Confessions of a Portrait Photographer

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  • Опубліковано 26 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 221

  • @blossombaytalks
    @blossombaytalks Місяць тому +19

    This really resonated with me. The fact that you didn’t have traditional training… that’s the magic. It’s why your work feels so raw and alive. Your portraits have an unfiltered honesty, like they’re telling stories only you could see. It’s proof that the best art comes from breaking rules, not following them. Inspiring stuff.

  • @thatcreole9913
    @thatcreole9913 Місяць тому +9

    I love the brutal honesty here. Ben is one of the realist photographers out there. Truly an inspiration. Amazing work man. Huge fan.

  • @bwitek
    @bwitek 26 днів тому +1

    You just gave the best possible advice to any aspiring portrait photographer. Humanity, empathy, connection! Great work Ben!

  • @albertosandoval9777
    @albertosandoval9777 Місяць тому +8

    It´s so comforting to see humble people doing amazing work. Yeah, taking good portraits it´s more complicated that you can ever imagine when entering this world. Thanks for sharing this.

  • @mikeyjhn
    @mikeyjhn Місяць тому +5

    In most of the images the expression is amazing. The eyes, each person is giving something of themselves and you are open to see and capture that, a fluid connection. Some great compositions and poses but the eyes, wow. Good work should be in print you should consider self publishing a big book or series of books of portraits. 👏

  • @jjkdc62
    @jjkdc62 Місяць тому +7

    Easily the most interesting and inspiring photography-related video I've watched in a while. Thanks man!

  • @AndySnap
    @AndySnap Місяць тому +12

    What a fabulous 'portfolio' of photos, in a brilliantly edited video. A cut above...🙏

  • @LifestyleBoudoir
    @LifestyleBoudoir Місяць тому +4

    Hey Ben- just wanted to say that this has to be my favorite video you've done to date. So good! The passion is evident. But also, how humble you are about your art. Thanks man!

  • @TheVicLopez
    @TheVicLopez Місяць тому +8

    Fuck dude! That one really hit me in the feels. I love how passionate you are about portraits.
    I absolutely love people who get super passionate about something they love, no matter what that is.

  • @markledingham4942
    @markledingham4942 Місяць тому +6

    I used to shoot portraits as part of my job. Something that always gave me the most out of photography. And although I don’t shoot so many portraits now, they are always what I long to do all over again. Thank you for a spiritually deep film; this is a wonderful reawakening.

  • @billgreen4514
    @billgreen4514 Місяць тому +4

    I love these images you allow people to show up, to present themselves as they are, you don't get in the way of that and you have a great eye. Looking forward to seeing more from you soon !

  • @photo818
    @photo818 Місяць тому +4

    I watch tons of UA-cam photography videos and take them for what they’re worth and then there comes along videos that just resonate with me, this video is one of those, amazing video and felt what you describe

  • @NeoPlatina2009
    @NeoPlatina2009 Місяць тому +5

    Love this video. Loved. Every. Word. Words of wisdom that hit right at home. Thank you.

  • @filibertkraxner305
    @filibertkraxner305 Місяць тому +3

    Wow, you articulated the why and how of taking portraits better than I ever could. And I completely agree: it's all about empathy. When you make a true connection with your model, magic can happen. Had a chuckle, because I also couldn't say if my pre-planned or improvised shoots produce the best images. In my experience, it could be both. I shoot both portraits and dance, and I approach those very similarly to you. Love your work!

  • @JeffreyHauser
    @JeffreyHauser Місяць тому +2

    Beautiful images! Thank you for sharing them with us. I remember LIFE Magazine & LOOK Magazine as a little boy growing up. I enjoyed the beautiful images in these magazines, but I really didn’t know why I enjoyed them so much. Fast forward to about 35-40 years later & I had become a full time photographer. Funny how things work out. Best wishes for your career & YT Channel. Cheers & safe travels.😊

  • @EdwardBartel
    @EdwardBartel Місяць тому +5

    As I said on BSky, this is a lovely piece of art. The photography, but also how you tell the story and move through the video in full. Well done, sir!

