Steve Jobs’ death from cancer at the age of 56 left people grappling with his legacy – undoubtedly he has to be credited for shaping the culture we live in like few others. As someone working in the visual medium I can appreciate how his life’s work of technical innovations enabled individuals to take creative control in the digital space.

As a photographer I am fascinated by rituals of public grief, and as with any other celebrity or public figure’s passing, shrines sprung up instantaneously, meshing the heartfelt with the canned, professional homage with effusive hero worship. The whimsical and spontaneous outpourings were met with deft corporate marketing, turning Apple stores across the country into cathedrals, their glass facades plastered with (conveniently provided) yellow post-it notes to resemble monochrome stained glass windows. As much as we seek community in the virtual realm these days, there was something about leaving a tangible mark – on paper, in person – that seemed deeply rewarding to passersby. At least momentarily, until the moment had to be eternalized by photographing it with iPhones and Androids, sending it off into the digital afterlife.

Photographed at the Meatpacking District Apple store location.