A woman sitting cross-legged on a vintage wooden bench with her arms raised and spread wide, smiling happily. The background features an arched, pastel-colored wall.
A decorative black floral design with symmetrical leaves and swirl accents.

Photographer Bay Ridge Brooklyn

About Julia Xanthos Liddy

Hi, I’m Julia, a photographer and filmmaker based in Brooklyn, New York.

For years, I worked on staff at a NYC newspaper, learning how to find “the picture in between the pictures”. The honest, human moments that tell the real story.

These days, I bring that same instinct to the families, newborns and brands I photograph. My goal is simple: to capture images that feel alive, full of connection and heart. The kind you’ll still feel years from now.

Chat with Julia
  • Pictures of the year international
  • National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences NY
  • Huff Post
  • Women Photograph
  • BuzzFeed
  • cosmopolitan
  • NY Press Photographes Association
  • Newsweek
  • A person riding a unicorn with wings, holding onto the unicorn as it rears up.
  • Deadline Club
  • National Headliner Awards
  • NPPA

A glimpse into my journey and what inspired me to start photographing families and small brands here in Brooklyn.

The heart behind the lens

I live in Bay Ridge with my husband, Tom, and our two incredible kids. Becoming a mom changed everything for me — the pace of life, what I value and how I see the world. It taught me how fleeting time is and how love often reveals itself in small, imperfect moments. Each day is a learning lesson and I am here for it all.

In your session, I’ll capture the laughter, the lingering gazes and the mischievous smiles for you to remember forever.

Contact Julia
A woman in a black dress holding an Emmy award stands in front of a backdrop with the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences logo.

New York storyteller

Before I became a family photographer, I told New York’s stories through my work as a photojournalist. I covered everything from breaking news to quiet, intimate human stories — work that earned me several awards, including a New York Emmy. I met the most incredible people through my experiences and traveled to more places than I could count, but when asked - my most favorite assignment was an afternoon spent with Jerry Stiller.

A few years ago, I created Young Love, a photo series celebrating everyday couples across the city — my love letter to New York that continues to influence how I see connection and tell stories.

Today, I blend that experience with my fine art background to create photographs that are vibrant, soulful and full of life.

View Julia's News Portfolio
A woman with sunglasses and black jacket operating large camera equipment on a tripod at a political event in front of the U.S. Capitol building decorated with patriotic banners and flags.
That's me on the far right posing with my parents and siblings in 1988. Note the camera around my neck - it was a Fischer Price!
Mommy's little assistant waiting patiently.
Liddy Family 2025 Photo
A woman takes a photo of two young boys sitting on rocks by the water with the New York City skyline, including the Brooklyn Bridge and skyscrapers, in the background.
Best friends from day 1.
A bride and groom celebrating their wedding, smiling with pink confetti falling around them, with guests in the background.
The most supportive/patient/calming husband in the world award goes to this guy.
A woman lifting a child into the air in a snowy park surrounded by trees.
Photographer taking pictures of a family holding new babies on a sofa in a bright nursery.
Trying to pose toddlers in 2020. Absolute chaos and That year was absolute chaos and full of unknowns. This photo just sums it all up.
Black and white photo of a woman holding a film clapperboard with a surprised expression.

A few things about me

Born on Long Island

⚘

One of five siblings

⚘

Woodworking Hobby

⚘

Born on Long Island ⚘ One of five siblings ⚘ Woodworking Hobby ⚘

Listening to Billy Joel, Beatles, Maria Callas

⚘

Disney Nerd

⚘

Greek-American

⚘

Listening to Billy Joel, Beatles, Maria Callas ⚘ Disney Nerd ⚘ Greek-American ⚘

479 83rd Street Ribbon Cutting on June 29th 2019. Photo by Susan Watts

Rooted in Community

I’m proud to help run a women’s small business group here in Bay Ridge, where local entrepreneurs connect, share ideas, and cheer each other on. We meet once a month for casual conversations and learn from the guest speakers. It’s become a little creative hub that fills my heart.

Giving back to our neighborhood matters to me, too. A few times a year, my family and I organize collections through the studio for the Holy Cross Outreach Center, delivering food and supplies to those in need. It’s a tradition that keeps us connected to our community and to each other.

Capture what matters most