Whoisbenjamin?
Hi, I’m Ben, a photographer based in Taunton, Somerset.
After leaving school, I served for five years in the Armed Forces with the Royal Engineers. During that time, I lived abroad and travelled extensively, experiences that shaped the way I see the world and, ultimately, how I photograph it. Being immersed in different countries, cultures, and landscapes gave me an appreciation for detail, atmosphere, and storytelling that influences my work today. Today I work for South Western Ambulance Service Trust, where from both of these roles combined I have learnt to work under pressure while maintaining high standards and professionalism.
Other than weddings and events, I’m drawn to landscapes especially the coastline and I have a real love for classic cars. Some of my personal work can be seen here. But photographing people is where I feel most challenged and inspired. Capturing genuine emotion and natural moments is what led me into wedding photography. Weddings combine everything I enjoy, unpredictability, recording an event and the opportunity to document real moments as they unfold. There is an element of pressure, and I like this.
Photography began as a hobby in my late twenties, with no expectations of it becoming anything more. I started out with digital cameras, but over time my curiosity pulled me towards film photography, from classic 35mm cameras to simple point-and-shoots, including the plastic icons of the 80s. Shooting film has taught me to slow down, be intentional, and trust my eye rather than the screen, all of which now feed into my digital work.
FAQs
Where in the forces where you based?
During my early twenties I was based in Paderborn, Germany for 5 years where I worked within an armoured regiment in - The Royal Engineers. My role as a sapper was signaller and APC driver. Within this time frame I spent time in Canada and Iraq.
What career paths have you taken?
When I left school I joined the British Army where I served for 5 years. I was based in Germany, Canada and Iraq. I was a radio operator in the Royal Engineers. I was then a lorry driver & I now work part-time for the NHS in the ambulance service with paramedics on the frontline.
What is your favourite subject to photograph?
I love portraits incorporated into landscapes. I enjoy big open scenes with somebody in the foreground. The adventure travel look on 35mm film is great fun, especially on point and shoot cameras such as my Yashica T3.
If you could travel anywhere for photos, where?
I would love to visit Iceland and also the highlands in Scotland during autumn. Back 2019 I travelled California, to return here and travel around in an RV and shoot dusty outback desert photos be amazing. I love old fuel stations and classic cars.
What motivates you as a photographer?
Photography gets me out and exploring. The impulse of seeing something interesting and wanting to capture it within the boundaries of an image is what I love. When someone tells me I can’t make them look good in a photo I see it as a challenge. My grandad used to let me play with his cameras when I was really little and I think it could stem from this.
Do you think you’ll ever stop taking photos?
I hope not! I have 5 digital cameras, 12 film cameras and a fridge packed full of film. With film photography I am always intrigued of what old cameras can do and how different films will give a different result.
