Stig de Block’s photography is a deep dive into the world of subcultures, where authenticity and connection take center stage. Known for his immersive approach, Stig captures the raw essence of the communities he documents, telling their stories through an intimate lens. His work is not just about images – it’s about understanding the people and cultures that often go unnoticed. Stig de Block will speak at Forward Festival Berlin this August.

 

Your project “Back to Back: From Backyard to Boulevard” has such a unique narrative quality. What inspired this project and how did you select the subjects and locations featured?

A photography gig finally landed me in Los Angeles. Once I got there, I was blown away by the fact that all those references I had cherished since I was a kid actually converged in this one place – from the music, to the wired fences, parking lots, Victorian and Queen Anne architecture, how people carry themselves, the clothes, and of course, the cars. 

The second time I traveled down there, I was set on finding this community of lowriders and decided to approach someone online who had been capturing the community with a GoPro. He agreed to meet, but on the day of the appointment, he was unable to make it, so I was left to my own devices. He gave me the address where the gathering was supposedly taking place. One of the first lowriders passing me by was playing “Outstanding,” a song by The Gap Band – one my dad used to play at home a lot. I felt home, away from home.

 

 

What’s one photo you’ve taken that still sticks with you emotionally? What’s its story?

The detail photograph of the hand with the red cloth on the blue car, taken in January 2020, had remained unused – neither for submissions nor in my usual selections. It wasn’t until discussions about the final curation for my debut show that it resurfaced. Unexpectedly, it became the most iconic image, now widely recognized and featured as a favorite image by media outlets.

 

 

Your interest in subcultures is evident in your work. How do you immerse yourself in these communities to capture their essence authentically?

As the only white European male with a camera, I stood out in these crowds at lowrider events, on boulevards, parking lots, etc., drawing both curiosity and suspicion. People would approach me, questioning why I was photographing their cars, families, or club members. From the start, I was transparent: I wasn’t there to make a book, but because I’d been fascinated by lowrider culture since childhood, seeing my favorite music artists feature them in their videos on MTV. But where I’m from, that culture doesn’t really exist, so I came here to try and look for a form of participation by documenting lowrider culture in the most real form I can. That’s the most honest I can be, and from that moment on, the atmosphere changed.

Once I shared that, the dynamic shifted – from strangers to two people bonding over a shared passion. If they were open to it, I’d take their portrait or car photos. Over time, that trust led to invitations to backyards, baby showers, and family BBQs. I always kept in touch, sharing my photos, which they felt deeply connected to as a reflection of their role in a larger community history.

 

 

What defines success in your work? Is it personal satisfaction, industry recognition, or something else entirely?

After publishing the book in October 2022, I returned to LA to personally share it with those closest to me. Witnessing their genuine reactions and appreciation was one of the most humbling and rewarding moments of this journey. Industry recognition tastes good when coming from the right corner. 

 

How do you balance personal projects with commercial work and how does your approach differ between the two?

Personal, self-initiated projects are rare opportunities for complete intellectual freedom – no deadlines, no directives, just you with your time and vision. I believe they are invaluable for self-growth in photography. For me, personal and commercial work are deeply interconnected, each influencing the other. I truly refined my visual tone during the 4.5 years I spent creating Back to Back, working at my own pace and on my own terms. The photo language I developed during that process I now use in much of my commercial work – though not always, as some projects demand their own approach.

 

 

Who or what inspires you outside of photography? Are there particular artists, musicians, or writers that shape your vision?

Brett Easton Ellis

Henry Taylor

Koen Van Den Broek

Mark Rothko

70’s & 80’s soul music

 

With such a demanding schedule and frequent travel between Belgium and Los Angeles, how do you find balance between work and personal life?

Looking back, I ask myself the same question, but that only amplifies the momentum of that time. Over 12 trips, 4 – 6 weeks each, I was living out my childhood dream – exploring LA, driving endlessly, and meeting people who inspire me. It felt bigger than myself. But then again, how badly do you want something? How long can you endure being alone, spending hours on the road, talking to strangers, learning and remembering names, building connections, and navigating unfamiliar neighborhoods – even when it means facing moments like being questioned, frowned upon, or even extorted?

I never sought balance in the traditional sense; I don’t really miss anyone except my wife. I try to place things in context, immersing myself fully in the present. BUT, as each stay nears its end, the itch to return home inevitably surfaces. It’s a strange push and pull – a balance I’ve grown used to.

 

 

If you could give advice to your younger self starting out in photography, what would it be?

No matter how slow your progress or how distant your goals may seem, just keep moving forward. I remind myself to trust the process—it’s a cliché, but it holds so much truth.

 

What’s next for you? Do you have any dream collaborations or personal projects you’re excited to pursue?

Since 2022, I’ve been working on a new project called EAST LOS in collaboration with Luis J. Rodriguez. He’s recognized as a major figure in Chicano literature and a great poet. He’s the former poet laureate of Los Angeles. Inspired by his poetry, I illustrate EAST LA as I see it, in all its complexity and diverse history.

 

 

Credits:
© Stig de Block