Conversations with Ben Wilson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ben Wilson

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up in Tennesse and Ohio and spent most of my early adulthood in Colorado. Having gone to film school in Denver and seeking more opportunities, I moved like many do to Los Angeles about 9 years ago. I got started working in a handful of major photo studios as a stage manager, and eventually full-time at a local commercial production company. However through a series of company layoffs, I decided to return to my first passion, which was Photography., and being in the world of film and tv production already I found myself pursuing entering the Local 600 Camera union to be a Unit Still Photographer. I love being on set and being able to work with so many different talented artist and having the honor of showcasing and archiving their work is a dream as storyteller myself.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have been countless obstacles and challenges, especially over the course of the last few years as the amount of production in LA has really diminished. The tricky thing with my position is if a shoot is scheduled for 14 days, I would usually only get hired for maybe 3 to 5 of those days vs the rest of the crew the full 14. So staying working is always a challenge, and with the time in between I’m editing, updating my portfolio, or networking for the next opportunity. But like someone said “as long as you don’t quit, you’ll make it” and being only a few jobs away from completing my goal of entering the union I feel like I’m close and look forward to any new challenges that may bring

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My work is about selling the movie, the film crew is there to make the movie. As a photographer in any capacity I love being able to capture a moment, and on set in front of, and behind the camera there are a million of them. There are three types of photography I’ll do when on set first is production stills which is images of whats being shot for the movie, so I’m seeking that one shot amongst countless moving images that encapsulates the feel, look, and story in a single frame. Second is BTS (behind the scenes) here I’m also selling the production value, the crew working, cool locations, and intimate moments of the cast. The final part but not always needed, is for Key Art or Galleries where I’m on location or in the studio with a seamless and studio light setup, these photos are then used for marketing and the poster art.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Photography for me is the interpretation of a frozen Real moment in time, it’s disheartening to see the rise of AI in image creation and the falsity of it all. I value AI as a tool, but beyond its environmental and ethical issues alone its use as a cheap way to skirt the hiring of photographers or artists, I feel actually cheapens your product even if you think its adding value by saving a few bucks. Ok, rant over…

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.benwilsonpictures.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benwilsonpictures/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-carey-wilson-511317207/
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5763036/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk