Mark Mann: “Wrap Visuals in a Narrative, and Watch People Lean In”
Mark Mann’s imagery doesn’t dwell on the surface. The Scotland-born, New York-dwelling photographer has made a career-long habit of finding the depth and humanity behind faces and exteriors, breathing life into visuals that could otherwise be aloof or detached.
The seemingly endless list of famous faces Mark has captured over the years includes - yet is by no means limited to - Iggy Pop, Rihanna, Martin Scorsese, Jennifer Aniston, Stevie Wonder, Eartha Kitt, Robin Williams, Emma Stone, and countless others including two former presidents. That’s alongside his work in the commercial world, bringing life and emotion to imagery for Reebok, Adidas, Hennessy, Gillette and more.
At the same time, Mark relishes the chance to dive into big, defining themes throughout his work. One example is ‘The Life of Man’ in collaboration with Esquire. It was a deep dive into what it means to be a man in contemporary American society, with resulting themes that feel even more relevant today than they did upon its publication in 2013. And more recently, ‘Movement at the Still Point’ offers an uncompromising and unique glance into the world of dance, framed beautifully between movement and stillness.
To find out more about Mark’s career, inspirations, and his unique approach to photography, LBB’s Adam Bennett caught up with him for a chat…
LBB> Mark, what kind of a kid were you growing up - and at what age did you know that a career in photography was right for you?
Mark> I was that kid with a camera duct-taped to his face - okay not literally, but I was definitely the one always snapping away at family gatherings, much to everyone’s delight (or horror!). It wasn’t until I was about 12, when my mother couldn’t find a decent shot of me at my birthday party, that I realised capturing moments was my thing. I think I also sensed early on that adults have a strange tendency to smile. Combine that with my awkward teenage years, and it was a match made in visual heaven!
LBB> Who were some of the people, or which pieces of work, that first inspired you?
Mark> It was a mix of greats. I grew up admiring the work of Richard Avedon and Annie Leibovitz. Their ability to capture the essence of their subjects always left me in awe. I also had a penchant for National Geographic - arguably the first adventure into visual storytelling that had me dreaming of exotic locations and interesting characters. Leaping into my own photography was just me trying to achieve a fraction of that brilliance. As it turns out, I still need a few more exotic trips!
LBB> Are there any differences between the kind of visuals that audiences in the UK and the US respond to?
Mark> Oh, absolutely! The UK has this understated elegance - think tea and subtlety, while the US is all about the larger-than-life, grand spectacle. I’ve learned to subtly adjust my approach; in the UK, I might throw in a bit of dry humor, and in the US, well, let’s just say I might need to crank up the volume a tad. Just don’t catch me using “cheers” in the wrong context!
LBB> Looking back at all the projects you’ve been involved with, are there any which stand out as especially significant?
Mark> Every project has its own flavor, but ‘The Life of Man’ certainly holds a special place. It’s not just about photography; it’s about connection and storytelling. We’d all be better off if we had a little more empathy sprinkled in, don’t you think? Plus, the fun of getting to know a range of characters - each with quirky traits - was priceless. I’ve kept a few of those stories tucked away like secret treasures.
LBB> Did going through ‘The Life of Man’ process change the way you think about being a man in America?
Mark> It definitely shook my perspective. I realised that masculinity is not a one-size-fits-all - there’s a whole spectrum out there. Listening to those stories made me appreciate vulnerability and authenticity in ways I hadn't before. It’s like discovering the secret ingredient in a recipe that you never knew existed; suddenly, you look at everything a little differently.
LBB> We’re living in a time of huge saturation in the media landscape. What’s the key to cutting through the noise in 2024 and getting noticed?
Mark> The key is authenticity and a bit of personality. In a world where everyone is shouting, quiet confidence often gets the best reception. Don’t be afraid to be yourself; your quirks can be your strongest assets. Also, stories - everyone loves a good story. Wrap your visuals in a narrative and watch how people lean in; it’s like reminding them what it’s like to hear a great bedtime story again.
LBB> So what’s the secret to helping famous people feel at ease in order to get that kind of authentic imagery?
Mark> Ah, the eternal dance of celebrity! It’s all about creating a genuine connection. I like to keep things light - humor is golden. An awkward joke about my own attempts at fame (which never got off the ground) usually does the trick. Get them laughing, and suddenly, they’re not a celebrity; they’re just another person in front of the lens, and that’s where the magic happens.
LBB> Finally, if you could give your past self a piece of advice, what would it be?
Mark> I'd say, “relax and breathe, the photo gods will not smite thee for not getting the perfect shot every time!”. Seriously, though, it’s all about the journey. Take risks, embrace those awkward moments, and remember that each image is a lesson. Maybe keep a few of those attempts hidden, though!
