Julia Hawkins graduated from the Professional Photography Course in 2020 and has since built a distinctive practice centred on portrait and documentary photography. Her work focuses on people and the relationships that shape them, with a particular sensitivity to themes of connection, community and belonging.
Before moving into photography, Julia spent over two decades working in sustainability communications. That background continues to inform her approach today. She understands how images function not just aesthetically, but as part of a wider narrative, helping organisations communicate their values and tell meaningful stories.
During her time on the course, she began to refine this direction. Through exploring different genres and developing her ideas in the mentoring sessions, her focus gradually shifted towards portraiture with a strong human and social dimension. What stands out in her work is a sense of ease between photographer and subject which is something she actively cultivates. Her shoots are designed to feel relaxed and collaborative, allowing for honest and unguarded moments to emerge.
Portrait of Britain Award Winner
Since completing the course, Julia has established herself as an award-winning photographer. She was shortlisted in 2021, and went on to win the Portrait of Britain Award in 2024 and has been featured by The Guardian as one of the Ones to Watch.
Alongside her commissioned work for charities and community organisations, Julia has been developing a long-term personal project exploring loneliness. The project brings together a series of portraits that aim to open up conversations around a subject often left unspoken. It culminated in a book published by The School of Life in late 2025.
On Loneliness – published by The School of Life
Here’s what Julia says about her experience at the PPC:
“It has been absolutely amazing doing the Professional Photography Course at LIoP. It’s hard to put it into words but I feel like my brain has been rewired and a whole new world has opened up to me! Holger, the course director, puts a lot of care and attention into providing a really good experience for all the students. I thoroughly recommend doing this course.”
Looking back, Julia describes the Professional Photography Course as a turning point, not just in terms of technical development, but in how she sees and approaches photography. Her journey reflects something we see often: when technical skills, mentoring and personal perspective come together, a clearer photographic voice begins to emerge.
Julia is now an established editorial and corporate branding photographer, working for various British publications and companies.
