Where did you grow up and did that place influence your work?
I grew up in my hometown London. It's endlessly influential, being a melting pot of global culture with a vibrant night life and forever growing skyline, everywhere I go in London gets my braining thinking in creative ways and further develops my eye in photography.
How did you get into photography?
I've always been into photography since before I can remember. When I was a kid I used to save up my choir/pocket money, go buy disposable cameras and take picture of whatever random things a 8 year old would photograph. One of my earliest memories is being on a family holiday and getting my hands on my dad's old camcorder, I don't think I put it down once that entire trip.
What’s been the biggest highlight in your career so far?
Being flown out to Cap Ferret, South of France, by Harper's Bazaar to photograph Paco Rabanne's house was pretty cool.
Is there a project you’ve been wanting to shoot but not had a chance to yet? Dream subject?
I've always wanted to get my hands on a large format camera and have a studio space set up for a week to shoot portraits of peoples faces just after they have taken a big bite out of something really really sour. It's a bit of a random project but I thunk it would look great with the unique details and expressions in everyonesfaces on large format film. I've wanted to do it for years and make the photo's into a glossy coffee table book but I've still not got round to it.
Which photographer has most influenced your work and why? Which photography book do you keep returning to?
David LaChappelle was always a photographer who's work I loved while studying photography at university. None of my work really looks like any of his but I always admired his crazy style and wacky ideas.
What purchase of £100 or less has most positively impacted your life in the last six months or recently?
This is very random and completely off the topic of photography but my answer is a set of digital food scales. I have recently become completely obsessed with making bread and this set of digital scales get so much use its crazy. Each sourdough loaf is its own little adventure and the sense of achievement and joy I feel when the loaf looks how its supposed to when taking it out the oven is something close to that feeling when wrapping up at the end of a 5 day shoot that went so well you cant wait to get stuck into the edit send the client the finished photos.
Do you have a significant failure in your career that has helped drive your subsequent success?
I cant think of one big life changing error but I am very critical of myself and a bit of a perfectionist, so every little thing that doesn't go exactly how I plan, I spend a lot of time reflecting on and learning how to overcome that problem in the future. I think this almost OCD headspace is what pushes me to always be better than my last shoot, driving me to be the best of the best.
What is one of the best or most worthwhile investments you’ve ever made (could be money, time, energy etc)?
My new laptop (which is now already 5 years old!) was an unquestionable absolute game changer for me. What used to take me minutes on photoshop now takes seconds and for me that was such a big step in my workflow. Investing the money saved me time editing and a lot of energy. Not to mention I can now shoot tethered on shoots which is so great when working on location with my clients.
What is one unusual habit or an absurd thing that you love?
I have a secret passion for writing rap lyrics. Occasionally I get to perform them in front of crowds.
In the last five years, what new belief, behaviour, or habit has most improved your life?
I really got into Taoism a few years ago. The whole Taoist philosophy really resonated with me and as difficult as it may be at times, just staying calm and remembering everything is happening at the pace it's meant to with your best interests in mind is a great way to stay balanced within yourself. In the same breath though you have to get out there and make things happen. What energy you put out is the energy you get back.
What recommendations do you have for someone wanting to become a photographer? Or what advice do you wish you’d heard before starting out?
Keep it cheap until you know where you want to go within photography. Its an expensive sport and diving in the deep end, kit wise, without any experience or knowledge of who you are as a photographer can be a big waste of money. Take your time and explore your interests. Learn to produce professional products with average kit and imagine what results you'll achieve when you get you hands on the pro kit. Photography is not a job, its a lifestyle.
When you are feeling creatively stuck, what do you do or what do you ask yourself?
Putting on some music can really help the creative juices flow and definitely helps me make quick and effective decisions on set, if its appropriate on a shoot I always like to have music playing and I always find listening to music while editing can give me a new serge of energy. Alternatively, if I have time and a brief is still in the development stages, sleeping on ideas and having time to meditate on them always proves useful.
What is unique in your work or approach that separates you from other photographers?
In my eyes everything is possible and you have to do what you have to do to get the shot. Work hard on set and do everything you can to achieve the clients needs, but most importantly, ensure everyone is having fun while we work together.
How important do you think social media output and engagement is in the create industry? Has the impact been positive or negative?
Social media is a great platform for showcasing your work and reaching out to people you might not of been able to contact before. When approached with discipline and a levelled head it can be a really positive and useful tool and also an enjoyable passtime for connecting with people. Unfortunately, I think it can be as equally destructive or negative if too much of the wrong time is spent on it.
If you weren’t a photographer - what would you be?
I genuinely have no idea what I would do with my life if I could no longer be a photographer... maybe start a rap career?..
To book Ben to photograph your London interiors or food and drink shoot please get in touch with us for a quote.
