Creators & Innovators | Julien Bergeron

Welcome to our second feature of Creators & Innovators. A couple of weeks back we chatted with James Newton about his influences and inspirations for his work, and what training means to him.

This week we chat with Julien Bergeron, a freelance photographer from Paris. His passion for photography combined with his eye for style and colour has led him to work with some of the coolest contemporary brands in the market today.

We discuss what influences his photography style, how working with brands come about, his training and what the future holds. 

Hi Julien, tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do?

Hey, I’m 25 years old and based in Paris. Right now, I’m working as a freelance photographer.

Your social is made up of some wonderfully curated imagery. Who and what inspires your work?

I’m inspired by a lot of things. When I’m out walking, I’m always looking around in order to find an interesting place, building, and colours. Inspiration comes to me from various sources. I might be browsing the internet and find something that I’ll save and reference for a later date.

You work with some great brands, how do these relationships usually come about? What do you look for when deciding to work with a brand?

I'd say it's around 70-30. 70% of the time it's me who contacts them and 30% of the time it's them who contacts me. 

The brand must speak to me personally. This can be on different aspects like materials, values, etc.  What I am looking for are always quality products that respect the environment as much as possible when they are made. The appearance of the brand is not as important as a brand's values, materials and respect toward sustainable manufacturing. There are some really good looking brands that don't have these values.

What camera do you currently use? 

I just changed not long ago. I left my Canon 5D Mark II for a Fujifilm XT-4. I really wanted a camera that was light, easy to take everywhere with me, quick to use, and that took really good photos. I think I have found the perfect option for this.

Outside of sportswear, what are your favourite brands right now and why?

I don't know if I have a favourite brand, but I know that lately I really like "technical" brands, with innovative, comfortable materials, good cuts and above all with materials that respect the environment. Right now, I really like Arc’teryx, Parel, and Monobi.

Do you have a favourite go-to piece in your wardrobe right now?

For the coming season, my go-to piece is going to be a waterproof sleeveless jacket from Asket. I love sleeveless jackets, they look great and can be worn with anything.

Moving onto training, how do you keep fit? 

I have always done a lot of sport since I was young (football, athletics, BMX racing, badminton, road cycling, running). Now I try to focus on two sports that I love, cycling and running.

What does training and exercise do for you personally?

I think the main thing is that it clears my head. Usually when I train, I come back completely balanced and it makes me feel good.

What have you got planned for the future?

We would very much like to have a house surrounded by nature. To have calmness when we come home would be nice. Somewhere on the west coast of France.

If you could travel to one place in the world right now, where would it be and why?

I think it would be in America. I find this country amazing and there is so much to do. It is a perfect place for photography and I would also love to explore it by running or cycling. I read a book not long ago, it's the story of a guy who ran across America. It made me really want to travel there.

Thanks to Julien for his time and you can follow him on Instagram via @regards.semblables.

Julien wears Otis Merino T-Shirt in Sea Moss and Colt Performance Short in Cadet.