The Portrait Photographer's Manual | Cian Oba-Smith & Max Ferguson
© Pixy Liao From the "Experimental Relationship" project, since 2007.
Text By: Nicole Miller
Cian Oba-Smith & Max Ferguson lay the foundation for understanding the styles and techniques of portrait photography. Both photographers themselves, they relay photographic insights from their own extensive research and personal experiences to create The Portrait Photographer's Manual. The authors provide historical context of the medium and offer both practical and theoretical tips for taking better photographs. The chapters intermittently include profiles of emerging and established photographers, accompanied with a formal analysis of their work and valuable career advice. As much as the manual is informative, it is equally as inspirational, as the authors urge photographers to make mistakes and trust their gut. Cian and Max prompt their audience to think critically about photography, as they encourage self-reflection and experimentation throughout the creative process.
© Cian Oba-Smith Mouhamed, Syracuse, New York, USA, 2019.
The authors place an emphasis on the complexity of ethics in relation to portrait photography. They entreat their audience to acknowledge the power dynamic involved when taking someone’s portrait, hoping to minimize the power deficit between photographer and subject through conversation and collaboration. Photography has long been a tool for record and surveillance, often inciting apprehension, especially in an increasingly digitally dependent world, however, photography can also be an instrument of resistance and emancipation. For example, Gordon Parks was a champion of civil rights through his photojournalism of Black Americans in poverty in the twentieth century. His documentary photography fought for social justice reform. Nadine Ijewere, a contemporary portrait photographer, celebrates diversity in her subjects to challenge the conventional beauty standards of the fashion industry. Photographs can raise awareness of those neglected by institutions and supply a platform for misrepresented voices to be more accurately portrayed.
© Amak Mahmoodian From "Zanjir", 2002-2019.
Although portrait photography allows us to embrace our diverse backgrounds, the medium also affords us a means in which to find commonalities with one another, which Cian conveys is of particular interest to him. He advises his audience to “try to approach photography from a place of passion and understanding. If you connect with the work you’re making, there will always be people out there who connect with it too.” Cian and Max recommend making self-portraits to develop both technical and creative skills, as a photographer can learn about the process without going through other people. Additionally, self-portraiture allows the photographer to become the subject, exposing them to a new perspective, both physically and psychologically, which can greatly inform their practice.
© Debmalya Ray Choudhuri From "Introduction – A Factless Autobiography."
Cian and Max incorporate easy to follow steps and specific tasks for readers to implement in their photography process. For example, they present basic workflow charts for selecting an image, editing images, sequencing photographs, and even creating your own studio. They underscore the importance of trust between a subject and a photographer in order for the subject to be effectively positioned in a photographer. Cian and Max advocate for thorough communication between the two and transparency of intention. The authors also suggest beginners photograph those around them who they are comfortable with, such as family and friends to improve without the fear of rejection from strangers and to capture a moment both photographer and subject will treasure for life. They make sure to include empirical data to illustrate how best to market yourself online as a photographer and to produce a captivating social media portfolio. Cian and Max successfully explain the crucial elements needed to excel in portrait photography, offering a comprehensive introduction into the process that is both conversational and sincere.
