Julian started his photography career at The Herald newspaper in 1988 as a cadet, eventually becoming the Head Features Photographer for The Sunday Age for 10 years. Since going freelance he has worked for various national and international publications including Gourmet Traveller, Conde Nast Traveller, Harpers Bazaar, Rolling Stone and the best of the country's weekend magazines such as The Australian Magazine and The Goodweekend. Julian has also forged ongoing working relationships with The Australian Ballet, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Penguin books. He has a working association with publisher Hardie Grant who produced the book IGNI, a collaboration between Julian and chef/restaurateur Aaron Turner, which received international acclaim. They recently published their follow up book, The Hot Chicken Project.
Julian has been awarded Quill Awards for Best Portrait and Best Picture Story in addition to Australian Nikon Photographer of the Year. His work is regularly exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra where his work has been steadily acquired for their permanent collection.
His best selling book 'The Power of Choice' has gained national recognition for his deeply personal portraits and the photo essays that capture the hope, struggle, courage and acceptance at the heart of voluntary assisted dying.
His partnership with 'Go Gentle Australia' has been the driving force behind Julian's attendance at no less than six of the country's esteemed writers festivals, speaking to audiences about his experiences in creating this carefully curated meditation on dying with dignity.
The book was recognised at the 2025 Walkley Awards, where he picked up the award for Best feature photography/photo essay. For his informative body of work he has since been shortlisted for the ABIA 2026 award for Most impactful book.
The travelling exhibitions of Julian's photo work from the book have been held across Australia's major galleries, further promoting awareness of this important topic.
Since picking up a book about Arnold Newman when he was 15, Julian, a long time drawer, discovered his true love. Working for the most part alone, just himself and his subject, he has never wanted to do anything else.
He is at his happiest bobbing around on his surfboard in the early hours at Bells Beach, Victoria, near his home on the Surf Coast.
Featured in
Appeared At
Sydney Writers Festival
Brisbane Writers Festival
Canberra Writers Festival
Byron Bay Writers Festival
Sorrento Writers Festival
Surf Coast Writers Festival
Shown At
Powerhouse Museum - Brisbane
Parliament House - Sydney
National Portrait Gallery - Canberra
Holmes a Court Gallery - Perth
Sol Gallery - Melbourne
Books
Book Cover Commissions
Please note: the subject matter and behaviours displayed in Julian's work do not necessarily reflect his own opinions of the world, its people and its animals. Most of his work was produced by commission.