PHILADELPHIA, PA– Life has a way of bringing things full circle, and Jonah Saleem’s journey is a testament to that. Before he ever picked up a camera, he spent years working hands-on in construction, gaining a deep appreciation for the craft, the problem-solving, and the precision required to build something from the ground up. Now, he finds himself back on job sites—not with a tool belt, but with a camera, capturing the very work he once helped create.
Henri Cartier-Bresson once said, “To take a photograph is to align the head, the eye, and the heart. It’s a way of life.” For Jonah, photography isn’t just about documenting a project—it’s about understanding it. His background in construction gives him a unique perspective that shapes the way he sees and captures industrial work, highlighting details that might go unnoticed by someone without his experience.
We sat down with Jonah to explore how his past influences his approach behind the lens, what details stand out most to him, and how he tells the story of a job site through photography and video. Check out our Q&A below.
How did you first get involved in construction work?
Jonah S: When I was younger, my childhood friend’s stepdad was a contractor, and he gave me my first job as an apprentice. I did all kinds of work—carpentry, masonry, painting, installing drywall, and tile. It was tough, but it paid well for a first job, and I picked up skills that stuck with me.
How does that early experience connect to your photography work today?
Jonah S: It’s funny how things come full circle. What started as a small opportunity years ago has led me back to where it all began, only this time with more experience, confidence, and purpose, especially through Rebuild PHL events. It wasn’t something I ever planned. Both career paths just happened, but they align in a way that made sense.
How does your background affect the way you shoot on construction sites?
Jonah S: A lot of photographers might feel uncomfortable on job sites—they’re loud, chaotic, and physically demanding. But for me, it feels like home. I understand the work being done, the tools being used, and the precision it takes to do it right. That knowledge helps me anticipate moments, frame shots differently, and capture the real essence of the work, and also how to get out the way when I need to!
Talk me through your process behind these photos. What was going through your head, and what were you looking for?
Jonah S: Job sites can be dangerous, so when I’m photographing one, I think about how to capture that sense of risk in a visually compelling way. Safety is always a priority, so I’m not always able to get the most extreme angles—but I aim to find a strong middle ground. For example, in that first demo shot, I focused on showing the mural side of the wall being taken down. That perspective is more impactful than shooting from the interior, where I’d just be surrounded by rubble. It tells more of a story.
Are there any specific shots you love to capture?
Jonah S: I’m interested in the demo shots. I enjoy working through the rubble and trying to find an interesting angle while avoiding debris. My experience with demo jobs gives me an understanding of the risk and helps me navigate safely, because of this I feel I have the opportunity to get shots that others might not. If the rules allowed it, I’d climb onto the scaffolding to get more intimate shots.
Did you ever expect construction and photography to overlap like this?
Jonah S: Not at all. I never set out to shoot construction projects—it just happened. But looking back, it makes sense. Photography is about storytelling, and having that firsthand experience helps me tell a richer, more authentic story of the work being done.
Sometimes, career paths unfold in ways we don’t expect. What started as a hands-on apprenticeship in construction led to a unique perspective behind the camera. It’s a reminder that our past experiences, no matter how unrelated they may seem, often shape our creative vision in surprising and meaningful ways.
Looking for construction photography that captures the real work in action? Reach out to us at hello@veracitystudios.com!
