Sazeli Jalal: Fearlessly Experimental

Singapore-based photographer Sazeli Jalal didn’t set out to become an image-maker—he discovered the camera by necessity, and stayed for the obsession. A designer-turned- photographer with a fearless appetite for experimentation, Sazeli’s work blends high-concept storytelling with hands-on craftsmanship. In this Q&A from Graphis Journal 361, he reflects on artistic risk, weathering typhoons, building his own sets, and why failure is often the most important ingredient for success.

Introduction by Brittney Feit, Former Editor, Graphis

Vibrant. Bold. Edgy. These are just a few of the words that describe the photographic work of Sazeli Jalal. Hailing from Singapore, he is not only a Graphis Gold-winner, but he has taken home awards annually from organizations around the world, like the Tokyo International Foto Awards and the PX3 Prix De La Photographie Paris, where he won 1st Place in the Advertising Beauty Category. It should also be noted that Jalal is a self-taught photographer after his interior design major at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts led him to a newfound passion behind the lens. Since his journey from design to photography, Jalal has worked with several editorial clients, such as Marie Claire Italia, Cosmopolitan Singapore/Malaysia, and Women’s Weekly Singapore. There is no doubt that Sazeli Jalal brings color and a sort of otherworldly mystique to his photographs, and he should be followed for future adventures that he is sure to take us on.

What inspired or motivated you in your career?

I was an interior design student during my college days in Singapore. Being in an art institute is like a crossroads between many disciplines of art and design, and we are constantly exposed to and influenced by students in other departments from fine art, fashion, etc. Photography has become a tool for interior design students because we have to take pictures of our “architectural models.” From that moment, I fell in love with photography and became good at it. Seeing the potential when I graduated, I started doing test shoots, collaborated with other fashion design students, and started making a portfolio for myself. When I first showed my work to a model agency, they were impressed and started to collaborate with me on many projects. Under their wing, I got to know people from the Singapore fashion industry, and from that day onwards, the rest is history. I never knew that I could be a photographer, but I always knew when I was young that I belonged to the visual arts and design. Photography is like an accidental process during my design journey, but I’m glad I took that chance because, without design, I wouldn’t have discovered photography.

What is your work philosophy?

Never be afraid to make mistakes and experiment. To people in the creative line, I believe it is very important to experiment and find new ways to tell your story. With experimentation comes many mistakes, which many are afraid of. But for me, mistakes are often part of the important process to achieve your final goal. One may also not be truly satisfied with the final product after a few months’ time because when I look back, I just know I can do it and be much better than before.

Who is or was your greatest mentor?

I met a well-known photographer named John Clang for some critique and review sessions and showed him my early works from those days. It was only that one time I saw him, but his views made a huge impact on me. His very harsh, criticizing, yet constructive views towards my early works made me feel torn and full of mixed emotions. Many would have just given up after their negative reviews, but I was stubborn, and I kept on trying and making mistakes until I became who I am now.

What is the most difficult challenge you’ve had to overcome?

Working outdoors under typhoon season weather in Hong Kong was such an unforgettable experience for me. We kept equipment and crew to a minimum, and everything had to be well planned out. Days before the shoot, I kept going to the exact location and planned in detail where the model should stand. I set a targeted short amount of time so that we could plan to run to a safe destination quickly if the typhoon alarm went off. Luckily, in Hong Kong, there are many high-rise buildings in which we can take shelter. It was fast and furious, but we made it to shelter just before the alarm sounded.

Who were some of your greatest past influences?

My past influences are from photographers to artists like Helmut Newton, Guy Bourdin, David LaChapelle, Giotto, Henri Rousseau, Van Eyck, and Fornasetti.

Who among your contemporaries today do you most admire?

Today, I mostly admire artists like Takashi Murakami, Yonca Karakas, Ignasi Monreal, and Mad Dog Jones. I love works that have a dream fantasy-like quality, and this resonates in my photographic style now.

What would be your dream assignment?

It would be an honor to collaborate with Takashi Murakami.

Who have been some of your favorite people or clients you have worked with?

One of my favorite people to work with is collaborating with Roshar, who is a professional makeup artist from New York. He is not just a makeup person, but when we collaborate, we talk about art direction and concepts. Throwing in and sharing groundbreaking ideas pushing our boundaries. It was such an inspiring moment, and I’m honored to work with a talented artist like him.

What are the most important ingredients you require from a client to do successful work?

Being open-minded and gaining trust from the client are two of the most important elements for me to do successful work. If one isn’t open-minded, it would be very hard for them to even trust the photographers. Quoting superstar architect Frank Gehry, “I don’t know why people hire architects and then tell them what to do.”

What is your greatest professional achievement?

An unforgettable achievement that I recall is having a Singapore television channel do an episode biography interview about me and my works. Seeing yourself talking about your works on television is surreal, and I will never forget it.

What is the greatest satisfaction you get from your work?

I find great satisfaction after all the months of planning, making, building, and shooting; I see my creation slowly starting to take shape from what I visualized in my head, finally becoming a reality. And it is even better when the masterpiece exceeds my initial expectations.

What part of your work do you find most demanding?

I am very hands-on, and I like to make things with my bare hands, giving it an artist’s touch. During pre-production of my work, I like to build my own sets and props or even sew my own costumes, making headgear or a conceptual dress. This is very time-consuming, and it could even take me months before I can actually start shooting.

What professional goals do you still have for yourself?

My goal has always been the same and very clear from the beginning, and that is, “Let your work speak for itself.”

What advice would you have for students starting out today?

Not to be afraid to fail. Failure is the key ingredient to becoming successful. It is okay to cry and make mistakes, but after you are done crying, get up and do it all over again.

What interests do you have outside of your work?

I still have a strong passion for interior and furniture design. I designed my own apartment, and it’s full of colors, just like my photography works. In my design college days, we became familiar with the engineering design process as we were to design, build, and test furniture prototypes. My interest grew further, and I started collecting designer furniture.

What do you value most?

My memories. I value my memories of my late father with me all the time, and he often inspires me.

What would you change if you had to do it all over again?

There is no such thing as being perfect in this world. As I grow older, I learn to let go of the things I regret doing, even if it’s not good enough. Instead of turning back time and changing it all over again, I keep telling myself that it is a creative process and it is okay to make mistakes. I should not be too harsh of a critic of myself in order to be the perfectionist that I think I strive to be. The process is more enjoyable when you love doing it instead of feeling regret. It gets even better when you are in a good, positive spirit. Just let go and do better next time. Life is short, and I’m just blessed to be able to do what I love doing.

Where do you seek inspiration?

I seek inspiration from anything that catches my attention, be it current affairs, a trip to the museum, seeing some favorite anime, or even memories from failed relationships. There are so many stories to tell with all these experiences; one doesn’t need to go far to get inspired; you can even be inspired by little everyday things that we often ignore.

How do you define success?

To me, success is not about having all the material things that we can get in this world. Success to me is being passionate about doing what you like. Life is nothing without passion.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

I see more of myself in the fine art world, exhibiting and doing solo shows at art galleries in the near future.

Born and residing in Singapore, Sazeli Jalal is a self-taught, award-winning photographer. He majored in Interior Design in an art college but uncovered his passion for photography by chance, during his design journey. He has worked with numerous fashion editorial clients and is actively involved in exhibitions showcasing his works in New York, Japan, Taiwan, and Singapore. Sazeli is also an avid collector and is passionate about the fine arts and furniture design. During his free time, he loves spending time with his two cats in his colorful apartment or exploring and cycling around the city with his beloved Brompton.

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Discover more photographers and other creatives in the Graphis Journal #361, which you can order here.