While most photographers begin their creative process by searching for subjects or themes, conceptual photographers take a fundamentally different approach by starting with questions and emotions. Instead of asking "Where can I shoot next?", they explore deeper inquiries like "What does isolation feel like?" This philosophical shift represents the core difference between traditional photography and conceptual work, where ideas take precedence over scenes.
Photographer Justin Tedford recently embarked on a year-long conceptual photography project called "Lost in Orbit" after experiencing a creative slump in late 2024. His journey illustrates how conceptual photography can push creative boundaries while simultaneously improving both technical skills and artistic vision. The approach treats ideas as the lead actor in the creative process, with settings, lighting, and equipment serving as supporting elements.
When beginning any conceptual project, several key factors must be considered during the selection process. Time constraints play a crucial role, as projects need realistic deadlines while allowing for the inevitable complexities that arise. Logistics present another significant challenge, requiring careful consideration of whether the project can be completed independently or requires collaboration, as well as location accessibility and local feasibility.
Uniqueness and achievability form the remaining pillars of project selection. While similar concepts may exist, each photographer brings their own perspective and interpretation to make the work distinct. The project must also be realistically completable within the given timeframe without relying heavily on external participation that could jeopardize the timeline.
The first step in developing a conceptual photography project involves establishing an emotional foundation. This begins with determining how the viewer should feel when encountering the work. Whether the desired emotion is loneliness, excitement, loss, or nostalgia, this emotional core will drive future decisions regarding color, composition, lighting, and other technical elements. Tedford's "Lost in Orbit" project began with the single word "isolation," from which all other elements evolved.
Translating abstract emotions into tangible visual metaphors represents one of conceptual photography's most challenging aspects. This process involves brainstorming environments, objects, or symbols that carry meaning and can effectively communicate the intended emotion. The goal is to convey meaning subtly without forcing interpretation, allowing viewers to connect with the image through their own experiences and perspectives.
Building a symbolic framework ensures consistency throughout the project, which can be achieved through various elements including color, lighting, props, or environmental choices. Cool colors might represent calm or isolation, while warmer tones can suggest hope or safety. Similarly, harsh lighting can convey chaos or struggle, while softer illumination evokes peace or tranquility. This consistency can evolve throughout the project, creating a narrative arc that guides viewers through the emotional journey.
Designing the visual structure involves creating a comprehensive storyboard that outlines the project's progression. This stage requires organizing similar ideas into categories and mapping out the visual narrative. Flexibility remains essential during this process, as the narrative will inevitably evolve as the project develops. Tedford utilized Milanote, a visual collaboration platform, to organize notes, images, and inspiration while maintaining the ability to rearrange elements as needed.
Previzualizing lighting decisions connects technical choices directly to the emotional content of each image. This stage involves examining individual images and determining how lighting and color can best represent the story. Questions to consider include what message needs communication, which colors represent specific emotions, what exposure choices support the concept, and how each image should be lit to maintain consistency with the overall vision.
Execution requires translating abstract concepts into concrete images while maintaining creative control tied to storytelling. Rather than searching for subjects, photographers at this stage are translating predetermined concepts into visual reality. While storyboards and technical decisions provide structure, room for improvisation should remain, provided it serves the central concept. Every element in each image must support the overall idea rather than detract from it.
Post-production editing focuses on completing the visual story by enhancing emotion rather than achieving technical perfection. This involves using contrast, tone, and texture to emphasize important elements while maintaining consistency throughout the series. The goal is creating a cohesive body of work that guides viewers through the intended emotional journey.
Tedford's practical experience with "Lost in Orbit" revealed several important lessons for aspiring conceptual photographers. Motivation fluctuates throughout long-term projects, making flexibility essential as concepts evolve and improve. Not every idea proves viable, making it important to shoot more images than initially planned and experiment with variations of each concept. Drafting a project statement early in the process provides guidance when creative direction becomes unclear.
For those interested in exploring conceptual photography, a simple exercise can provide introduction to the process. Begin by selecting one emotion that defines your current state, write a brief phrase describing it, then choose an object, color, and lighting condition that matches. Photograph this concept and title it with a single word capturing the theme.
The overwhelming nature of conceptual projects requires patience and persistence, as the process can be emotionally demanding, especially when dealing with personal subjects. However, the educational value and potential impact on both photographer and viewer make the journey worthwhile. Successful conceptual photography creates work that is felt before it is seen, beginning with ideas worth exploring rather than scenes worth capturing, where the concept serves as the heartbeat and the camera as the translator.
