🗝️ What I wish I knew sooner about the intention of photography
An abandoned oil silo — trespassing in Charleston, South Carolina. Image used for Trident Technical College school project in 2009
As a creative photographer and designer for the past 18 years, I now can say with my experience that while photographing the perfect image is challenging, it can be more effective and creative by utilizing one of the most simple intentions: purpose.
I learned photography at a tech school in North Charleston, SC and graduated in 2009. The diploma was earned in two years and I was eager to grasp the current tools of the time for creation. Armed with an old Nikon D70 and an ancient mac laptop — along with help from my photography teacher, I began shooting, taking on school assignments and learning Adobe Suite.
I am into graffiti so my first exposure for creation was abandon. I would explore the decaying city of Charleston, South Carolina and its forbidden areas. I would wander the train yard & sneak into the old abandoned houses to try and capture something.. anything.
(This was 2009 before our beautiful Charleston became over-developed)
Happy Accident — an unplanned image that I enjoy as a souvenir. Feb 2009.
Looking back on those images I am proud to have taken some risk in documentation. After all, I was just having fun and none of this was about making money.. yet. After my degree, I received a job in a local magazine focusing on home design and built my architectural photography asset library over the years. Commercial photography had an intention — promotion and brand building — while also offering simple —“eye candy.”
I built up my architectural photography skills with help from my creative director in Charleston and eventually packed my bags and went to San Francisco to work for Airbnb and started my own company — Matthew Bolt Photography. www.matthewboltphotography.com
A pretty photo — I got lucky and there was no intention: spur of the moment. Jan 2012
Photoshoots in SF were designed to sell : lets sell a room for the night — what does it look like? Lets sell a home and present it in its best light! Style guides were given and rules were in place that helped control continuity. I still use a lot of the rules I learned from magazine days and working with Airbnb, but what really changed the game for me were intention statements and purpose statements for the projects.
A promotional shoot for Kootenay Concepts Construction. Here the purpose is to document a remodel and elevate the brand as the client had never worked with a professional photographer. (Kootenay Concepts Construction — 2024)
After many years of trial and error, research and failed attempts I have come to realize this — The best images are well thought out and even created with clear communication and intention. Are we shooting a sink today? What is the purpose of showing the sink? Is it a new product from the manufacturer or the specific choice and center piece of an interior designer looking to build their portfolio through High Quality imagery?
Often times in San Francisco, I would find myself entering a pin code on the keypad of a door of a penthouse apartment that I had never visited in order to conduct a photoshoot under no supervision and I would often end up over documenting and missing the point.
Which image is most appealing to you? I can make the choice or involve the client in this process. Recent photoshoot for ERA Immobilier — The purpose is to present the home in its best light and make a sale for the real estate agent (ERA Immobilier — Aix-en-Provence 2025)
To quote the rapper MF Doom:
“… There’s four sides to every story.
If these walls could talk, they’d probably still ignore me”
Yes, shooting from each corner of the room is an effective technique for fully documenting a space. Its also a great way to create too many images and create cognitive overload. It has taken me a long time to truly understaned what the term “culling” means. I like to imagine that the experience of receiving assets that were not properly culled is like ordering a small side of fries in a fancy restaurant and when your server arrives with your order it is an overbearing plater of fries (way too much) with no special sauce — bon appétit.
The best shoots are when pre and post production are well thought out (another important aspect of creative documentation that creatives should be paid for). Successful images are created when the artist engages the client and begs the question — “why are we doing this today?”
A very specific project plan for a builder to know what assets are to be delivered and their purpose. (2023)
Hero image from the documentation of construction project using a project plan created in collaboration with client that includes intention and purpose statements for shots. (2023 - Ruby Mountain Builders)
I look back on my images from 2009 with fondness and jealousy of a time where I did not have to ask these questions as I was still learning and free to be more curious — working for clients is different as we help create a strong image that tells a story with a unique approach.
My next article will discuss pain points in niche photography that creatives like me face for photography as well as techniques and trends for overcoming common hardships in this milieu.
In conclusion: Professional photographers approach their projects with intention and that process creates meaning & purpose for the client and viewer.
Matthew Bolt is a professional photographer and an undisciplined creative with 16+ years of experience shooting architecture. If you have a moment please take a look at my websites:
www.matthewboltphotography.com
www.matthewbolt.com — UX
@matthewbolt_photography — instagram
