LGBTQ+ History Month: Ciaran Inns on covering less explored aspects of queer life

This LGBTQ+ History Month, we spoke to LCC graduate Ciaran Inns, who recently graduated from MA Commercial Photography. We caught up with Ciaran to discuss his graduation project 'Is He Family?' and his experience at UAL.

Hi Ciaran! Can you briefly introduce yourself? 

My name is Ciaran Inns I’m a photographer from Epsom and I recently finished my MA in Commercial Photography at LCC. Since graduating I’ve been working on my portfolio while assisting other photographers across a range of projects.

In 'Is He Family?', you collaborated with your former Drama teacher - Neil. How did the idea come to you and what was the experience of working with him like?

Me and Neil have become quite close and we’ve always worked on creative projects together. I meet Neil every few weeks for a coffee at his house and it’s only when talking about our friendship to others that I realised it wasn’t hugely common. We’d worked together on some plays and performances in the past, and even had a podcast that was very short lived, so this felt like the perfect opportunity to make something new together.

The interesting thing about this project was that we were going back to the space where he taught me as a teacher but this time I was the one with the vision and he was my collaborator. I wasn’t sure how it would go but working with him was great, he added so much to the project and even the title came from a conversation we had while shooting. It honestly just felt like one of our coffee chats just with the addition of a camera and flashes.

You've described the project as moving "beyond the erotic lens through which queer male identity has often been framed." Why was this important to you personally? 

A lot of queer work, at least in my opinion, is focused on sex and relationships. Nude bodies, latex and often with a shock factor. I’ve always struggled with this work as it’s not something I’m able to relate to. I also think the queer lens has moved beyond that. I totally understand and am grateful for the likes of Robert Mapplethorpe, who’s work created visibility for the queer community during the 70’s and 80’s, but for me it’s more interesting to make work about aspects of queer life that aren’t explored in as much detail that I can relate to. For me, this was also about making work that wasn’t exclusively queer. It's a story about inter-generational friendship with a teacher after finishing school as much as it is about two gay men making work together.

What is it about coded language within the queer community that interests you?

I think it’s partly the fear of it disappearing but also the interest in its history. I was never taught any queer history at school, so learning about coded language is super interesting. I researched into Polari while making the project, which was sort of a rhyming slang used within gay subculture.

While I was completing my MA, I did a project called Hanky Panky which explored the hanky code. This was essentially a way for LGBTQ+ people to communicate their kinks and preferences to each other by using different coloured hankies in either their left or right back pocket. By learning about queer history I feel I am better able to make work today but also have a stronger grounding in myself.

Are there any LGBTQ+ historical figures, or people making history now, that mean a lot to you?

Do you have any future projects planned or a dream topic that you'd like to explore?

What was the highlight of your experience studying at UAL?

For me I think it would be just having so many like-minded individuals around me. Also, being able to go down to the photography department and ask questions and learn about new techniques that I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise. I learned so much from the technical staff and tutors that helped me understand my next steps for the future.

What made you upload your work to UAL Showcase?

Honestly, I was keen to have as many eyes on my work as possible and having my work on UAL Showcase was a fab opportunity to do that. I knew that it could open future avenues as industry people use the site but also it means I get opportunities to give back via interviews like this!

Where can readers see more of your work?

I try to post on my Instagram (@ciaraninns) once a week but for a more refined selection of work I'd recommend my website as the best place.