About Benedict Brain
Benedict Brain is a photographer, journalist, and artist based in the UK. He is an Associate member of the Royal Photographic Society and serves on the society’s Distinctions Advisory Panel. Additionally, he has previously edited Digital Camera Magazine and authored You Will be Able to Take Great Photos by The End of This Book.
Travel and tourism have been central themes in my photography for approximately the last six years, though I took a brief hiatus during the Covid-19 pandemic; however, oddly enough, I have never regarded myself as a ‘travel photographer’.
Recently, I have begun to explore more profoundly the nature of my work and its motivations. My interest has always leaned toward understanding why we capture images rather than how to do it, which led me to enroll in an MA Photography program at Falmouth University. I have just completed the initial module. It’s wonderful – it demands hard work, yet it challenges me to explore my practices and their underlying reasons. Furthermore, I am required to investigate my topics and various aspects of critical theory in a much deeper manner than I would if I were left to my own devices. Some of this serves as a refreshing reminder of what
I studied ages ago during my photography degree, while other elements provide new insights. I must admit, returning to ‘school’ in middle age while managing a full-time freelance career is tough. However, the discourse and the encouragement to delve deeper into my subject matter are enlightening and ultimately gratifying, even if occasionally a bit exasperating.
Susan Sontag remains an essential reference – if you haven’t explored it yet, her book On Photography is outstanding (read it online for free here). This quote struck a chord with me and seemed apt in relation to the photo I’m presenting this month (see above); “Travel becomes a means for amassing photographs. The mere act of taking pictures offers comfort and alleviates general feelings of disorientation likely aggravated by travel. Most tourists feel driven to place the camera between themselves and whatever is noteworthy that they encounter.”
Sontag and other theorists, including sociologist John Urry (The Tourist Gaze), along with analyzing the works of various photographers like Martin Parr, Corrine Vionnete, Stephen Shore, and others, are shaping the trajectory of my artistry. I’m not suggesting that everyone should pursue an MA or delve deep into academia. Nonetheless, examining your actions, posing questions about your motivations, and conducting thorough research may aid in your growth as a photographer.
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