Photography
Cynthia Ghoussoub: Framing Visual Experiences
Cynthia Ghoussoub entered the world of photography to capture the abstract reality of our world and to bring out thought provoking ideas that drive the viewer to connect the dots. The visual dialogue that ensued has been ongoing ever since and has gotten her closer to who she is as a person. In the following feature, Arabad talks to Ghoussoub about her journey and the unexpected turns it has taken so far.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to photography?
As a child, I had the opportunity to grow in a creative environment where art had no limits and was expressed in various mediums. Exposed to hand crafting, performing arts, jewelry design, photography, painting, and stained glass uncovered a world of beauty, expression, and mystery that I wanted to be a part of. I constantly took photographs as a teenager, but I never thought that I would one day become a photographer. During my undergraduate studies at Notre Dame University (NDU),
I couldn’t decide on one major and found myself constantly changing my interest from Communication Arts to Advertising and Marketing. In 2012, when photography was introduced as a new major, I transferred instantly without any hesitation or regret. I graduated in 2015 with a Bachelors Degree in photography. With the help of great mentors, lecturers, national/international photographers, fieldtrips, workshops, and exhibitions my interest and passion for the medium grew.
What’s the best part of being a photographer?
To me, photography has the ability to capture the abstract reality of our world. It shapes an undeniable realism that takes us the viewers into a journey that is equally controversial, thought provoking, beautiful, and essential. It is a form of therapy that allows me to observe, understand, and connect with the world around me.
What’s the hardest part of your job?
Exposing people’s vulnerability is not easy, as my experience grows, I hope to achieve a visual dialogue that inspires, and positively impacts change.
If not a photographer who you would have been?
Dancer, musician, forensic scientist, peace activist… Who knows? Life is full of surprises.
How would you describe your style and how did you develop it?
It is quiet hard to label or define a single style that I might be following. My priority is to develop authentic visual series that depict individual, social, and personal experiences. My work is versatile using different techniques that serve the subject or theme I am photographing.
Which photographers inspired you most, and how did they influence your thinking, style, and career path?
The works of international photographers Larry Clark, Andres Petersen, Nan Goldin, and Antoine D’agata reformed my perspective on raw, honest, and taboo narratives that portray intimate experiences. Lebanese photographers Patrick Baz, Dalia Khamissy, Rasha Kahil, Myriam Dalal, and Caroline Tabet taught me courage, curiosity, creativity, and most importantly they taught me how to really look and analyse a photograph. I hope to meet more inspiring artists as I develop my knowledge in photography and the art scene both in Lebanon and internationally.
How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?
Research/trial and error and experimentation are key factors to taking better photographs. They expose me to a new way of portraying a subject that is visually valid and yet very elaborative.
One of today’s main discussion points amongst photographers is about the use of digital photography; do you use digital cameras? What is the influence of digital technology on your photography?
Digital technology has come so far; it enables people who don’t have access to film to create. With that said, the
To me, photography has the ability to capture the abstract reality of our world.
camera is just a tool used as a vehicle that aids in communicating your ideas. Both vehicles are valid. Photography is multidisciplinary and can be expressed in digital, film, installations, video, and painting.
What kind of mode do you go into— what does it feel like to be inside your creative inspired mind when photographing a concept or idea you are passionate about?
It’s hard to describe what goes on in my mind. The constant obsession over a concept I’m working on takes over my life.
What is the favourite image you have shot recently? Can you describe its creation in regards to location, lighting, composition, camera settings etc. also your thoughts when creating the image and what it means to you?
My favourite body of work so far is entitled “Fragments Of Time’, a selfportrait series comprised of 20 images exploring themes related to the self, autobiographical narrative, memory and identity. Using spontaneous body language, slow shutter speeds and a lot of trial and error resulted in multi exposure photographs that communicate my story.
What makes a good picture stand out from the average?
A photograph that stands out is one that crosses all language barriers. It inspires empathy and a new level of understanding between people. Authenticity and the combination of elements that make up the frame is what makes a picture unique.
What exactly do you want to say with your photographs, and how do you actually get your photos to do that?
There are so many things I’d like to shed light on in my photographs. With time, and maturity I will have the chance to formulate all my thoughts into different series. It starts with formulating the idea, then researching it visually and linking it to imagery with analysis and references.
What has been your most memorable session/assignment or maybe you can tell us about a project you've felt really connected to and why?
The three years I spent at university were unforgettable. Working close with friends and mentors who supported my vision left a big impact on the person I’ve become. ‘Fragments Of Time’ is the series I identify with the most. It will be exhibited at KAF Gallery Ashrafiyeh this November marking the beginning of my career as a photographer.
Do you get to work with ad agencies on specific assignments? If so can you speak of one project of such? If not would you like to shoot for advertising campaigns?
I haven’t been commissioned to work with any agency yet. I’m always open to new experiences that will help me improve, develop and grow as a photographer and an artist.
Do you see yourself as a photographer many years down the road?
This is just the beginning of my journey to becoming a photographer. I intend to continue in postgraduate studies to further my knowledge in photography and art. It’s a very difficult question to answer, because one can never know when an opportunity presents itself.
What advice do you have for photographers just starting out?
The journey we embark on can be different for each of us, I am not in a position to advise anyone here but what I can tell you is this: The best advice I’ve received is from photographer, and teacher Noel Nasr who taught me that dedication, and patience are essential to grow and mature as a photographer.