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Influence & Inspiration
Susan Meiselas (Photographer)
Genres
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Documentary, portraiture, photojournalism.
B. 1948
American
Based in New York, USA
Themes
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Identity, gender, and power within communities on the margins of society
Approach
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Deep engagement with a specific community over time
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Capturing both visual and emotional aspects of the cultural space
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Using quotes to add personal voices and perspectives
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Creating a collective memory, not just a single viewpoint
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Preserving stories and experiences that might otherwise be lost
How this photographer links to my work
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Long-form documentary photography spanning years
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Combines still images with recorded interviews and archival material
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Creates layered, multi-perspective narratives
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Immersive, empathetic, and collaborative approach
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Gives agency and voice to the subjects
Notes on fair schedule for Carnival Strippers, 1973. From Meiselas, 2021.
Backstage, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, USA, 1975, from Carnival Strippers by Susan Meiselas. In L. Havlin, Carnival Strippers (2018), Magnum Photos. © Susan Meiselas | Magnum Photos.
Transcription of audiotape with Lisa. From Meiselas, 2021.
Contact sheet with Lena looking out, Barton, Vermont, 1974. From Meiselas, 2021.
Shortie and Larry getting ready, Showhegan, Maine, 1973. From Meiselas, 2021.
Playing around. Fryeburg, Maine, USA. 1975. from Carnival Strippers by Susan Meiselas. In L. Havlin, Carnival Strippers (2018), Magnum Photos. © Susan Meiselas | Magnum Photos.
Afternoon tease, Tunbridge, Vermont, USA, 1974, from Carnival Strippers by Susan Meiselas. In L. Havlin, Carnival Strippers (2018), Magnum Photos. © Susan Meiselas | Magnum Photos.
Alexey Brodovitch (Photographer)
Genres
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Documentary, dance and performance photography
Themes
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Identity, capturing the ephemerality of performance, capturing the feeling of performance.
B. 1998
D. 1971
Belarusian-American
Approach
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shot Ballet over multiple rehearsals and performances
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chose visual rhythm over technical photographic perfection to capture the feeling and energy of the moment
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used available light
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experimental layout and sequencing - photographer and designer. images as part of narrative whole.
How this photographer links to my work
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capturing the energy, feeling, atmosphere
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multiple shoots, into one narrative
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prioritising image subjects, movement, emotions over technical perfection
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sequencing for narrative and immersive viewer experience
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full spread full bleed layouts
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Alexey Brodovitch, Ballet [Photobook], pp. 116–117. Originally published 1945 by J. J. Augustin. As featured on Josef Chladek’s Photobooks shelf,
Alexey Brodovitch, Ballet [Photobook], pp. 24-25. Originally published 1945 by J. J. Augustin. As featured on Josef Chladek’s Photobooks shelf,
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Alexey Brodovitch, Ballet [Photobook], pp. 12-13. Originally published 1945 by J. J. Augustin. As featured on Josef Chladek’s Photobooks shelf.
Alexey Brodovitch, Ballet [Photobook], pp. 112-113. Originally published 1945 by J. J. Augustin. As featured on Josef Chladek’s Photobooks shelf.
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Alexey Brodovitch, Ballet [Photobook], pp. 64-65. Originally published 1945 by J. J. Augustin. As featured on Josef Chladek’s Photobooks shelf.
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Alexey Brodovitch, Ballet [Photobook], pp. 32-33. Originally published 1945 by J. J. Augustin. As featured on Josef Chladek’s Photobooks shelf.
The Butterfly Club (Space)
Genres
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music, performance, art, gallery, theatre, bar
Opened 1999,
South Melbourne.
Moved to Carlisle Pl.
Melbourne in 2013.
Themes
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Identity, gender, community, performance, experimentation, ritual, human connection, artistic expression
Visual Inspiration Drawn from the Space
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A home vibe is given off - it feels lived in and cozy.
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Bright colors and interesting fonts are everywhere.
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So many stairs.
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Walls are covered in show posters - nostalgia and energy are evoked.
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The chaos of the kitsch collections is carefully curated.
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Something new is always waiting to be noticed - details are constantly surprising.
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Quiet spaces are absent - there's no room for eyes to rest, just unending obscurity and spectacle.
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Vibe Collage, The Butterfly Club, Melbourne. Lucky Frawley, 2025
Nan Goldin (Photographer)
Genres
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Documentary, portraiture, autobiographical photography,
Themes
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Identity, sexuality, gender, addiction, intimacy, and resilience within marginalized communities
B. 1953
American
Based in New York, USA
Approach
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Candid, snapshot-style photography with a raw, unfiltered aesthetic
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Highly personal and confessional work, often photographing herself and close friends
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Uses vivid color and natural lighting to capture everyday life and emotional moments
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Immersive and empathetic storytelling through intimate access to marginalized communities
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Blends documentary with a diaristic approach, focusing on identity and human connection
How this photographer links to my work
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Capturing the raw, emotional, and authentic moments behind public performances
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Telling personal and collective stories that reveal unseen layers of identity and culture
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Using photography to preserve the history and lived experiences of marginalized groups
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Creating work that is both a personal diary and a communal record
Nan Goldin, Twisting at my birthday party, New York City 1980. And Monopoly Game, New York City, 1980. from The Ballad of Sexual Dependency (pp. 110–111). New York: Aperture, 1986.
Nan Goldin, Self-portrait in blue bathroom, London, 1980. And Suzanne with Mona Lisa, Mexico City, 1981. from The Ballad of Sexual Dependency (pp. 22–23). New York: Aperture, 1986.
Nan Goldin, Edwige behind the bar at Evelyn's, New York City 1985. And Cookie at Tin Pan Alley, New York City, 1983. from The Ballad of Sexual Dependency (pp. 28–29). New York: Aperture, 1986.
Jeff Bridges (Photographer)
B. 1949
American
Based in California, USA
Genres
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Documentary, portraiture, autobiographical photography,
Themes
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Behind-the-scenes, Collaboration, identity, between spaces
Approach
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Collaborative photography is done with a Widelux F8 panoramic camera to capture behind-the-scenes moments on film sets, often including the cast and crew in the creative process.
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A candid and intimate style is used to capture unposed, natural interactions, highlighting the human side of filmmaking.
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A personal perspective is integrated with experiences and observations, providing a unique insider’s view of the film industry.
How this photographer links to my work
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A collaborative and immersive approach in image-making.
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Behind-the-scenes moments
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Both are aimed at conveying the authentic experiences of the subject matter.
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An emphasis is placed on human connections and fleeting moments of performance.
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Lived realities in creative communities are portrayed.
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An insider perspective offered to viewers.
Jeff Bridges, Magic Hour, Blown Away, 1994. And Cue Card, Blown Away, 1994. from Pictures (pp. 110–111). powerHouse Books, 2003.
Jeff Bridges, ‘The Tuckerettes’: In the Wings, Tucker,1988. from Pictures (pp. 110–111). powerHouse Books, 2003.
Jeff Bridges, Jeff and Beau Bridges, The Fabulous Baker Boys, 1989. from Pictures (pp. 30-31). powerHouse Books, 2003.