  • @JohnPatrickWeiss
    @JohnPatrickWeiss Місяць тому +5

    “You have to be brave to take someone’s picture.” Great thought. I remember your Q2 portrait work-how you captured such amazing shots within the limitation of that 28mm lens. Amazing work.

  • @photofervorphotography4997
    @photofervorphotography4997 Місяць тому +4

    Truly remarkable - a gripping watch and story telling - your work is inspirational and a joy to see - well done and keep producing.

  • @timskinnercanada
    @timskinnercanada Місяць тому +2

    This was outstanding Ben. I really dig what you’re saying. When you take an honest and thoughtful portrait of another human being you become connected with them in a very profound and permanent way. It actually changes your relationship with them. A bond is forged. Have you found that? I’m sure you have.

  • @kosmidts
    @kosmidts Місяць тому +3

    Great story telling video and very inspiring Ben!! Awesome portraits!! Thanks!!

  • @michaelrichardson484
    @michaelrichardson484 23 дні тому +1

    I’ve worked on an off as a photographer for about 40 years. I did some basic commercial photography for advertising companies and model shots, portraits. Your style is different and I really enjoy it. The shallow depth the field you use to capture the eyes and the emotions of your subject is inspiring.👍

  • @andrewcroft2570
    @andrewcroft2570 Місяць тому +4

    Great video and truly outstanding portraits.

  • @bartpeterleroy932
    @bartpeterleroy932 Місяць тому +1

    Ben, just a great video again, you are a star artist with a genuine, impressive style both in the way you tell stories and the portraits you take! Love it, I lap it up, again and again. Thank you for inspiring us!

  • @seanandrewin2531
    @seanandrewin2531 Місяць тому +2

    Very riveting videos, so much passion behind those words, and it was shown in the work being presented

  • @Ratsters
    @Ratsters Місяць тому +2

    WOW, WOW, and WOW again! There is so much BS on the Web right now that it's crazy, but your UA-cam comes along, and YES, my faith in the human race is back on again. Thanks for the honesty and courage to admit your weakness and passion! Cheers.

    • @adventureStaley
      @adventureStaley  Місяць тому

      Thanks so much for stopping by and for the kind words

  • @jayocotube6483
    @jayocotube6483 Місяць тому +2

    Consistently some of the best stuff on UA-cam! Great job, Ben.

  • @alexfrederickson1540
    @alexfrederickson1540 Місяць тому +2

    I don’t know what to say. I forgot to breathe watching this. Ben, just know that what that first portrait photographer was and is for you, you are for me, for many of us. Don’t stop.

  • @1946gsp
    @1946gsp Місяць тому +2

    Thanks for sharing your personal journey. You’re a man of immense talent and sensitivity.

  • @mickeli7155
    @mickeli7155 Місяць тому +2

    "ive learn every time I pick up a camera" I liked that.

  • @smalltalk.productions9977
    @smalltalk.productions9977 Місяць тому +1

    thank you for the effort and the sharing. a great vibe and the pix are even better. BIG thumbs up.

  • @chrisjackson3144
    @chrisjackson3144 Місяць тому +1

    Wow! Such an inspirational video. It's not often that I click the like button but I had to here. Not just that, I had to look you up on Instagram and follow you. Your work is incredible! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

  • @anguyen800
    @anguyen800 Місяць тому +2

    You taught me a lesson in real life . Empathy , yes , empathy and feeling the feeling of the person you photograph . Yes , the person you photograph , not a model per se . And I thank you and appreciate that .

  • @FrankThom
    @FrankThom Місяць тому +1

    Keep going man! And thanks for your videos. Its always a highlight when I see that you’ve shared something Ben. Truly inspiring.

