the Story of Noah…
I was thinking the other day about how well Simon Sinek - bestselling author and motivational speaker known for his work on leadership and personal growth - tells stories, and how a lot of them can be applied to photography, art and philosophies of how we can carry ourselves through the process of photography as well as just our daily lives.
There is so much we could talk about, after all Sinek has been around for quite a while as a leader in his arena, but one story that stuck in my mind recently is the 'Story of Noah' - a tale that illustrates the power of the right environment...
To make a longer story shorter...
During a stay at the Four Seasons in Las Vegas, Sinek met a barista named Noah, whose enthusiasm was contagious. When asked if he liked his job, Noah responded, “I don’t like my job—I love it.” He explained that at the Four Seasons, managers regularly checked in on him—not just to monitor his work, but to support him. They asked what they could do to help, making him feel seen and valued. At another job he held at Caesars Palace, however, managers focused on catching mistakes, creating a fear-driven environment. At Caesars, Noah said he kept his head down just to get through the day, doing the minimum to avoid trouble.
Sinek concluded that when people are placed in the right environment, they thrive. It isn’t the person that needs fixing—it’s often the environment that needs changing.
“It isn’t the person that needs fixing, it’s often the environment that needs changing."
Well, "so what Matt", I hear you saying, "what does that have to do with photography?" In photography, it’s common to encounter creative blocks or struggle to capture the essence your vision or of a subject. Whether working with models, clients, or alone, an uninspiring or tense environment can limit the flow of creativity. Even with the best equipment, the wrong conditions can prevent you from achieving your desired results.
I believe Noah’s story holds valuable lessons for photographers. Here are a few ways I think we can apply these leadership principles to foster creativity and improve your shoots:
Creating the Right Environment for Creativity - just like Noah thrived in the supportive environment at the Four Seasons, photographers flourish when they feel free to experiment and express themselves. If you manage a studio or team for example, fostering a safe and encouraging space can unlock deeper creativity. You can apply this by setting the tone during shoots—making your models or team feel valued, seen, and part of the creative process.
Building Trust with your Subjects or Team - a photographer’s interaction with subjects mirrors the dynamic between Noah and his managers. Subjects are more relaxed and natural when they feel respected and not judged for imperfections. Great portraits or candid moments emerge from this trust.
Finding Your Flow by Aligning with Intent - Sinek’s emphasis on environments shaping behavior also applies to photographers finding their 'flow' state. Whether you’re working in nature or in a busy studio, curating your physical and emotional space (including how you treat yourself) helps maintain a rhythm where creativity thrives.
Leadership in Collaborative Projects - when working with other creatives, adopting a leadership style similar to the Four Seasons approach helps foster a productive, cohesive team. Asking your collaborators how they feel, and what they need to succeed, not only enhances the experience but also improves the final artistic output.
Photography as a Reflection of Experience - finally, just like Noah’s demeanor changed based on his environment, the energy you bring as a photographer can shape your work. Photography often reflects your mindset—when you’re in a positive, empowered state, it shows in the images you capture. Leading yourself well (just as good managers lead employees) becomes essential for consistently creating meaningful art.
During many projects - no more apparent in my recent trips to Angola and Ladakh - I apply this approach and always factor in (prioritising) time to spend with the people I would like to photograph. There's a lot to it - and the Story of Noah reminds me that I can do more - but by spending time chatting and getting to know the people who I will eventually put a camera in the face of does so much for:
a) giving respect to that culture or that individual,
b) allowing the ice to 'break',
c) educating myself on them and their way of life, and
d) giving me time to think about the photographs, lighting and composition etc.
The result is always a more relaxed and immersive process, with more emotive images that wouldn’t have surfaced without building that initial connection. Additionally, it creates 'moments' whether they're recorded on camera or not.
And these are priceless.
Happy Shooting,
