Personal one - jesse-leigh elford interview
How are you today? I’m great, thank you. It’s been a busy few weeks, I’m excited about what’s coming up and really looking forward to the exhibition. Could you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your journey as a photographer?
Sure. Hi, Jesse here. I began my career in production, first as a location scout, photographing locations for TV commercials, and eventually worked my way up to producer in the Cape Town film industry. Working closely with directors, DOPs, lighting technicians, and art directors shaped the way I see and construct images. Photography became the space where I could bring all those elements together while directing my own vision. My work in the film industry also allowed me to develop my photography craft while funding personal projects and model test shoots. As my photography started to catch the attention of magazines and clients, I began booking editorials and later fashion and beauty campaigns. Rest is history, as they say.
“ There’s so much work out there that the real challenge isn’t fitting in, it’s breaking out
How would you describe your style or approach to photography?
My work sits somewhere between fashion and portraiture. I’m drawn to refined simplicity and a cinematic sensibility. Whether I’m shooting for a brand or editorial, I aim to create imagery that feels timeless, honest, and beautifully constructed.
When did you first hear about this exhibition?
In 2015, when I arrived in Australia. Back then it was called This Time It’s Personal.
Is this your first time participating, or have you been part of it before?
I was invited to take part in 2016. It’s great that Personal One continues the legacy, and I’m honoured to still be part of this exhibition for such a wonderful cause.
What does it mean to you personally to be part of this collective exhibition?
It’s a privilege. Photography can be such a solitary practice, so being part of a collective exhibition like this is a reminder of how broad and connected the photographic community is. It’s inspiring to see so many different perspectives come together in one space.
What do you hope audiences will take away from experiencing your work here?My submission is a single frame from a larger story called Unscripted, which follows a dancer through moments of movement and pause. I love that this one frame acts as a window into a bigger narrative. Each viewer can bring their own imagination and experiences to it, creating a story that’s entirely their own.
“ Find your visual language and let curiosity guide you. Photography is a long journey
How do you see the photography scene today, especially with younger generations coming through?
Honestly, the idea of a “photography scene” feels outdated to me. There’s so much work out there that the real challenge isn’t fitting in, it’s breaking out. Young creatives aren’t just making pictures; they’re rewriting what photography can be, experimenting with form, movement, and narrative. However, the process itself is often overlooked. We celebrate the final image, the perfect shot, but rarely acknowledge the countless experiments, failures, and discoveries that lead there. The true artistry is in the making, in the process of seeing, trying, and pushing boundaries, not just the polished result.
This is something I’ve grappled with personally in my career. There were times I doubted whether I had anything meaningful to say. The real challenge, I’ve learned, is to keep creating even when you question the value of your work. It’s about showing up for your own vision, trusting that your perspective matters, and finding ways to contribute something honest and true to yourself. In the end, the process, the experimentation, persistence, and curiosity is as important, if not more so, than the final image.
Has the exhibition influenced or inspired your perspective on photography in any way?
Definitely. Seeing other artists’ interpretations and processes always reminds me that photography is a conversation, not a competition. It reinforces the importance of staying curious and open.
What projects have you been working on recently?
Lately, I’ve been working on a series of beauty and jewellery editorials, as well as advertising projects for a range of fashion, hair, and beauty brands. Each project has been creatively rewarding.
Looking back, is there a past project you consider a milestone or turning point in your career?
There are definitely milestones and turning points in my career. However, every project is as important as the next. There isn’t one that stands above another because there is always something new to learn from every shoot. That’s what keeps me going.
How has your photography evolved from when you first started until today?
It has become more refined and intentional. In the beginning, I was focused more on the technical side, but now I’m drawn to storytelling, mood, and the emotion behind an image.
What inspires you right now, whether in photography or beyond?
I’m inspired by the subjects I photograph, their energy, individuality, and the way they express themselves through movement, clothing, and presence. I’m also influenced by film, architecture, light, and music. All of these shape how I compose an image or approach a shoot. Inspiration often comes from observing small details: a gesture, a shadow, or a texture that reveals something human and real.
What equipment are you currently using, and why?
I mainly shoot with Canon digital systems for their reliability and colour science, and I incorporate film when the project allows. Lighting is a mix of constant and strobe, Arri, Aputure, and Profoto mainly. My approach to lighting is quite old school; I still enjoy using the O.G. Kino Flo system from time to time, mixing the old daylight and tungsten tubes.
How does your gear shape your process or the kind of results you aim for?
My workflow allows me to work intuitively and focus on what’s in front of me rather than on the technology.
Is there a photographer, work, or experience that has been especially influential in your path?
Definitely. All the greats have influenced my work, but my biggest influence over the years has come from being on set. Observing different creative minds collaborate taught me more than any textbook ever could.
What advice would you give to amateur photographers visiting the exhibition?
Keep shooting. Produce, produce, produce, and then curate. Don’t worry too much about trends or gear. Focus on what moves you. Find your visual language and let curiosity guide you. Photography is a long journey, enjoy the process just as much as the final results.
Anything you want to add?
Thanks so much Lunar Studios and Makeprints, I’m so grateful to be part of this year’s showcase and to share space with such talented photographers. I’d also like to thank the team who collaborated with me on this piece: Donta Whitham, Matthew Ashton, and Vincent Phan.Thanks for your time Jesse.
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