  • @FrankLewis-nl
    @FrankLewis-nl Місяць тому +2

    Wow! Beautiful work and an amazing video!!

  • @stevegodsell
    @stevegodsell Місяць тому +2

    Thank you so much for sharing this video in such an honest way. I’ve been struggling to shoot recently after not getting any client feedback after a shoot I was doing as a favour. Seeing you video has made me want to go shoot again; thank you 🙏

  • @gregoryhauser1506
    @gregoryhauser1506 Місяць тому +1

    Great work !!!. I like your portrait style, I think it’s more still life because you capture those genuine moments and their personality too. As they say the eyes is the window into the sole. Thank you for your struggle because it’s mine as well!

  • @ralfbiking
    @ralfbiking Місяць тому +2

    Thank you so much for sharing! I am Impressed.

  • @craiggreville2565
    @craiggreville2565 Місяць тому +2

    Fantastic video and stunning work - a real inspiration

  • @janromo9753
    @janromo9753 Місяць тому +3

    Ben, Wow! Thanks! Left me speechless.

  • @legofanessex
    @legofanessex Місяць тому +1

    What a fabulous video. I loved the bit about matching your frequency to your subject.

  • @captaincook6283
    @captaincook6283 Місяць тому +2

    Oh My Goodness, that is One of the Most inspiring videos concerning photography on UA-cam that I have seen in awhile. I don’t do it very often, but that made an instant followership from my side. I think this will inspire my Instagram channel a lot thank you so much and looking forward for more content.

  • @TankDude
    @TankDude Місяць тому +3

    Those are some powerful portraits right there... Killer job!

  • @fluvin66
    @fluvin66 Місяць тому +4

    I love you man. .. And your portraits are amazing.

  • @Diggler72
    @Diggler72 Місяць тому +1

    Stunning work. It does help that all the models are stunning too.

    • @adventureStaley
      @adventureStaley  Місяць тому

      Thank you. Funny thing is… the prettier a person is, the easier it is to take a bad picture. To not fully capture their beauty.

  • @mikekerouac3452
    @mikekerouac3452 Місяць тому +2

    Incredible work. Very inspiring. Thank you.

  • @jbrodersen
    @jbrodersen Місяць тому +1

    Thanks for a look into your world, great portraits and great to hear your thoughts on taking portraits.....

  • @kenmarceau6841
    @kenmarceau6841 Місяць тому +1

    This is so compelling and inspiring to me! I’m trying to get into portraits and this video is helping me take this challenge and myself more seriously. Thank you so much for making and posting your story.

  • @ZZ.91
    @ZZ.91 Місяць тому +3

    I don’t comment your vidéos, althought I Watch every one with interest, but this one Ben is powerful ! Thanks !
    Your portraits are raw and beautiful. Models help a lot, They feel (man or woman) very confident and kind of proud.
    Is that always the case ? Or you feed them with your energy and then they reveals themself ?

    • @adventureStaley
      @adventureStaley  Місяць тому +1

      Thanks very much. I feel like we arrive at this place together. It really is about matching energy.

    • @ZZ.91
      @ZZ.91 Місяць тому

      @@adventureStaley that's great, and inspiring !

  • @backyardjunkie
    @backyardjunkie Місяць тому +1

    Whoooop Ben, right on time and just what I needed, funny when that happens, thanks for the passion dude.....

  • @danbrowning2418
    @danbrowning2418 Місяць тому +1

    This is one of the most inspiring videos I have seen on UA-cam in a long time. I had never heard of you before, nor seen your work. But I am grateful that I tripped across this video. You've recharged my batteries.

    • @adventureStaley
      @adventureStaley  Місяць тому +1

      Really appreciate this. Thank you very much.

  • @robertemunds7750
    @robertemunds7750 Місяць тому +2

    Hi Ben, greetings from a fan in Brazil. What a great video. I love portraiture and I am planning to do more of it. After your video my mindset became - don’t plan just fucking do it. Thank you for the inspiration.

  • @76steps
    @76steps Місяць тому +1

    Thanks so much for sharing your journey. No wonder that lady wanted to take your portrait. You were a very attractive young man. Your portraits are amazing and your videos are inspiring on here. Please keep them coming

  • @larrywilliamson7227
    @larrywilliamson7227 Місяць тому

    The eve changing focus is mesmerizing, the story telling is stellar, the inspiration is palpable. Thank you for sharing yourself.

  • @domannicette
    @domannicette Місяць тому +2

    Powerful video. Powerful message. Very inspirational. Thank you.

  • @maurokruuse8891
    @maurokruuse8891 Місяць тому +1

    Incredible photos... what a major source of inspiration.
    Thanks for sharing. Greetings from Argentina.

    • @adventureStaley
      @adventureStaley  Місяць тому +1

      Thanks very much. I want to go to Argentina BAD

  • @profoto7
    @profoto7 Місяць тому +3

    beautiful beautiful images

  • @CollectedLight1
    @CollectedLight1 Місяць тому +3

    Wow! Mesmerizing.

  • @jjbs58
    @jjbs58 Місяць тому +2

    Benjamin is very very modest . . . the guy knows exactly what hes doing, what gear he needs for the shoot, and the lighting he feels like shooting in. Regardless of what he says in a video. HIs video work apparently served him very well as his compositions are very rich in content and dedication- easy to tell. Sure wish he'd somehow talk a little more about the mechanics of what he does,...cause he is very good at what he loves. He does have serious skill though,...getting complete strangers to meet him or take them to a bridge in LA . . . to take pictures. When I first saw some of his videos.... I thought -what is this guy up to . . . but then I saw the lighting, the shadows, the textures of the back grounds....-the natural lighting arrangements the bridge supplied - and the photo thing clicked in me and thought - what a freggin' genius... Ben is very very good at what he does . . . regardless of what he says.

    • @adventureStaley
      @adventureStaley  Місяць тому

      Thanks so much for taking the time and for the kind words Jack. It means a whole heck of a lot.

  • @MichaelPearce-bo4id
    @MichaelPearce-bo4id Місяць тому +1

    Best Photo video Ive seen in a long time, very inspiring!

  • @adamcook6396
    @adamcook6396 Місяць тому +2

    I'm gonna hafta watch this one over and over. Makes me want to run through a wall with my camera and go take portraits.

  • @timlewis3834
    @timlewis3834 Місяць тому

    Almost didn’t click on this video, portraits are not my thing. Typically they’re a little on the boring side, not yours, of course. Your style is unbelievably captivating. Within 15 seconds I was hooked.
    My first thought was that your images look like stills from a video, very striking and powerful. Then, of course, he’s a filmmaker. Wonderfully unique images, thank you for sharing them. And what a tremendous storyteller he is too.
    These aren’t just portraits, I can’t really put into words, but they’re so much more than just a split second capture of their lives. Each shot really does tell a story.
    Going to go finish the video now, then probably binge the rest of them.

    • @adventureStaley
      @adventureStaley  Місяць тому

      Thank you for taking the time to watch 🙏🏼🙏🏼 and for the kind words

  • @raulquinones-rosado3332
    @raulquinones-rosado3332 Місяць тому +1

    Amazing work. The photography. The filmmaking. The philosophy. Bravo!

  • @Anna-gv7vo
    @Anna-gv7vo Місяць тому +2

    Wonderful photos!

  • @craigcawkwellphotography
    @craigcawkwellphotography Місяць тому +1

    Great video, great inspiration, love your work.

  • @donjagoe
    @donjagoe Місяць тому +1

    Dear Ben-Oh boy, brilliant. This beautiful film could not have come at a better time. I’m about to start a new project centered around a group of musicians and I intend it to largely intimate portraits. Thank you for a fantastic look at your vision.

