‘The greatest thing a human soul ever does in this world is to see something and tell what it saw in a plain way… To see clearly is poetry, prophecy and religion, all in one.’ – Ruskin
About Ben
Why the ‘English Photographer’, perhaps for the poetic charm of England’s pastoral landscapes and pretty, postcard panoramas? The reality is more prosaic; my early attempts at search engine optimisation while photographing around the world. Now, largely back in England, my photographs must stand to set my approach apart.
Why hire a photographer at all? Smartphones have been the most popular cameras for years now, and we all have at least one. We also, however, have pens for years, and while I studied Literature & Philosophy at one of England’s best universities, I’ve never written anything to rival Shakespeare or Eliot. I also have a set of spanners, but beyond maintenance, I trust my mechanic with my car. These are the two reasons; art and craft Both must be developed. I’ve spent decades learning both so that I can help you get the results you desire.
What results? A survey found that photo albums were what most people would save in a fire. Now, our memories are digital and will probably persist for generations to come. In fact, quite a few of my friends still have the same portraits I made of them on Facebook many years later! A portrait is more than a passport picture. Done properly, it preserves something of the subject’ soul. This is where art and magic come together; and perhaps a bit of serendipity, too.
Desire begins principally in the eyes before creating a deep want in the mind. From people to property, to places and products; the camera can flatter far more than any straight truth. Add in Photoshop and the ability to intricately balance images according to colour theory and symbolism, and we can create truly compelling pictures that will help your audience feel and act as you’d like them to. I’m sure you can remember some powerful photographs now that have burned in and will change the way you see the world for years.
Good art transcends language to communicate cross-culturally, affecting the unconscious as much as the thinking mind. From Jungian archetypes to gestalt theory, philosophers, psychologists and marketers have developed an efficient, refined approach to tell stories and move people. This is the pinnacle of the craft, and it’s what I’ve devoted my life to studying and applying. The results, ultimately, are what you’re investing in.
Enough words; a picture tells a thousand more, and of the hundreds of thousands I’ve created over the years, I hope you’ll enjoy browsing through the few I’ve curated for you here.
Ben
Based in Midhurst, over the hill from Goodwood and Home of British Polo
Commissions taken in London, across the UK and worldwide