Interview w/ Petite Mort

January 03, 2025

Julien, an erotic photographer known as Petite Mort, sat down with Hillana for an exclusive interview. Based in Rennes, France, Julien has captivated audiences with his ethereal chiaroscuro style, who weaves elements of pornography into an artistic style, creating a captivating and thought-provoking effect. This interview, originally conducted in French and translated into English, offers a glimpse into the creative mind behind the lens.

By Hillana Micolas

Since when have you been working as a photographer?

I started as an amateur in 2013 and became professional in 2020.

Who is Petite Mort, and what drove you to explore the realm of erotic photography? What's the story behind your journey as an artist?

In the beginning, my approach was much broader than it is today. In 2016, I launched a project called Petite Mort, a sex-oriented website designed to arouse people in a clever and more subtle way than porn, avoiding the easy route (like showing a butt just for the sake of it). My idea was to offer a more refined vision of sexuality and intimacy that could excite people, an alternative to vulgar porn in a way.

I've always loved humans and creating. I lack self-confidence, and creating with others seems easier to me because it makes the process less burdensome - the creative work doesn't rest solely on me.

I started with friends, testing ideas, and then people started coming to me. Patreon, among other things, allowed me to transition from amateur to professional.

Today, I remain faithful to portraiture and nudes. What interests me is reconciling the erotic and the artistic.

Originally, I wanted to collaborate with writers, videographers, photographers, etc., but over time, I evolved towards more personal projects. For example, I used to do interviews with the people I photographed, to have them talk about their relationship with sexuality. On my website, there are also audio recordings that people capture during their intimate moments and send to me.

How would you describe your artistic style? What sets it apart?

My style seeks to avoid the male gaze, that is, a sexualizing gaze. I want to capture intimacy in a neutral way, with some distance. For example, when I photograph people making love, I do it like a reportage, without posing the subjects. I let them live their moment, and I adapt to them. I'd say my approach is pictorial, especially in terms of lighting. I like working with a single light source, like a window, to create a chiaroscuro and ethereal effect.

What does your creative process look like?

My approach is based on the human aspect. I talk a lot with people before a session. I try to understand who they are, their desires and fears, so that the session is fluid and safe.

I don't really make mood boards, unless it helps clarify what the person wants to express. The idea is to set a framework before the session: defining the limits in terms of nudity and atmosphere. Then, I let myself be guided by the models and their expectations.

Generally, people come to me, especially via Instagram. For collaborations, the only constraint I impose is that the person has content similar to mine online.

In your opinion, does your work contribute to empowerment, intimacy, and beauty?

I try, yes. However, I know there's still progress to be made, especially in terms of diversity. My models remain predominantly young, thin, cisgender white women, although I try to photograph more diverse people. For example, I had a large sized client over 50 years old, and for me it’s really important to show a wider diversity. I think, it helps reinforce a positive and less objectifying representation of bodies.

What advice would you give to someone hesitating to pose for an erotic photo session?

I'd tell them not to do it if they have doubts. It's better to wait until you're sure before posing. You also need to think about the potential impact: these photos could be shared, and you need to be ready for close ones (family, colleagues, friends) to potentially see them.

If it's with me, I insist that the photos are just a bonus. The most important thing is to have a good time. I never force someone to pose if there's the slightest discomfort. If the session doesn't happen, it's not a big deal.

To reassure my models, I always let them have control: the framework is defined in advance, without negotiation on my part during the session. They have the remote control of the session.

How do you handle social media restrictions?

It's almost impossible to stay true to my vision on these platforms. I'm on my tenth account for Petite Mort, due to restrictions. I'm careful, but the rules are constantly changing. On platforms like X, I can publish what I want, but on others, it's more complicated, especially for couple photos which are quickly associated with pornography.

What are your future projects or artistic desires?

I'd love to photograph a male couple making love. But, in truth, I already love what I do: this reportage aspect, this chronicle of people's lives. I don't think I'll change for now.

To summarize, what are your activities and where can we find your work?

To sum up, I do intimate nudes, erotic-pornographic sessions, and I also do wedding photography! My work is available in a soft version on Instagram, on my website, on X, and on Patreon. I do collaborations and I also have "classic" clients.

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