Ben

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Ben


Meeting the pregnant princess of the forest - The Netherlands

Meeting the young prince of the forest "Bambi" in the forgotten park of Caste Gunterstein. Well in this case it looks more like a pregnant princess! Such a quiet and forgotten park since we didn't met anybody during our 2 hour walk. That's very rare in Holland ;-)
It's my most faved photo over 3000 faves and 130.000 views.I love to wander around at Flickr. There are so many talented people here. I wish I could be one of them. I'm trying to created my own style and hope people can recognize my photos without seeing my name.


There's a story for every homeless - Laos

I tried to focus more on outdoor portraits photos. I’m learning that portrait photography can be tough in more than one way. Capturing a portrait of somebody is one of the hardest things to get right. The trick is to remember that it is as much about recording the subject's personality as it is about simply photographing their face. But on the street you don't have the time like in a studio. Just a few seconds the catch a glimpse of somebody. Not all portraits need to have a smile, capture the serious emotions too. Some of my favorite portraits have no hint of a smile in them, and they’re highly emotional. The shadow is an important part of the image. A dominantly dark or low-key image will naturally draw your eyes to the lighter parts. These tend to have a grittier and harder look to them than the high-key images. I hope you like my portrait photo's.

1: How long have you been involved in photography?
I started making photo's at the age of 8. I took my mother's old belly-camera from around 1950 to take some photo's at my first school trip to the Zoo. The shutter speed was determine by the speed of your finger! Later on, it was done in the dark room. Nowadays life is more easier with Photoshop!

2: Equipment you use?
I can shoot with any camera. A camera is just a tool like paint brushes for a painter.
Do you ever ask a painter which brushes he uses for his painting? I think only the results
counts ;-)

3: Mac or PC?
No MAC for me. iHate Mac. Apple often thinks they know better than consumers. I'm for sure for some consumers they do - but not for me ;-)

4: What inspires you?
The beauty of our planet Earth. I like to show it in my work. Surprise people and trying to surprise myself. A good photo starts with a good shot. Making photo's is one thing, editing is the other. Control both and perfect picture will become in range. Recently I notice that perfection is boring. I think photography is about the beauty of imperfection. Maybe one should strive to perfection of imperfection.

5: Preferred subject matter?
I try to shoot all kind of things; nature, flora, fauna. people, action, buildings, abstract, macro and even surreal. Every subject needs its own specialism. This is a challenge and fun at the same time :)
That's why I'm feeling more like a 'decathlon' photographer than being superb in one subject. But most credit will go to my nature images and portraits. I've traveled all around the world and seen beautiful scenery's but remember that a good photo can be taken anywhere even in your own neighborhood.

6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
I'm just happy with the things I've captured so far. There is ofcourse PS where dreams can make true. . .

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
Sometimes I ask my daughter Samantha should I post photo A or B. She's got an eye for it.

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
A 100% amateur.

9: Plans for the future?
Planning my second Blurb book - My best photo of Laos. It's a lovely country where experienced travelers will appreciate breathtaking scenery and ofcourse the friendly people.

10: In one word, describe your photography.
Magic