Interview: Meet the French Rock photographer - Julien Zannoni

Marta M: 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.

Marta M: 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.

Marta M: 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.

Marta M: What or who got you started in photography?

Julien Zannoni:  As a fulltime job, since August 2013.

Marta M: How would you describe your style?

Julien Zannoni:  Spontaneous, modern, and rock of course.

Marta M: 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.

Marta M: 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).

Marta M: 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.

Marta M: 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

julienzannoni.com