Julian Berman, 20
1. Let’s start off with the obvious: How’d you get your start with photography and why? Also, you still use film for a lot of your work, why is this? Your favorite camera or tool to use?
I got into photography the summer going into 11th grade. Class scheduling rolled around and I decided to dive into a Photo I course as an ‘elective’. From there on… it was history. At first, I was all about Digital, now a days almost 99% film work. I work with a Mamiya 7, which took a tumble a few weeks ago so I will be MIA for a second until my baby gets repaired.
2. Your consistency is what draws many to your work. How would you describe how most of your photographs are made? Under what sort of circumstances do you feel you are making your best photos?
I am very selective with what I shoot, possibly even a bit too selective. I’d consider my workflow consistent in subject or style matter, but in a timely matter, absolutely not. I am constantly wandering and exploring my surroundings, looking for something to catch my eye. I do really enjoy portraiture work, especially that working with strobes and artificial light, but adventuring is always a treat as well.
3. Where do you see yourself 15 years from this exact moment? What changes in photography do you see happening in this time? ( Seriously, feel free to get weird with this one…or not. Your interview)
Fifteen years is quite a while from now. I can only imagine how far I will go from here. This year itself has been so absolutely unreal and rewarding, that I cannot even fathom what the future has in store for me. I am afraid to think of what the trends in photography will be at this time, probably hundred thousand megapixel cameras and hopefully a consistent production of film emulsions. I don’t care really, I will still have my 7.
4. What is your style?
This is always a tricky question. To be honest, I just shoot what catches my eye. I enjoy shooting photographs that involve other humans, but I am learning to adapt my eye and consistently soak in my surroundings, as a lot of the of the time I really have nobody to shoot with.
5. Mandatory question: How did you start working with Tyler and Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All? What sort of artistic license do you have in regard to the photographs being made for them?
I met Tyler in 2009 over on a fashion message board. I went to school with another member of the group, and from there we just began to hang out and shoot the shit. As a collective, we have three members who primarily shoot the photos, each with our own unique rolls and contributions. I do not think we are necessarily licensed, but the group in general tries to refrain from shooting with other photographers as much as possible.
6. How do you come up with ideas for your photographs? Is there a “lightbulb” moment, so to speak, or is it more of a meditative process?
Again, this really depends. Lately, I have just been testing my intuition and my ability to frame within whatever I am around. Most photoshoots for a group will have a general theme or aesthetic they are trying to capture. I am terribly bad at ‘scouting locations’ for shoots, so I guess you can say there is a lightbulb moment… especially in a fast paced city such as Los Angeles.
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Thanks, Julian.
