A Life & Career in Film Strips: Julian Martin

Technology grows and evolves, but human nostalgia and empathy allows some of the old to wriggle into the artistic heart and be part of someone’s grind and lifestyle. For photographer Julian Martin, analogue lives on.

Continue in getting to know Julian through our interview here in Lomography Magazine.

© Julian Martin

Hi Julian! Welcome to Lomography! First thing first, you shoot in analogue. May we know why?

Shooting analogue has always been a passion of mine. I think just the mystery of it all and all the various different affordable film cameras out there. I’ve found some of my favorite camera ever digging through bins at local thrift stores.

Also, shooting film you have to slow down and think. Sometime with digital things happen so quickly and are saved to a memory card. Its nice have a image limit and knowing that you can’t just shoot away. Feels good to slow down.

© Julian Martin

Do you also use film when it comes to your client projects? And what/which equipment do you usually use when it comes to non-personal work?

While on set with clients I tend to shoot around 25/75 film to digital. I always have multiple film cameras on set. Some of my favorite images have came from the in between moments captured on film. I am a huge supporter of shooting film commercially and luckily there are some clients out there that prefer me to shoot film.

Sometimes you are forced to shoot digital with certain clients because they need the images right away or want to make sure everything is captured. I have a Canon 620 / 650 that I love to shoot with. I can put my digital lens on those bodies so I’ll shoot my Canon 650 with a 50mm 1.2 L and the results are pretty cool. I also use a Mamiya RZ67 for portrait images.

© Julian Martin

To you, what is analogue photography all about?

Like I said before, I think the best thing about shooting analogue is the mystery.Theres no image reviewing or filling up multiple memory cards. I really enjoy those rolls that have different times and experiences on one cartridge. Sometimes while traveling I will come home with dozens of rolls of film and every one is a mystery. That excitement when you process your film or pick them up from the lab, always a good time.

© Julian Martin

Share us a story: how did you get into analogue?

Not exactly sure how I actually got into film photography. I believe it was just thrifting one day and I found a old underwater camera for like $5. Growing up at the beach and surfing it was fun to be able to have a camera I could swim with.

One story though that I always think about it when I was in Sydney, Australia for a project. I had a little point and shoot 35mm the whole time I was there. We were at this big bonfire and it slipped out of my pocket and bounced into the flames. That was a tough pill to swallow. Always keep your gear away from fire! Would’ve loved to see that roll developed.

© Julian Martin

You seem to be fond of photographing under natural light, even in your client work. Do you follow a certain aesthetic principle?

Most people who know me know that I am not the most technical photographer in the world. I like being able to work with the elements naturally and let it work out organically. Also I enjoy traveling light and not with a ton of people. Sometimes when we over think a situation we miss the best moments.

© Julian Martin

What elements do you usually look for in an image?

I am definitely a huge fan of beautiful natural light. Unique locations and places that make people want to travel or interested in where the photo was taken. Even if its a known location its refreshing to take a new perspective on it.

© Julian Martin

You have quite a versatile set when it comes to photography genres. Which among them do you find most challenging?

I would say the most challenging would be the studio images especially product studio photography. Just getting into the lighting and tweaking everything so many times. Also making sure everything looks exactly the same. Being locked away in a studio for days on end can drive me crazy. I enjoy being out in the field much more. Grateful for being able to do both.

© Julian Martin

How about the photography genre you like most?

I think shooting film is what I enjoy the most. Buying nice film and the excitement that I get when I pick up a new roll from the lab. Its always a great pleasure to see a really nice film image.

© Julian Martin

Whom/what are your creative muses?

I try and draw inspiration from everything. I love design and typography so I am constantly digging through the internet for new ideas, fonts and design. As far photography goes I really enjoy film photographers like Viktor Vauthier, Henrik Purienne, Jason Lee Perry, Grant Brittain and the iconic Rock N Roll images of Brad Elterman. I enjoy powerful images, simply taken.

© Julian Martin

Lastly, what are you currently up to right now? Any work-in-progress you’d like us to know about?

I am just getting home from a two day shoot on Catalina for a clients 2017 swimwear line. Had an amazing team and we were blessed with two absolutely perfect days on Catalina. Can’t wait to watch them roll out. I am home for a few days then I will be in NYC shooting for Warner Bros and a few of their artists they represent. Once I get back from NYC I plan on skipping town for a few days and decompressing then back to work.

Also, I have been printing t-shirts with some other artists lately. Just finished a limited run of 50 long sleeves with California based artist Andrew Reyes. They aren’t available anymore but I have a new collaboration coming later in September. Other than that just rolling with the punches, shooting as much as possible and enjoying myself.


Check out our previous feature about Julian Martin.

written by Ciel Hernandez on 2016-09-24 #people #analogue-photography #commercial-photography #professional-photography #julian-martin

More Interesting Articles