Finding originality in your photography isn't just about standing out—it's how you genuinely connect to what you're shooting. It shapes your vision and the authenticity of your work.
Coming to you from Willem Verbeeck with Sinna Nasseri, this insightful video explores Nasseri's shift from corporate law to photography, illustrating how personal authenticity guides creative decisions. Nasseri emphasizes his conscious effort to avoid repeating what he's seen or done before, quoting William Eggleston's principle of being "at war with the obvious." This philosophy isn't about seeking perfection—it's about being open to chaos and embracing accidents that can lead to unexpectedly powerful images. He shares how some of his favorite shots came from technical mistakes or spontaneous moments he couldn't have anticipated, showing the value of letting go of complete control over your process. Learning to embrace unpredictability, Nasseri suggests, often leads to capturing the most compelling moments.
The video also gives an intimate look into Nasseri's journey from corporate law into professional photography, a transition rooted in a desire for creative fulfillment over financial security. Without a formal photography education, Nasseri admits he initially lacked technical skills and a distinct personal style. But passion drove him forward, eventually leading to a breakthrough year in 2020, when he followed political campaigns, social movements, and major events across the country, shooting daily for months. This intensive, immersive experience rapidly developed his style, yet Nasseri reflects candidly on not feeling entirely prepared for that period. His honest reflection underscores an important point—timing is crucial, but so is being ready to harness moments when they arrive. Nasseri openly acknowledges that despite being physically present during significant historical events, only a fraction of his images truly captured his personal vision, highlighting the essential balance between skill development and opportunity.
Expanding further, Nasseri takes you behind the scenes of his recent personal projects, including documenting the obsessive subculture of aviation enthusiasts near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). This ongoing work involves capturing candid images of people mesmerized by aircraft—moments of intense concentration, fascination, and human connection that often go unnoticed. Nasseri shares his attraction to scenes where ordinary people are deeply absorbed, noting how this intense passion and curiosity resonate personally with him. His approach to this project demonstrates the power of documenting genuine human emotions without staging, highlighting an authentic slice of life rarely captured so intimately.
He also provides insight into his creative techniques, discussing how drama, surreal lighting, and complex compositions shape his photographs. Nasseri is particularly drawn to capturing complex scenes filled with dynamic shapes, intersecting lines, and multiple focal points—images that require viewers to engage deeply to decode them. This method not only enhances visual interest but also reflects Nasseri's view of contemporary life as inherently intricate and layered. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Nasseri.
