Margot Judge
Q What do you do?
“I use light and glass and capture a moment in time with those and somehow manage to get paid for it!”
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I was a news photo editor for almost 10 years. I never thought I'd end up being on this side of things. I love news, but it's a business first and foremost and after many grueling years, I ended up completely burnt out. I was in NYC for 5 years and quit everything in the fall of 2022, packed up my car, and drove to LA. Everyone I've met in LA has been a creative of some sort, which was really inspiring. I started playing around with a 35mm camera and then decided in February I actually wanted to try making this happen. I love playing around and trying out new things. Watching other people work. Pulling inspiration from all places. I taught myself Capture One, and studio lighting, and have been experimenting and growing ever since. No turning back now!
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I am completely okay with saying: I'm still finding my feet. My style is constantly evolving. But I'm eager to learn. I'm nice to work with. And I always bring a positive attitude to everything I do. And no job is beneath me. I hope this kind of spirit resonates with my clients and they see the value in working with me.
Q What are you working on right now?
I'm planning out a fun 70s-inspired shoot for a fashion client, which I'm so excited about! I try to do as much in-camera as possible, so trying out various lens filters and other effects I can play with. Otherwise, just always open for new opportunities and meeting new people I can get creative with.
Q What’s your style?
My instagram is a good representation of how my style is constantly evolving. Which I think is a good thing. I do love a floral though, and poppy colors. Low key, high key, doesn't matter, I still love a pop of color in there!
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I wish I could be a photographer 100% of the time. But I am grateful I get to make a living sticking generally to photo-related things.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Editing my own work. I'll happily do it for an editing client, but my own portfolio? I will drag it out forever...
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Do laundry once a week. If I didn't have to dread doing my laundry, I'd probably be able to actually edit my own photos... or maybe not hah
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
You are enough. And you can be weird if you want to. Stop dimming yourself to make others more comfortable. This applies at all stages of life, but I could really have heard that back when I was a teen.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
Lighting!! I'm constantly reading about lights. Watching deconstruction videos. Finding blueprints of lighting set ups online. I generally need to try it out and experience it, in order to fully understand it, but I also just love talking to experts in their fields and soaking up as much knowledge as possible. It's just fascinating!
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Anything creative! Commercial, editorial... it doesn't matter. Give me a person or an object. And the opportunity to have a conversation and create something together!
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
Photography is such a collaborative job. Sure, I press the shutter, but to get an image, it takes a village (lighting, set design, hair, make-up, etc etc) so working with anyone who understands that, and wants to create in a collaborative and open way. And treats everyone with equal respect.
Q: What is your rate?
My budget depends on the job, the complexity of the project, and budget of the client. For small businesses, I usually charge between $70-$100 an hour (which includes editing), and the day rate usually starts at $750.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
margot@margotjudge.com - offers to go get coffee are greatly appreciated!
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Corey Gegner, the first person I met in LA and the one who pushed me into just trying things out. He's a cinematographer and a great friend.
instagram @g.e.g.sBri Oro is a hairstylist and floral designer, I love her flower work and she's a sweetheart
Marianna Fierro is an incredible illustrator whose work I just LOVE
Rachael Doughty is a camera operator and a constant source of inspiration. Her double film exposures are amazing
Kort Havens is a photographer in LA I follow and admire
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Constantly playing and trying
This member profile was originally published in June 2022.