Poudre Organic: Julien, can you tell us about your early career?
Julien: My background is rather atypical. I began by studying marketing in Paris, with a final year in Australia. Then I worked for a few years in a design agency, and finally I joined the family business distributing heating equipment.
Poudre Organic: What was it like to work in the family business?
Julien: It was complex. I was the 6th generation to work in this 150-year-old company based in Marseille. Despite this, I didn't have a great passion for the business. My father and uncles were very committed, but for me, something was missing. I realized that I didn't see myself spending my whole life in this business.
Poudre Organic: What triggered your change of direction?
Julien: Several things. First, my relationship with Valentine, who wanted to live in Paris and work in fashion. Secondly, a personal need to discover something new. I first tried an entrepreneurial adventure with a project for children's gift boxes, then I worked in a furniture design studio for 9 years.
Poudre Organic: How did you go from design to photography?
Julien: It came gradually. During a vacation in Biarritz two years ago, I realized that I wasn't fully present with my family, too stressed by my work. I took part in a wellness workshop with Wim Hof, an experience that made me aware of my need for change.
Poudre Organic : How did photography come about?
Julien: Very organically. Friends approached me - Manon from Poudre Organic for a capsule collection, a decorator for interior shoots. I started taking photos, and the feedback was very positive. I even mentored a fashion photographer for a month.
"And that summer, I take some photos, we were in Portugal, the light is cool. We talked about photography, and a lot of the people we met asked me if I was a photographer. And I dreamed of telling them yes."
Poudre Organic: Tell us a little about your equipment.
Julien: I work mainly with Fujifilm, digitally but with a silver finish. I try to make as many adjustments as possible before the shoot, so there's very little retouching afterwards. My aim is to create images that are immediately recognizable.
Poudre Organic : What are your favorite subjects?
Julien: Interior design accounts for around 70% of my work. I also work for restaurants and hotels. I love capturing spaces and atmospheres. But I'm also passionate about sports photography, particularly in the world of running and sports brands. In the future, a mix between interior design and fashion could be just what I'm looking for.
Poudre Organic: Is there a project that's particularly close to your heart?
Julien: An artistic commission in Biarritz where I photographed two lifeguards on a chair, with the mountain in the background. This photo, which I named "Les Rois du Monde", is my favorite.
Poudre Organic: How do you see the future?
Julien: I've created Chaleur Production, my structure. My aim is to strike a balance between commercial commissions and personal projects. I'm aiming for one exhibition a year. I've already done two, including one in Paris.
