JULIANNE TRIPP HILLIAN

I’m a Richmond, Virginia-based photographer whose practice centers on visual storytelling and documenting everyday life. I work across editorial, documentary, and commercial photography, capturing a wide range of subjects from portraits and current events to community life, food, and performance.

​

My interest in photography began in high school and continued through my studies at Virginia Commonwealth University, where I earned a BFA in Photography with a minor in Media Studies. During my four years at VCU, I documented campus life for The Commonwealth Times, eventually serving as Photo Editor.

​

Since graduating in 2017, I’ve worked as a freelance photographer and have contributed to publications including Richmond Free Press, Richmond Magazine, The Richmonder, and Style Weekly. In 2021, I joined the staff of Richmond Free Press, where I worked as a staff photographer until the paper ceased publication in 2026. Throughout my career, I’ve photographed everything from protests and community gatherings to political figures, cultural events, and intimate portraits of Richmond residents and community leaders.

​

At the heart of my practice is a commitment to documenting people, places, and experiences with honesty and a passion to tell meaningful stories, and make a positive impact on the community I call home.