Max Ferguson

Theories, Policies and Practices

Max Ferguson is a photographer, writer and curator. He is the Founder of Oval Press and Splash & Grab Magazine, and the Photo Editor of Granta Magazine. Alongside Cian Oba-Smith, he co-authored The Portrait Photographer’s Manual (Thames & Hudson). Max is the author of two photobooks: Whistling for Owls and Deadfall. Max is a Senior Lecturer in photography at the London College of Communication and a regular visiting lecturer on various photography programmes across the UK. Previous experience includes five years as the Director of Photography of Port Magazine and several as a photo editor at the Financial Times Weekend Magazine. Max recently completed his MA in Photography at UWE in Bristol.

  • arp: lecture slides

    January 30, 2026
  • arp: taking the classroom to the gallery

    In Perceptions, Processes and Practices around Learning in an Art Gallery, Pringle and DeWitt (2014) argue that learning in the gallery context can be understood as a transformative and dialogic process. A distinctive feature of learning at Tate is the central role of artists and artistic practice. Staff identify strong parallels between making art and learning:…

    January 28, 2026
  • arp: ethical action plan

    Attached here is my Ethical Action Plan and Participant Information / Consent Form.

    January 27, 2026
  • arp: intervention reflection

    This workshop, Belonging in the Creative Industries, invited second-year BA Photography students to reflect on their first-year unit, Introduction to Photography, which I redesigned as an early industry collaboration. The wider research question asks how early industry exposure prepares students from diverse backgrounds for later collaborative units and professional expectations, and how its impact on confidence, belonging…

    January 27, 2026
  • arp: Bibliography

    Bodley-Scott, T. and Oymak, E. (2022) University-Industry Partnerships for Positive Change: Transformational Strategic Alliances Towards UN SDGs. Bristol: Bristol University Press. Brook, O., O’Brien, D. and Taylor, M. (2018) Panic! Social Class, Taste and Inequalities in the Creative Industries. London: Create London / Arts Emergency. Cameron, J. (1992) The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity. New…

    January 27, 2026
  • arp: freewriting as a creative tool

    The idea of using freewriting in my workshop emerged from both classroom observation and group tutorial feedback. During an ARP tutorial, Kuljeet Sibia encouraged me to think about belonging not only as a concept but as something embodied and spatial. They suggested body mapping and considering methodology in relation to safety in public or institutional…

    January 27, 2026
  • ARP: LITERATURE RESPONSES

    Bringing the Industry to the Classroom My research question: How does early industry exposure in the first year prepare students from diverse backgrounds for later collaborative units and professional expectations in years two and three, and how can its impact on confidence, belonging, and readiness be observed over time? Creative arts education must prepare students…

    January 27, 2026
  • ARP: CLASSROOM OBSERVATION

    Introduction to Photography Classroom Observation Hayleigh began by establishing a supportive and inclusive learning environment. She opened with a five minute free writing activity and encouraged students to introduce themselves to one another. This helped bridge connections between home and international students and lowered early social barriers. During the first seminar following the industry briefing,…

    January 27, 2026
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