This interview is a part of a new series that highlights the story of the Traveling Umbrella. Each project participant is mailed the Traveling Umbrella and asked to keep it for about a week. They use it as a photography prop before they mail it on to the next person on the waiting list. Learn more at:

www.TheUmbrellaThatTraveledTheWorld.com

Participant: Julie Oliver

Location: Minnesota

Find Her on Instagram: jul_of_minnesota

Interviewed by: Isabelle Beaupre

Julie Oliver was excited to share her thoughts on Jill as an instagrammer, and as a real life person. “Jill Emmer was the first local Instagrammer that I met in person - - just a simple walk in the woods with lots of candid conversation and we became instant friends.  That was a couple years ago when Jill was taking primarily nature shots.  It has been fascinating to see her photography evolve, and to be apart of it!  Her creative energy has no limits, and the umbrella project is only one small fraction of her capabilities.”

Jul_of_minnesota brought her umbrella all over the state, including locations such as The Children’s Museum, the city of Shoreview, and Indian Island Winery. Before the Rainbow Umbrella showed up at her door, Oliver described her photography as using minimal props. After her experience with the brella, she was inspired to incorporate more than just nature in her photos.

“For me, the significance comes from loving Jill and her innate spirit of generosity. Her kindness makes the world a better place, a really fun place, and we can all learn from those attributes.”