Today we’d like to introduce you to Channing Benjamin
Channing, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Well, I was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. I went to Hampton University, which is a small school in Virginia, but I graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University in Indianapolis. First real “job” was media director for Light of the World Christian Church – also in Indianapolis and one of the greatest churches in America. In this role, I produced and directed the church’s weekly national television broadcast as well as produced and edited a show for a local ABC affiliate. That really led to me doing a lot of outside work as a video director, and I ended up doing the in-house television production for the Indiana Pacers as well as the concert video director for Deer Creek music in Noblesville, Indiana. Well, I got into photography because I needed to feed my creative side after taking years off from television production. The production world was a grind. I moved from Indiana to Los Angeles as the video director for NSYNC and Britney Spears. I was their concert video director, and we traveled all over the world. Fortunately, we would play golf on our days off – a few of us. But the road gets old quickly, so I took a break and decided to look for something that I could do at my own pace. Since I spent so much time on the golf course already, I started taking pictures. You know, I have been fortunate enough to play some beautiful courses, so I try to capture those moments and scenery. A lot of my friends encourage me to get in to printing or selling the images…
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’ve learned that no one is going to give you anything. I don’t know if I really learned that or have just been reminded of it – nothing is free. And no one ever puts anything in your lap. I’ve had to go out and hustle to network and sell myself and my abilities. I have a nice resume and a great referral base, but it’s always a grind. I never want to undersell myself. I’m constantly reminded that whatever you think you’re worth is what you should charge. Don’t undersell yourself – ever. If someone doesn’t want to pay it, someone else may. But the bottom line is, I will not work for free. I put my heart and soul into what I do. People who do that should be rewarded for it. There’s some personal gratification that comes along with my work, and I did it without being paid at one point. But every year, I seem to take it to the next level, and I like to think people appreciate it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in golf course and golf photography. I’m not sure that I do anything differently from most photographers… But I definitely have a different eye. One of the coolest things for me is when people say to me: “I know that was your photo because I know your style.” I love that because for some reason people see my images a little bit differently. I guess that could be because I shoot them a little bit differently. I also edit but am sure to not over-enhance or over-saturate images. I try to keep them as natural looking as possible. I guess technically, if there were one thing that sets me apart from a lot of photographers, it’s that I also do aerial photography which some people aren’t as familiar with. I think it’s a game-changer. It totally changes the perspective. There’s a certain way I do it which is unlike most because I don’t think people really want to see a Google Earth photo… They’d rather just see a whole or fairway at a different perspective from slightly above.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
I grew up in front of the camera and not behind the camera. I did a lot of acting and I did a lot of singing. One of my favorite childhood memories is singing a national national anthem several times at the Indiana Pacers basketball games. It was a thrill at the tender age of 10 years old to project my voice in a big arena.
Pricing:
- Quotes upon request
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.channingbenjamin.com
- Instagram: @channingbenjaminphotography
- Facebook: @channingbenjaminphoto
Image Credits
All images by Channing Benjamin
Pebble Beach Golf Links® and its distinctive images and hole designs are trademarks, service marks and trade dress of Pebble Beach Company. Used under license.
