Transform Your Photography: Building Meaningful Series

Creating a compelling photography series can transform individual images into a cohesive narrative that resonates with audiences. In a recent video, photographer Jaaksi explores how a single photograph, while impactful, can lack the depth and context that a series provides. By examining the work of fellow photographer Tanya Kreil, who immerses herself in her subjects, Jaaksi highlights the importance of constructing a body of work that captures attention and communicates a deeper story.

Jaaksi uses a photograph of a cow taken during his visit to Estonia to illustrate his point. In contrast, Kreil’s extensive work with cows turns these animals into characters within a recognizable world. As viewers engage with her social media feed, they begin to appreciate her sense of humor, mood, and priorities. A single image may evoke amusement, but a series of twenty or more conveys themes of attention, patience, and curiosity.

In the video, Jaaksi cites a quote from Luis Pauls, emphasizing that a single frame rarely conveys a complete story. He notes that random images, like sunsets or forests, do not inherently form a series. Instead, a successful series requires an underlying thread that connects the images, even if it is not immediately apparent. Jaaksi identifies four key pillars essential for developing a photographic series: visual consistency, theme, purpose, and a balance between repetition and exploration.

Too much consistency can lead to monotony, while excessive experimentation may confuse viewers regarding how the images relate to one another. Jaaksi articulates this delicate balance, explaining that a theme can range from a simple location to more specific subjects, such as tree trunks illuminated by autumn light. He clarifies that sometimes the decision to create a series emerges before capturing images, while other times it may take years of reflection on past photographs to recognize a common thread.

This approach resonates with anyone who has a cluttered photo library, as it emphasizes the potential for discovering unexpected patterns. Jaaksi believes that a photograph is only truly complete once it is printed, framed, and made tangible. He illustrates this idea by discussing framed prints sourced from flea markets, which, despite their varied frames, are unified by their presentation. This attention to detail adds another dimension to the images beyond subject matter and tone.

In his recent projects, Jaaksi has created two series focused on boats and winter street scenes. He admits that the process proved more challenging than anticipated, as some standout images did not fit within the established themes. This necessity for rigorous editing often sharpens an artist’s voice, revealing the value of images that thrive within a series rather than on their own.

The video offers an intimate glimpse into Jaaksi’s creative journey, resembling an open notebook filled with thoughts rather than a structured lecture. It invites photographers to reconsider their approach: rather than seeking a single trophy shot during each outing, they should consider building a world that allows others to engage with their work.

Jaaksi encourages viewers to explore their own photo libraries, identify their obsessions, and commit to a subject long enough to convey a meaningful message. For those interested in enhancing their photographic storytelling, the video provides valuable insights from Jaaksi’s experiences.

Alex Cooke, a photographer and meteorologist based in Cleveland, highlights the significance of this approach. He advocates for taking the time to develop a narrative through photography, ultimately leading to a more profound connection with the audience.