Learn: Top 6 Tips for Conceptual Photography

For decades, photographer Stephan Gladieu has moved between photojournalism, street portraiture, and conceptual imagery. His career began in the tunnels of the Paris Métro and extended to conflict zones across the globe, evolving into a style that blends documentary realism with symbolic intent. Today, Gladieu is known for his striking conceptual photography—a practice where every element in the frame is deliberately constructed to convey a deeper message. In series like Homo Detritus, he combines found-object costumes, humanist portraiture, and sharp ecological and political commentary to create images that resonate far beyond their surface.

We spoke to Stephan about his creative process, his gear philosophy and what advice he’d give to photographers starting their journey into conceptual work.

What is conceptual photography?

For Stephan Gladieu, conceptual photography is about full creative control. Unlike traditional documentary work, where meaning can be distorted or reframed, conceptual photography allows the artist to be “the director of your own world.” He explains:

“It’s very artistic, in the sense that you choose everything—you build the image, you control the message, you put your own language into the picture.”

With Homo Detritus, Stephan moved toward intentional symbolism. While the subjects and environments remain real, every element—from lighting to costume—is curated to serve a clear message. “The conceptual part was about regaining control,” he says. “So the image can’t be used in any other way than the one I decide.”

Here are Stephan’s six tips for creating strong conceptual photos:

1. Know what you want to say 

“You take powerful pictures if you have a powerful message,” says Gladieu.

Conceptual photography starts with an idea, which for Stephan often emerges through journalling. He writes down observations, recurring themes and visual thoughts in notebooks, which he revisits and cross references over time—until they’re ready to grow into a project.

Whether it’s the politics of pollution or the symbolism of national identity, conceptual work thrives on intentionality. Gladieu recommends identifying your personal obsessions and letting those guide your visuals. Ask yourself: What am I reacting to? What do I want others to feel or question?

2. Build a visual language 

Gladieu’s signature style draws on religious iconography, art history and street portraiture. His images often present the subject face-on, highly stylised, and surrounded by symbolic cues.

“An icon is used to communicate an idea to people with no education or context,” he explains. “I use that structure—colourful, frontal, striking—but for humanist messages.”

When shooting, Gladieu typically limits himself to three main colours per image. This constraint creates harmony and enhances impact. It’s a lesson in editing not just your subject, but your palette.

3. Let the street surprise you 

Despite the careful planning behind his images, Gladieu considers himself a street photographer at heart. His backdrops are always real, often found during long walks through unfamiliar neighbourhoods.

“I scout in the morning with a notebook,” he says. “Then I return in the afternoon to shoot with my subjects. But even then, it’s fast. Five minutes max. You have to be present and trust your eye.”

The ability to recognise a powerful composition in everyday surroundings is something that grows with time, and it’s essential for keeping your work rooted in reality—even when it’s conceptually heightened.

4. Craft the light, but keep the gear simple

Stephan’s images glow. That luminous, near-sculptural lighting comes from combining ambient sunlight with studio-grade flashes—right in the middle of the street.

“I use flashes with just a slight power boost over daylight,” he explains. “It surrounds the subject with light, while keeping the ambient tones intact.”

Though he has used everything from a Nikon D850 to a Leica M11, Stephan insists the camera is not what makes the shot. “I’ve seen incredible work made with terrible cameras,” he says. “And the opposite, too.”

His advice? Know your tools, but don’t let them define you. The technical know-how will come. What matters more is what you want to say and how well you can envision it.

5. Practice with purpose 

Stephan didn’t study photography formally. He learned through decades of experience. But he’s quick to emphasise the importance of repetition, trial and error, and refinement.

“I’ve taken many bad pictures,” he says. “But through that, you start to know why something works or doesn’t work.”

He advises photographers to review their work critically, to be aware of patterns and to lean into the visuals that resonate most. “If you find yourself doing something again and again, there’s probably something there. That obsession might be your voice.”

6. Be honest and trust your instincts 

Conceptual photography is all about telling stories and using symbolism to express ideas. But that doesn’t mean conceptual photography has to be grandiose or complex. Stephan believes in the power of sincerity and instinct.

“You must focus on what the image says to you,” he says. “Not on how others might take it.”

By staying grounded in your perspective and trusting your vision, you ensure your work remains personal and powerful.

Beyond the frame

Conceptual photography isn't about building fantasy for its own sake—at least not in Gladieu’s eyes. It's about harnessing real emotion, rooted in the world around us and expressing it through curated visuals. From journalistic storytelling to vibrant symbolism, his approach is as grounded as it is imaginative.

For those starting out, the message is clear: look, think, write, repeat—and build your world, one image at a time.

Read more tips and techniques on the MPB content hub.