  • @mathieucaron4957
    @mathieucaron4957 Місяць тому +1

    The eyes of those who are not used to seeing a camera always bring out something unique. You now have to go quite far to find them, but it's still possible!

  • @jamesmonahan9408
    @jamesmonahan9408 Місяць тому +3

    "There are no rules": I head Michael Muller once say that he didnt want to be in some school in a box with rules. 'Dont tell me how to photograph what I want to photograph."
    Mybest and favorite photos are ones I didn't think about. Just shoot.
    Great insight! Thx.

  • @KeithHodgkinson
    @KeithHodgkinson Місяць тому +1

    Excellent portraits and motivation.👍

  • @jadephotography1
    @jadephotography1 Місяць тому +1

    Wonderful video and story. Thank you

  • @saltdiaries
    @saltdiaries Місяць тому +1

    this has transcended everything I felt about art and life. thank you mate! from australia I am so inspired by your words

    • @adventureStaley
      @adventureStaley  Місяць тому

      Hey thanks so much for this. It was in Australia all fall and just love it.

  • @hakanarl9461
    @hakanarl9461 Місяць тому +1

    very inspiring .... thanks for posting such a video

  • @vividmemories8883
    @vividmemories8883 Місяць тому +2

    A great photo is subjective whether it goes by the rules for best type of photo or what inspires you at the moment.

  • @Santafefashionweek
    @Santafefashionweek Місяць тому +1

    Great video, your an amazing photographer as well as a wonderful film maker

    • @adventureStaley
      @adventureStaley  Місяць тому

      Thank you very much 🙏🏼🙏🏼 I want to come to Santa Fe Fashion week!

  • @ulhasarolkar
    @ulhasarolkar 7 днів тому +1

    Simply beautiful!

  • @GOCCOPROUK
    @GOCCOPROUK Місяць тому +2

    Great........... I feel it!

  • @TiborJager
    @TiborJager Місяць тому +1

    The shallow focus is nice, but it is changing in the presentation, so we can not know if like this was the original photo or is due to the processing for the presentation.

  • @greatpix
    @greatpix Місяць тому +2

    First off, you're a better photographer than I was. You've shot with more people than I have. I predicate this on what I saw in your video, and I wanted to say this to every photographer out there. In this video all I saw were shallow depth of field images. You may have thousands of other images with other looks. In that case I'm off the mark and apologize. My concern is that when a photographer's look becomes their only look, that look has become a crutch and begins to hold the photographer back from growing. One way I combated this was by always collaborating with the model and incorporating their ideas and preferences into the shoot so that no two shoots I did looked exactly the same. I did this originally by having the model bring in photos from magazines that she really liked. I'd go over them with her, asking what it was about the photo she liked. Later it became the same concept but gathering images off the Internet.
    I was one of those photographers who encouraged models to bring a friend, preferably a female friend or relative as they were another set of eyes and could sometimes point out something I wasn't seeing because the model and I were lost in shooting. Maybe something about her hair or clothing that corrected then would save a lot of work in post.
    BTW, I was an OC brat. I did a lot of location shoots in LA but at mansions and interesting homes. My career was going well. I even shot a pictorial for Playboy's website and was scheduled for more but then PB had a budget crunch and laid off the entire section I had just joined. I had my plans to shoot at 4th St in LA, as have every photographer in LA for decades. The shoot I missed out on because of the client/model getting sick during a beach shoot the day before, was at the Chateau Marmont. We were going to do a little homage to a shoot Marilyn Monroe had shot there for Life magazine. Not long after that I started to have some bad health issues with my legs and back and within a year had to quit photography.

  • @lestergutierrez6826
    @lestergutierrez6826 Місяць тому +1

    Loved this…, I am still rattled about a photoshoot I gathered the courage to make, I was scared and nervios…, and it was awesome…, I was touch by your video…🙏🏻

  • @StéphaneFerrer
    @StéphaneFerrer Місяць тому +1

    Inspiring video as always!! Amazing body of work, we can see your own style, very intense and deep. Bravo!!

