Today’s Notable Young Professional is action sports photographer Julien Heon, who decided to pursue his passion after losing a bit of the drive he had previously working as a marketing executive…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I am a marketing executive turned into a passionate action sports photographer. My main focus has been surf, which brings me to travel the world’s most incredible beaches and shoot the best surfers on the planet. I also work with surf brands and magazines. I’ll also still consult in marketing and business development at times.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I have been into photography for about 10 years, at the beginning very much as a hobby, as I pursued a business/marketing career. Then, one day it hit me: I didn’t have enough passion for my job, and I really enjoyed photography, especially when it was about sports, athletes and travel. I started networking in the surf industry, and got good feedback on my work. Some pros endorsed my work, which catapulted my name in the surf world and allowed me to survive in the industry.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part is when I shoot what we call free-surf, or not in a contest. Free-surf images are much more authentic and evergreen. I will also be just about the only photographer on that beach on that day with a handful of incredible athletes in the water. Most of the time I am shooting in nice, warm weather, which is always a plus. I also shoot contests on the ASP World Tour, where I am the only Canadian media accredited, which is a different dynamic. There’s going to be hundreds of photographers (or so-called photographers) on the beach, and the pressure with deadlines is much different. It’s part of the job and it’s not a nightmare by any means, don’t get me wrong.
What is one sign that you’ve seen over the years to suggest that your work/life balance is off?
That’s a good question, especially for someone that made a drastic career change like I did. I refer to it as hitting the wall. When you have a job with a lot of pressure, but don’t even feel that pressure anymore, you barely sleep; and when you travel globally, but soon realize you have not even visited or enjoyed these places, is when you start thinking something might be unbalanced. It’s all about working hard and playing harder.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Doing something I like. I might be on a beach still shooting Kelly Slater, or I might be in an office in a marketing or PR role. Either way, it will be something that I am passionate and driven by.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
Coming from Canada and trying to break through in an industry where everyone is from California, Hawaii or Australia is a challenge. Most brands have on-staff photographers, which is a much cheaper avenue for them than working with freelancers, so the stability is not something you enjoy… but it all works out in the end. I have a rule that says the better the travel, the cheaper my rate is.
What does success look like to you? Does Money = Happiness?
Definitely not! Success = being happy. Do what you like, money will come. Success is about making the most quality time out of the 24 hours you are given in a day.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Probably the first time a pro surfer used my images online, and that was Mick Fanning, the 2013 and 3x world champion. These guys have brands photographers shooting them full time and get hundreds of photos sent their way every week. It’s a fairly close circle and they will only use/publish images of people they trust and appreciate very much. It’s happened quite a lot since. It’s a great mark of appreciation. Shooting with girls like Alana Blanchard and Courtney Conlogue was also quite remarkable.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Do not ever settle for average. Pursue your dreams, and do not listen to anyone that says you don’t stand a chance.
Where is your favourite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
The Globe on St-Laurent (Montreal) is a classic and keeps on being renewed. Can’t go wrong!
When you’re not working how do you love to spend your “Me” time?
When I am home I try to spend time with my friends and go out skiing as much as I can. This is where balance is.
Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?
I fell in love with Hawaii the first time I went. The people, culture and lifestyle is incredible. The weather is well balanced, it will shower every day for 10-15 minutes, which brings you a rainbow (or double-rainbow) daily, then it will be fantastic for the entire day. There are so many places to discover but I am happy to say surf will always bring me back to Hawaii.
If you had to choose a theme song, what would it be?
Anything from Coldplay, Jack Johnson or The Black Keys.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
The Mau Loa Foundation provides children and less fortunate in Hawaii some help as well as focuses on enhancing the environment’s preservation. There is a lot going on in Hawaii right now with corporations taking advantage of the lands and some questionable studies on GMO.
What to you is notable?
Passion. Everything you do should be about passion. Then, there can be no regrets.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone 5s. The camera alone on the device is worth getting it, and it is a great travel companion with great resources.
You can see more of my images on my Facebook page or by following me on Instagram @Heonphoto.
#LYNL | (Live Your Notable Life)
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