Some birds don’t need color to stand out.
They hold the whole sky in shadow.
When Jules stepped into the Michigan Birds series, the choice was immediate:
The Crow.
Not flashy.
Not decorative.
But deeply aware.
How We Met
Jules and I met at Rapid Rhythms’ Lindy Hop nights at the studio — those Monday evenings where movement and connection blur together.
We share a similar sense of humor.
And every time I dance with Jules, I leave smiling.
There’s an ease to them.
A grounded presence that doesn’t try too hard.
Who They Are
Jules is 27, trans-masculine, and originally from South Elgin, Illinois.
They studied at Northern Illinois University and now work at Michigan Works — helping people step more fully into their roles, their responsibilities, their potential.
They’re good with people.
You can feel it immediately.
There’s an intuition there — likely shaped by years of navigating different spaces, reading rooms, and understanding what others need before it’s said.
They’ve moved around.
Shifted environments.
Built new rhythms.
And instead of resisting change…
They chose curiosity.
They chose joy.
Why the Crow
Crows are among the most intelligent birds in the world.
- They use tools — sticks, hooks, even bending wires to solve problems
- They can recognize human faces and remember them for years
- They pass knowledge down — even holding grudges across generations
- They play, problem-solve, and adapt in complex environments
They don’t just survive.
They figure things out.
That felt like Jules.
They’ve navigated spaces that didn’t fit.
Walked away from work that didn’t align.
Found their way into something that feels more honest.
They know how to read people.
They know how to adjust.
They know when to ground themselves — like putting their hands in the grass after a long day.
Crows recognize good people.
So does Jules.
The Look
We built Jules’ look in Hot Black from head to toe:
- Stretch denim black pants
- Hand-sewn rayon jersey black top
- Square wrap tied as a satchel
- Long black rayon scarf for movement
The textures mattered.
Soft.
Touch-forward.
Comfortable in the body.
There was something deeply satisfying about dressing Jules — I joked they felt like the Ken doll I had as a kid. Clean lines, strong silhouette, endless possibilities.
The look was simple.
But powerful.
The Session
We photographed at Millennium Park, wandering through trees and down into the riverbed.
At one point, the trees opened up — and suddenly it was just sky.
Grasses stretching wide.
Clouds expanding above.
Jules stood there, small against the vastness — but completely grounded.
Their silhouette was steady.
And then they moved.
Playful. Curious. Engaging with the environment like it was something to explore, not just observe.
I found myself chasing after them with the camera — trying to keep up with their rhythm.
A Playful Mind
In their spare time, Jules goes clowning.
Dressing up with friends.
Making strangers laugh.
Finding joy in the unexpected.
And that tracks.
Because crows?
They play.
They slide down snowy roofs.
They drop objects mid-air just to catch them again.
They engage the world as if it were something to experiment with.
There’s intelligence there.
But also delight.
Color Connection
Black is often misunderstood.
But it holds:
- clarity
- direction
- strength
- presence
It doesn’t distract.
It focuses.
For Jules, black wasn’t about hiding.
It was about knowing exactly who they are.
A Steady Gaze
There was something about the way Jules looked at the world.
Alert.
Present.
Aware.
Like nothing was getting past them.
Like they were exactly where they were supposed to be.
Find Your Bird
Some birds are bright.
Some are soft.
And some…
See everything.
If you’re ready to step into a look that reflects what’s already inside you — your intelligence, your play, your presence—
Let’s build it together.
Let’s find your bird.
