Human nature and the human condition are the foundational elements of Thomas Main’s lens-based practice. These themes are surveyed to reflect the complexities of vulnerability and ethical flaws—ranging from intimate explorations of the male body to sharp critiques of political ego. The critical perspective necessary for this work is developed through research into books, newspaper articles, news programming, and film, providing both historical and contemporary context. The human presence may appear either directly or in abstract form within the finished work, underpinned by a consistent thread of political critique. Main primarily works with photographic film and wet print processes, favouring black and white, though colour is employed when the project necessitates it. Utilising large-format film negatives in the darkroom, he produces highly detailed prints by hand. This intensive process enables a nuanced use of shadow and tonal separation to subtly reveal the work’s inherent depth and complexity, establishing a strong conceptual link between technical execution and the project’s source material. The resulting prints are made on fibre-based warm-tone paper. In some cases, Main incorporates mark-making directly into the print process to deepen the narrative or visual impact. Projects are often extended into the creation of handmade artist books, expanding the work’s conceptual scope and physical presentation Prior to graduating from the Glasgow School of Art with a first class BA(Hons) Fine Art Photography degree, Thomas Main was a freelance editorial photographer commissioned by the UK national press, magazines and corporate clients.