JUNE 2021: Featured Artist

Commercial and Fine Art Photographer:
Ben James
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Ben's Instagram

Ben James is a featured photographer based in Sussex in the south of England in the U.K. He is crazy about two things: photography and weather, especially those two things combined. Ben's photos have been featured on BBC and ITV weather forecasts, and he was interviewed about his work for ITV London. He has an extensive commercial portfolio, and his photo "Lovers at Sunset" won the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea #BeMyKC Photo Competition.

​From the age of 12, Ben always had a camera in his hand whenever he went on an outing or on vacation. He has always been drawn to the ability to capture a moment in time. By freezing these moments, it enables the viewer to relive memories and creates a visual document of history.
 
Ben is classically trained in film photography which he studied as part of his Art & Design degree many moons ago. He learnt how cameras function, how to set up shots, but most of all, he produces works that he considers ‘art.’

​Ben’s father, who is also an artist and photographer, has been a strong influence on him. Ben explains, “I was truly inspired by the photos and work he produced whilst living in New York City during his 20’s. His photography as well as his work in the film industry are always proud topics of conversation for me!”
 
Since the digital age of photography began, his passion was continually fueled, and he now works with a professional kit from Canon as his standard. Ben strives to influence people via social media about the joys of photography as well as the rewards and inspirations one can reap from it.​

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The Sanctuary Team has been following Ben's work in social media for quite some time, so we were thrilled to finally make contact to showcase his photos. Ben answers several questions about what inspires him most and how photography has helped him with his personal battle with depression.

London Eye
© Ben James

Freedom of Innocence, Worthing Beach
© Ben James

What generally inspires you to pull your camera out? Is there a common theme throughout your work?

I take inspiration from almost everything out there, from the vastness of space to the macro world of insects. There is always something to capture - this is one of my greatest joys about photography. No two days are the same, and I like to think that my work reflects this. I have a broad spectrum of themes. I am, however, a total sucker for a beautiful sunset (but who isn’t?).

Swan on the Lake, Kensington Gardens
© Ben James

Tower Bridge at Dawn, London
© Ben James

Do you instinctively know when you've gotten a special shot, or are you more often surprised once they've been developed?
 
The short answer is ‘yes.’ The longer version is more complicated. Every now and then, you will come across what seems to be the perfect scene, the perfect moment.  Then, you manage to capture that perfect shot. I can tell you that this is rare. I can count on one hand the number of times this has happened to me. Believe it or not, they tend to be what I call ‘lucky’ shots that lead to a eureka moment.
 
I spend a lot of my time taking multiple shots to capture the image I am after. This is where digital photography has the advantage over film. You can be lazy and take thousands of photos to get the right shot; whereas with film, you have to be disciplined because you are limited to usually 24 or 36 exposures.

Lovers at Sunset (Award-Winning Photo)
© Ben James

What is it that you especially love about photographing the weather and changing environment? Is it the challenge of capturing transient mood and lighting, or is it something else?

For many, the weather can cause disappointment or can disrupt one’s plans for the day. You might look out your window in the morning, see wind and rain, and then think to yourself, ‘Well, there goes my day!’ But for me, it’s the total opposite.
 
Weather is fascinating, and the more you investigate the more fascinating it gets. Using my camera to capture the essence of myriad weather patterns is fun for me! If it’s a wet day, it’s hard to photograph raindrops, unless it’s a torrential downpour. However, if you look at a puddle, you can see the ripples left from rain drops, and that makes for a beautiful shot! Puddles left behind after a storm are fantastic mirrors. You can see these in some of my beach reflection photos, a wonderful way of capturing the landscape then doubling with a mirror reflection!

I guess the thing I love most about weather, particularly here in the UK, is its diversity and ever-changing qualities. I always have something new to capture!

Sunrise Over Worthing Pier 1
© Ben James

Sunrise Over Worthing Pier 3
© Ben James

How has photography helped you with your battle with depression?
 
Photography has helped in two ways with my ongoing battle with depression. 
 
Self-care is always first and foremost, and photography is my therapy. I find it truly therapeutic to put music on and wander out into the world with no agenda of what I aim to photograph. I simply capture things that inspire me as I walk. For me, photography is the perfect distraction. Nine out of ten times, by popping out for a 20 to 30 minute walk, I can usually beat a wave of depression. This has been crucial throughout the COVID pandemic.
 
The second way it helps is by sharing on social media. My photos have helped me to strike new friendships with like-minded people. Through Twitter & Facebook alone, I have amassed some incredible online friends from all over the world, and this helped during hard times. Photography provided the link and gave us a safe space to talk about our mental health. 
 
If I can reach one individual by inspiring them to pick up a camera to help them with mental health, I consider this a victory which builds my own strength. I cannot stress enough what a powerful impact photography and fine art have on mental health and a positive mindset, something I think the world desperately needs right now! 

London's Big Ben
© Ben James

Ealing Broadway Underground
© Ben James

Leake Street Tunnel
© Ben James

Camden Lock
© Ben James

You work in both commercial and fine art photography. Do you have a preference? What do you like about each?
 
I don’t tend to see the division between commercial and fine art. I understand the difference, of course; however, with every photo I take, I use my trained eye to capture a subject with the intent to achieve the best or most exciting way to do that. I have had success with providing weather photos for the BBC & ITV, two major channels in the U.K. It’s a joy to see your work on national television - the thrill never gets old - but those photos are just expressions of me. I know many meteorologists and presenters in the U.S. who run similar schemes for the public.
 
I encourage everyone to get out there and capture the weather. It’s so much easier now that we have smart phones, and the benefits of being outdoors are huge!

Ben at Work