  • @oleksandrmedvid5505
    @oleksandrmedvid5505 Місяць тому +1

    thanks for the work and inspiration

  • @teodavid739
    @teodavid739 Місяць тому +1

    great video. inspiring and motivating

  • @roadcrewfilms
    @roadcrewfilms Місяць тому +1

    Spectacular channel!

  • @stupest
    @stupest Місяць тому +1

    Thanks for your video. It has inspired me to keep taking pics.

  • @davidbiddlecombe8602
    @davidbiddlecombe8602 Місяць тому +3

    Wow, that inspires me

  • @mahdiali6732
    @mahdiali6732 Місяць тому +2

    Very inspiring

  • @andikunar7183
    @andikunar7183 Місяць тому +1

    Amazing video, wow, thanks a lot!

  • @rodcage1111
    @rodcage1111 Місяць тому +1

    Great video, I felt everything you said down to the core.

  • @jlaw8882
    @jlaw8882 Місяць тому +3

    More portrait shoots Ben ❤

    • @adventureStaley
      @adventureStaley  Місяць тому +1

      More are coming. Thank you.

    • @jlaw8882
      @jlaw8882 Місяць тому +1

      @@adventureStaley Your portraits are amazing and the studio really does add that unique element.

  • @street.studio
    @street.studio Місяць тому +1

    WAW! I love your work

  • @cshevlin
    @cshevlin Місяць тому

    Well done. Inspirational! Thank you.

  • @michaelhuttphotography9470
    @michaelhuttphotography9470 Місяць тому +1

    Such honest work....

  • @carlossouthward8578
    @carlossouthward8578 Місяць тому +1

    Luv it!

  • @theparkerstudio
    @theparkerstudio Місяць тому +1

    Thank you for such a thought-provoking presentation -- I loved the blur effect, as it forced me to focus on the portraits in a different way (my curiosity is peaked -- if you don't mind, what video editor and effect did you use to achieve this?). Again what a wonderful video -- one of the few times viewing portraits had me at the edge of my seat.

    • @adventureStaley
      @adventureStaley  Місяць тому

      Thanks very much. I use FCPX and it was a focus blur effect. I just used keyframing to move the blurs location. Kindof did it on a whim and stuck with it. Super easy. Appreciate the time.

    • @theparkerstudio
      @theparkerstudio Місяць тому +1

      @@adventureStaley Thanks for your reply. If you haven't done so already, please publish a book of portraits -- I would purchase it in a heartbeat!

  • @Anna-gv7vo
    @Anna-gv7vo Місяць тому +2

    Go and find Linda! Just do it! Honour her if she was your first inspiration!

  • @rbnootan101
    @rbnootan101 Місяць тому +1

    Great video. 👍👌

  • @TraceyWilliamslifeandart
    @TraceyWilliamslifeandart Місяць тому +2

    Thank you.

  • @adriantsing
    @adriantsing Місяць тому

    You're such an inspiration. Thank you

  • @ultramuc466
    @ultramuc466 Місяць тому +1

    Ben I am so much in love with your channel, one of my favourites 👌 I really love your portrait editing is it something you would share to the rest of us I mean how you edit them. Do you use gaussian blur to get that creamy soft effect?
    Best regards Martin from Munich

    • @adventureStaley
      @adventureStaley  Місяць тому +1

      Thank you Martin. I used a blur effect in the video but never do that in my stills editing. I may get better persuaded to show my process but I do VERY little actually. So it might be underwhelming. Get the light and the composition right and find a connection with the subject and that’s all it takes.

  • @GoodLifeInSpain
    @GoodLifeInSpain Місяць тому +2

    Thanks for giving me inspiration to get off my ass and pick up my camera again!

  • @LensForgotten
    @LensForgotten Місяць тому +2

    Raw Excellent.