The rise of the personal computer and the internet changed the world. This period, roughly from 1985 to 2000, is often called the Digital Revolution. Photographer Doug Menuez documented this exciting time, capturing rare glimpses into the daily lives of the people working at major IT companies. His photographs offer a unique perspective on this transformative era.
Menuez was a photojournalist, a storyteller with a camera. He spent years inside these companies, building relationships with the people who were shaping the future. This access gave him the opportunity to capture candid moments, showing the human side of this technological revolution.
Menuez’s work spans various photographic styles, including photojournalism, documentary, commercial, and commissioned photography. This diverse experience allowed him to approach his subject matter with a well-rounded perspective. His work has taken him to many parts of the world, including the North Pole, the Amazon, Vietnam, Africa, Dubai, and Japan, giving him a broad understanding of different cultures and environments.
His photographs of early IT companies show more than just computers and offices. They show the people behind the technology: the engineers, programmers, and entrepreneurs who were working long hours, fueled by passion and a belief in the power of technology. These photos reveal the energy and excitement of this period.
One striking aspect of Menuez’s photos is the informal atmosphere they capture. These weren’t stiff, posed portraits. They were candid shots of people working, collaborating, and even relaxing. This gives a sense of the real working environment in these early tech companies.
The photos often show people working in cluttered offices, surrounded by computers, wires, and papers. This reflects the fast-paced and sometimes chaotic nature of the early tech industry. It also shows how much technology has changed since then.
Many photos depict groups of people huddled around computers or whiteboards, brainstorming ideas and solving problems. This highlights the collaborative nature of software development and the importance of teamwork in the tech industry.
