Design vs Discovery: Two Approaches To Photo Work
Noticing a recurring theme in my 365-day photo journal prompted me to reflect on the design versus discovery problem in photography projects. The problem boils down to our approach to photographic work.
The Design vs. Discovery Problem
Photographers often grapple with the choice between two fundamental approaches to their photography work: design and discovery.
In a designed photography project, photographers set out with a deliberate intention in terms of theme and purpose. You plan your shots, think about how to execute your vision, and work intentionally toward that goal. This involves exploring pre-determined topics and questions. While projects often evolve and might not turn out exactly as planned, having that initial framework guides the creative process.
Alternatively, in a discovery-based project, photographers look back on an already-finished body of work and try to make sense of it in hindsight. You might start shooting without a specific them, and later try to piece together some type of narrative.
In a recent YouTube video, the photographer Matthew Genitempo said, “I have this new way of working where I just don’t let myself overthink things. I just don’t get ahead of myself. And I just kind of drift. You know, I just go and make pictures and bring them back and then kind of see what the connective tissue is.”
One is not better than the other; they are equally valid ways to explore creative photography projects.
In reality, however, I suspect that many long-form photography projects are a hybrid of the two approaches. You might have an idea of what you want to focus on, but also notice interesting aspects, themes, or nuances develop as your work unfolds. By reviewing your work periodically, you notice patterns or themes emerging naturally. From there, you can choose to refine or focus your project based on these discoveries.
That being said, the discussion of photography work that is discovered can sometimes feel contrived. We sometimes see this work accompanied by “artspeak,” buzzwords, complex theoretical frameworks, and jargon. Or, perhaps worse, we see AI-generated statements that sound so inauthentic, empty, and boring. Such approaches can make the work feel forced or disingenuous, detracting from its authenticity.
My own project is a blend of both design and discovery. It began with the simple act of documenting life — no specific theme in mind. Over time, however, a theme revealed itself. I didn’t set out to capture shadows, but they’ve become a recurring element in this project. Now that I’ve recognized this theme, I’m intentionally seeking out those shadows during our walks, while still remaining open to whatever else catches my eye. It’s been interesting to experience a theme organically developing and becoming a project’s focal point.