Tell us your story: what is your background, what made you want to be a photographer?
Julien Zannoni: I grew up with a family who loves taking pictures. I don’t remember the first time I stole my mom’s camera, but I was a kid. When I was 14, I was living in southern Italy, where I started to take photos, on 35mm films. Then in 2008, when I was 18, I met my mentor, he teaches me the great basics for a year. After that, in 2009 I went living in Lyon (France), there someone asks me if I wanted to be a member of an association who organized concerts, I said yes, and I started taking live photos. After a couple of years, I had the opportunity to meet the people with who I’m working now, they trusted me and they took me on tour with their artists. Why am I here now? Because of passion, obstination, and luck.
Remember the first photo you ever shot? Tell us about it.
Julien Zannoni: When I was a kid, I took the photos of the family’s animals. I keep these pictures as a treasure because they are on paper, not on a computer.
What sort of work do you specialize in?
Julien Zannoni: I am specialized in event & concert photography. I follow artists and I take photos of everything about them: stage, backstage, studio, travel. I am also a photographer on the red carpet and photocall of the Cannes Film Festival. Aside, I work for real estate, and for private customers. I can shoot anything, from the moment I have my camera into my hands, I’m happy.
What or who got you started in photography?
Julien Zannoni: As a fulltime job, since August 2013.
How would you describe your style?
Julien Zannoni: Spontaneous, modern, and rock of course.
What has been your most memorable assignment and why?
Julien Zannoni: I love to move and travel, so, the first time I went on a cruise with our artists. That was onboard the MSC Splendida, and it’s huge boat. The program was so intense, I had dozens of artists to shoot, everyday we were in a different city. All our technicians and musicians crew was incredible. I felt free to do what I wanted on this boat. I’ve been three times on cruises.
What is the best part of your work?
Julien Zannoni: I think it’s when I deliver the photos to my customers and see their satisfaction. Or maybe when we drink Jagerbombs, I don’t know (laughs).
Do you want to share with us anything else about your work?
Julien Zannoni: I would like to tell something for people who wish to do the same. If you really want to do that, you’re in a deep shit lol. But never give up, and never give your photos for free, first because it discredits you, and secondly because this kills my work.
Where can we see more of your work apart of your website?
Julien Zannoni: 90% of my photos aren’t online because they belong to my customers, I show them on demand. But you can follow me on Facebook and Instagram:
www.facebook.com/julienzannoniphotography
www.instagram.com/julienzannoniphotographer