s Portraits.  I opened the doors in the summer of 2003 in Valencia, California.  After a year and a half on my own, I decided to partner with a local photographer.  We opened Santa Clarita Photographic Studio in August of 2004.  I then had my second child a short while later.  For the sake of my family, I decided it would be in our best interest to open a home studio.  With the wonderful skills of my husband we built out an amazing home based studio.  It has allowed me to raise my children and continue to photograph yours.  This past year I had the wonderful opportunity to launch my stationary line of greeting cards, gift bags and calendars with my fabulous partner Melissa Lamoureaux.  With the continued success of Julie West Photography I have now been able to expand my studio into the Ventura County by purchasing Tot-Shots photography in June of 2009.