paint the back of the fence…
Paul Jobs, Steve Jobs’ father, once said, "you’ve got to make the back of the fence that nobody will see just as good looking as the front of the fence".
It's a lesson in taking pride in every detail, even those that go unseen. It's the work you do that no-one else sees that separates the great from the good.
Steve Jobs applied this philosophy to Apple products, ensuring that every element, inside and out, reflected a commitment to excellence. His products were known to be as beautiful inside - somewhere no customer would ever likely see - as on the out. This attention to detail became a hallmark of Apple’s design ethos and contributed to the company’s success.
Applying a similar principle to one's photography means going beyond the surface to create truly impactful, deep and authentic images. In a world where quick snapshots and instant gratification dominate, many photographers overlook the importance of deep engagement and meticulous craftsmanship. This lack of commitment can result in superficial, uninspiring work that fails to resonate with viewers and does not stand the test of time - such legacy and timelessness is what really defines great art.
A photographer who has always embodied the essence of this philosophy in his photography is Sebastião Salgado....
One of Salgado’s most profound practices was spending extended periods living with his subjects. For his project 'Workers', he often stayed for months in remote locations, sharing the lives and struggles of the people he photographed. This deep immersion allowed him to build trust, gain access and capture their true essence, resulting in powerful and authentic images that told their stories with more profound depth and empathy than what would've shown if his subjects still had their guards up and 'game faces' on.
Granted, most of us have other lives, and can't afford to spend months in one location, but....
© Sebastião Salgado
Here’s how we can learn from his approach to create more meaningful work:
1. Research Thoroughly:
Devote Time With Your Subject: Spend time learning about the people, culture, and/or environment you plan to photograph. Online research, books, and documentaries can be valuable resources but there's no substitute to actually being there and immersing yourself in their life.
Scout Locations: Visit your chosen location multiple times if possible, even if only for short periods, to get a feel for the best lighting and angles.
2. Develop Relationships:
Build Trust: Even short-term projects benefit from building rapport with your subjects. Spend time talking with them and understanding their stories.
Be Present: Fully engage with your environment and subjects, avoiding distractions to capture authentic moments.
3. Stay Committed:
Dedicate Time: Allocate as much time as you can to your projects, even if it’s limited. Consistent visits and genuine interest can make a significant difference.
Quality Over Quantity: Focus on creating a few exceptional images rather than many mediocre ones. Easier said than done, but learn to curate as well as be disciplined.
Reflecting on Salgado’s approach, I see parallels with my own work as a project-based photographer. I enjoy immersing myself 100% into projects, working on series that tell deeper stories. Whenever possible, I schedule a recce trip before the actual project. This allows me to scout locations, meet people, and build relationships before returning with my camera. If a recce isn’t feasible, I dedicate the first half of the project to immersing myself with the community. This time investment allows me to build trust and rapport, making a significant difference in the quality of my photos. By the time I start shooting, my subjects are more relaxed and open, allowing me to capture their true essence. This approach has proven invaluable in producing work that resonates deeply and authentically.
Why This Matters:
In today’s fast-paced, short-form world, it’s easy to overlook the importance of depth and connection. Taking the time to deeply engage with your subjects allows you to create more meaningful and impactful images. This approach not only enhances the quality of your work but also enriches your experience as an artist. By building trust and understanding, you capture the true essence of your subjects, leading to photographs that tell powerful stories and resonate with viewers on a deeper level.
Painting the Back of the Fence:
Just like the unseen part of a beautifully crafted fence, the effort and dedication you put into understanding and connecting with your subjects might not always be visible to others. However, this unseen work is what sets great photographers apart. Taking pride in every step of the process, even those that aren’t immediately visible, ensures that your work is of the highest quality. It’s this commitment to excellence that will shine through in your photographs, creating images that are not only visually stunning but also deeply meaningful.
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Let me know how you get on, I'm here to chat, as always,
Happy Shooting,
