Julian Broad – Photographer & Filmmaker

What a joy it was to sit down with the brilliant photographer and filmmaker Julian Broad for this episode of the Paul Weller Fan Podcast.

Julian’s name might not be instantly familiar to everyone, but his work certainly is. He’s the creative eye behind some of the most iconic images in British music and fashion – and someone who has played a pivotal role in shaping the visual story of Paul Weller’s solo career.

Before we get into all of that, it’s worth noting that Julian’s career began in pretty remarkable fashion. He started out assisting Derrick Richards before landing a two-year stint working alongside Lord Snowdon. By the age of 23, he was already shooting for Arena and The Face, making a name for himself with a distinctive style that stood out in a crowded field. In 1989, he was recognised with the Best Newcomer Award by the Bradford Museum of Photography and went on to shoot under contract for Harper’s & Queen for two years.

Since then, his work has appeared in Vanity Fair, Harper’s Bazaar, Life, Rolling Stone and more, alongside countless high-profile ad campaigns and editorial commissions. Basically – if you’ve flicked through a glossy magazine in the past 30 years, chances are you’ve seen a Julian Broad photograph.

Meeting Paul Weller

Julian first met Paul during the early solo years, right around the time Paul was stepping out from the shadow of The Jam and The Style Council. That first shoot made a lasting impression on both of them – and kicked off a creative partnership that would span multiple album campaigns.

In our chat, we unpacked the stories behind some of those iconic images:

• Heliocentric (2000) – Shot in a freezing cold studio in London Bridge, the image was inspired by a Free album sleeve and captured a raw, stripped-back version of Weller at the turn of the millennium.
• Sonik Kicks (2012) – A cover born by glorious accident – a blurred, glowing image shot using long exposures and fluorescent lights. Five frames into the shoot, the magic happened, and they instantly knew it was the one. The result was a trippy, electric image that matched the energy of one of his boldest records.
• Saturns Pattern (2015) – Psychedelia, projection, tailoring, and timeless black-and-white portraits — all coming together in one of Weller’s classiest visual campaigns.

The Simplicity of a Creative Giant

What struck me most throughout our conversation was how Julian described Paul’s working style: no drama, no entourage, no stylists. He drives himself to the studio. Turns up with a few clothes. Has a clear vision of what he wants. It’s all very grounded – but make no mistake, he still looks effortlessly cool.

This simplicity, this clarity, has allowed Weller to stay authentic throughout his career – and makes life easier for the creatives around him, too.

We also talked about an Observer Magazine shoot from 1999 with Noel Gallagher, and how their mutual admiration made for some great imagery.

And… Paul Weller: Dancing Through the Fire – The Book Cover

Authenticity and Trust

What’s clear from every story Julian tells is the level of trust Weller gives his collaborators. Whether it’s driving himself to a shoot, arriving solo with a bag of clothes, or being fully hands-on in the creative process – Paul Weller is someone who keeps things simple, honest, and real.

Julian’s perspective on their work together is insightful, warm, and a testament to Weller’s artistic vision. It’s also a reminder that great imagery, like great music, often comes from spontaneity, instinct, and collaboration.

Julian also talks about:

• His creative process and collaborative relationship with Weller
• The simplicity and honesty that define Weller’s visual identity
• Shooting Weller and Noel Gallagher together in 1999 for The Observer
• The “happy accidents” that lead to some of the most compelling images
• Why Weller’s sleeves stand out, whether on vinyl or a Spotify thumbnail

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© 2025 All Images copyright Julian Broad.