Exploring the Art of Deadpan Photography: A Conversation with Mikhail Lebedev

Exploring the Art of Deadpan Photography: A Conversation with Mikhail Lebedev at Fotoclub BKK

At Fotoclub BKK, we continually seek to connect with artists who offer fresh perspectives and innovative techniques. Recently, we were introduced to Mikhail Lebedev, a highly skilled photographer whose remarkable work immediately captured our attention. We are thrilled to welcome him as part of our "Friends of Fotoclub" initiative and share his creative vision with our community.

Mikhail first reached out to us through Instagram with an introduction that showcased his impressive portfolio of award-winning projects and exhibitions. His message highlighted a career deeply rooted in Russia and enriched by his global travels. During his visit to Thailand, Mikhail expressed a strong desire to share his artistic journey, and we couldn’t be more excited to host him.

What impressed us most about Mikhail is his methodical and deeply reflective approach to photography. His passion for the craft is evident in the way he asks insightful questions and explores answers through his visual narratives. Perhaps this stems from his training at the School of Modern Photography Docdocdoc in St. Petersburg, or from the extensive range of photography projects he has completed over the years. Regardless of its source, his approach is a valuable addition to our community. When asked about his vision for the talk, Mikhail proposed the theme: “Film Photography in a Documentary Approach.”

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DB80sJmvNlg/?igsh=M2xpcHY4MW5kYTk4

Fototalk Reel, 2024.

As part of his presentation, Mikhail highlighted two or three of his projects, with a particular focus on Deadpan Photography, a genre in which he excels. Deadpan Photography is known for its neutral, straightforward portrayal of subjects, devoid of emotional embellishment. Popularized by artists such as Andreas Gursky—whose works rank among the most expensive photographs ever sold—this genre contrasts sharply with more stylized imagery, making it particularly impactful for documentary storytelling.

Mikhail emphasized the unique benefits of film photography in his process. He notes that film’s slower nature allows for greater attention to detail, which, in turn, enhances storytelling. "We frame, focus, and fire with intention," he explains. One of his key tips is to define a set of keywords for your project before shooting. These keywords serve as a guiding framework, ensuring your work remains cohesive and directionally consistent.

Wua Tong Staff, Mikhail Lebedev, Charoenkrung 2024.

We also had the privilege of hosting Mikhail for a hands-on masterclass in Charoenkrung, Bangkok’s historic creative district and the neighborhood where Fotoclub BKK is located. From the beginning, we’ve embraced Charoenkrung as a core theme in our projects, and it was exciting to revisit the area through Mikhail’s visual storytelling. The masterclass offered participants a chance to explore this vibrant district alongside Mikhail, observing how he works and approaches his subjects. Fotoclub arranged a few set locations and models, while other moments unfolded spontaneously, with Mikhail interacting with people in the area and capturing authentic scenes. This mix of planned and organic shooting made for an unforgettable learning experience.

Talat Noi, Angelo Koyfalas, Charoenkrung 2024.

Before concluding our conversations, Mikhail shared one final piece of advice: participate in photo competitions. For him, competitions are an invaluable tool for evaluating the quality of his work and refining his creative vision. “It’s the best way to review your thoughts and gauge if your project is strong enough,” he explains.

Electric Sheep Restaurannt, Kittamet Komjit, Charoenkrung 2024.

Mikhail’s approach brought a fresh perspective to Charoenkrung, highlighting the neighborhood’s unique character through his thoughtful and deliberate style. His ability to engage deeply with both his environment and his subjects added a new layer of depth to our ongoing exploration of this area.

TCDC, Rawipas, Charornkrung 2024.

We are delighted to have had Mikhail Lebedev join us at Fotoclub BKK. For those interested in exploring Deadpan Photography or diving deeper into the art of documentary-style film photography, his talk and masterclass offered invaluable insights and inspiration. Stay tuned for more exciting events at Fotoclub BKK!

Mikhail  Lebedev is a documentary photographer and filmmaker. In 2019 he graduated from School of Modern Photography Docdocdoc. He works as a photographer and DOP. The most important part of his professional life is personal projects. He is inspired by: hidden communities, progress and its consequences. 

http://skaganga.ru/ 

https://www.instagram.com/skaganga/ 

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCWkCGWP1jw/?igsh=YW5mazhkeTQ0eXc5

Masterclass Reel, 2024

Source For photo competition 

https://submit.picter.com/home 

https://fotoroom.co/ 

https://apps.apple.com/app/id1616478342 

https://theviifoundation.org/ 

https://www.noorimages.com/ 

https://phmuseum.com/