Behind the lens

Cian Oba-Smith: Affinity

How old are you?

23

Where are you based?

London

How do you make a living?

Photography

What camera do you use?

Mamiya RZ67 & Leica M6

How has travel made an impact on your life?

Seeing how people interact differently with their environment and ultimately how adaptable the human spirit is has opened my eyes and mind to other ways of existing within cultures around the world. This has led me to come to the conclusion that regardless of race, gender or age we are all alike deep down, we all strive for the same wants and needs.

What does adventure mean to you?

Adventure is uncertainty, excitement and freedom.


I saw this cross lit up at night on top of a hill on my way into Akureyri and knew I had to photograph it. I left my hostel at around midnight and walked for an hour through the town and up an icy hill nearly falling over several times. When I got there I realised it was in a cemetery. I hadn’t seen anyone the entire time I was walking there and was feeling a bit jumpy but I persevered and stood around in the dark for half an hour making this picture.

I was drawn to this riders designer clothes and the way he merged with his quadbike almost becoming one object. This is from a series I shot called ‘Bikelife’ its about a group of urban bikers who ride in the industrial estates of London. I was interested in the rebellious nature of the group and the way they romanticised riding.

Walking through Akureyri at night I saw this strange red glow coming from behind a hill. I made my way towards it and realised it was coming from someone’s home. The urban areas of Iceland are full of magical lights at night, most likely a connection to their folk heritage.

Skinny dipping with Aurore in a river in Cessenon, France was such a liberating feeling. We floated around for a few hours soaking in the sun, ate a picnic and watched the kingfishers dance across the water. Afterwards we cycled back and watched a lightning storm along the way. A perfect day.

The light was fading as I took this portrait. The balaclava forces you to read him from the little details, his clothes, his posture and his eyes. This is from a series I shot called ‘Bikelife’ its about a group of urban bikers who ride in the industrial estates of London. I was interested in the rebellious nature of the group and the way they romanticised riding.

We spent the day walking along the cliffs of Tory Island, Ireland. The island has a population of just 96 and this photograph is of one of the two towns. Afterwards we swam naked in the Atlantic sea and wandered back to the only hotel on the island.

Watching the fireworks from Brandon hill, Bristol with my dear friends. It felt like an ordinary moment in life then but it seems magical when I look back on it.

My cousin Greg is a unique individual and a sensitive soul. It’s become a ritual for Greg, my brother and I to go swimming in the ponds every summer. This is from the first year that we began doing this.

Dads stomach after his second cancer surgery. This image means a lot to me. It reminds me of the fragility of life and the brutal nature of cancer but also the strength and resilience of the human body.


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