“With a camera I can go around shooting (…) and nobody loses a limb.” Mano Photography
Mano is a photographer represented by Stephen Bartels Gallery in London. For Mano photography is about “detail and clarity”.
Mano, why did you become a photographer? And what does photography mean to you?
Have you ever played call of duty? I play it two ways. One way is to charge with a shotgun at anything that moves, this is dangerous and entertaining. The other way is to find somewhere interesting to sit with a more specific weapon and wait for somebody to enter your line of sight, this more considered way is to be feared. With a camera I can go around shooting in either of these two ways and nobody loses a limb.
How would you describe your photographic language and creative process? How do you plan and execute a project? Both technically and conceptually?
It seems I have a thing about detail and clarity. Being specifically unclear is something which seems to emerge from finished images of mine. Some people say that God is in the detail. This may be true but there is also dirt in the detail which is where the real interest lies. Beauty and the beast.
Which photographer has inspired you most?
Short answer: Arnold Newman. Reasons below. Long answer: Thousands of photographers.
I feel spurred on every time I see an incredible image. The problem is that it invades my mind and I almost have to set out to capture my version of it to get it out of my head, It’s a weird infatuation. It’s not about copying it, it’s about distilling my reaction to that image and then using that to create something else. True inspiration, and it is monster powerful.
More images from Mano Photography
Mano, what’s your favorite inspirational quote about photography?
“I think you’ve got to teach yourself for the most part; Your own thing.” Arnold Newman
“Context is everything.”
Inspirational quotes about photography can make me a little edgy, there are well-known photographers that flaunt them around social media like they are some sort of oracle. Context is everything.
Arnold Newman said: “Form, feeling (…) structure and detail (…) technique and sensibility: it must all come together.” He is right, obviously, but once you have seen his work you realise that this is central to everything he creates. That is useful, not just an unspecific, generalised plea for retweets.
When taking or editing your photographs, use this quote to dissect what you are doing: How does the form affect the feeling? What does the structure say? Where is detail important? Do this enough and it will become your second nature, it will become your technique and your sensibility. You’ll find that inadvertently that you have started to refine your vision.
What kind of camera and equipment do you use?
Leica with a 50 most of the time. Every now and again I’ll head out with a wide-on.
What’s your favorite website about photography?
If you haven’t ever checked out www.rodneysmith.com you should.
Which advice would you give someone who wants to get started with photography?
Shoot for at least a year and only show people who will tell you you’re great. Criticise yourself every step of the way. Then show it to the world.
More information about photographer Mano
Official homepage “Mano Photography”: www.manopic.com
