Julien Pounchou

Paradise all the time

Julien Pounchou is a French photographer based in Barcelona, specializing in fashion and portrait photography. He started with analog photography and remains very inspired by the aesthetics of the 60s and 70s. He’s all about natural light, skin tones, and summer moods.

Intercru: Where are you from? Where do you live and work now?

Julien: I am from a small town in the southwest of France and have been living in Barcelona for 12 years now, where I work as a freelance photographer.

How old were you when you got your first camera?

Maybe around 14 or 15 years old, I was using it mainly at that time to archive my graffiti. After a while I took a liking to taking pictures of a wider spectrum; the places where we painted, friends, travel, etc. This is really what gave me the taste for photography.

What photographers, artists, or other creatives inspire you?

Many photographers of the 60s and 70s are a source of inspiration, among others Stephen Shore or William Eggleston, for the spontaneous aspect of their work.

A lot of music from this period and other more contemporary ones also allow me to immerse myself in a natural and sunny universe, it really allows me to keep a certain homogeneity.

What camera and lens do you use most often now?

For many years now, I have been using the same camera and lens that my father gave me, a 1971 SLR Canon F1 with a 50mm lens. Easy and strong, perfect.

What's your favorite meal of the day? Favorite food?

A late dinner with friends, one that lasts.

Maybe for the fact that we are in the middle of summer, but a salad of fresh tomatoes with spring onions and local cheese, herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil would be my favorite food. This is what I want most of the time.

Where is the top destination you want to go right now?

Greece or Sardinia. To be honest, any charming part of the Mediterranean coast would be fine for me.

What's your favorite song?

Sous le soleil exactement by Serge Gainsbourg. It's a nonchalant song that goes wonderfully with trips to the sun.

If you weren't a photographer right now, what job would you be doing?

I imagine I would do the same job I did before…. I was a clothes and furniture buyer for a chain of vintage stores. The trips and the people I met, it was pretty fun!

What is your favorite account to follow on Instagram?

I would say @ajustetitre, it's an account that publishes regional French press articles, it's pretty funny. Otherwise I mostly look at inspirational accounts like @slow_roads or @amareazul_ for example.

If you win the lottery, what is the first thing you would buy?

A rustic tiny house in Menorca sounds like a plan.

Do you prefer to get up late or get up early?

I'm used to getting up early, to capture the first lights of the day, my favorite.

What is your favorite color?

Navy blue to dress and yellow for everything else.

Check out more of Julien’s work below. If you want to see more of his photography you can find Julien on Instagram @julienpounchou or you can shop his prints on his website shop.julienpounchou.com