Capturing love... meet Ben Yew
It is a passion that started from a gift of love and turned into a story of capturing love. Ben Yew, one of Australia’s most sought-after photographers across the globe, shares the ride of his life; that of photographing weddings.
Ben Yew travels the world capturing stunning images of love that make for lifetime memories. He often refers to his photography as his ‘addiction’, comparing the adrenalin rush he gets shooting a wedding day to that of a roller coaster ride.
And it’s a ride that all began thanks to his wife. She had brought Ben an entry level digital SLR camera and a beginners photography workshop as a loving gift. “I knew nothing about photography so I decided to attend the workshop to learn how to use the basic functions of a DSLR camera. I honestly thought it was going to be another boring and technical workshop about cameras, but it wasn’t at all!”
After getting the practical and technical elements out of the way the workshop switched to a creative mode. “I remember a few professional models arrived and with a bit of direction, it was a time we were encouraged to be creative. I didn’t know any rules, I just started capturing what I thought was right or looked good. It was purely experimental; and somewhere along the way I fell in love with photography,” Ben recalls.
But why weddings we ask? We learn that during this time Ben was planning his own wedding, “...actually, my wife did and she was searching for our own wedding photographer. I was so inspired by the work these amazing photographers captured that I knew I wanted to explore that genre of photography.”
Ben recalls he found the first few weddings challenging and acknowledges that his lack of experience was the key factor. “It wasn’t until I had shot a number of weddings that I knew this was my calling. What I love about capturing weddings is the shared energy, beautiful details, emotional connections, amazing people, stunning locations and the rush of adrenaline on the day! I feel truly honoured to be a part of one of the most unforgettable days in a couple’s life,” said Ben.
He believes his passion of photographing weddings stems from being constantly challenged creatively. "Over the course of a day or weekend I have the opportunity to shoot a combination of genres, be it a stunning landscape setting on top of a clifftop or portraits of family that have united from all over the world,” explains Ben.
“I will always be very passionate about wedding photography because it has taken me to the most unexpected and breathtaking places and I have met so many amazing people along the way.” This is where his inspiration stems, he confides. "The places I have been, the people I have met and their stories. It is a never-ending journey of discovery and experimenting.”
Photography has given Ben a reason to appreciate his surroundings better. He finds himself slowing down and looking for mesmerising light and any beauty surrounding it. “I feel like my eyes are slowly opening to every detail and the mundane things seem different. I guess I now look at the world differently!”
With a whole new perspective that started with a gift of love, Ben believes photography has changed him as a person, allowing him to connect on a deeper level with people, places and objects he might never have approached or seen before. He can’t wait to see where his the journey of capturing love and weddings takes him.
up close and personal
Your top 3 pieces of advice for a couple when they are selecting their photographer?
Besides loving their work, you need to connect with the photographer. That would help him/her bring out the best in you, creatively.
Trust and plan for more time for the photographer. The more time he/she has, the better and more creative variation you will receive.
Consistency in their work. Everyone has their own style and it is good to know your photographer's style because it would be the end result and being captured consistently tells the story better.
How would you describe your style?
I don’t really know how to describe my style. But if I had to put it into words, it would be a combination of dreamy lights, romantic moments and experimental fun.
You travel the world shooting weddings what advice for couples considering a destination wedding?
1. Always plan for more time and don’t forget to plan at least a dinner at the reception for your photographers/vendor, so they can focus on their work rather than their belly.
2. Trust your vendors and wedding planners, they know what is best in terms of logistics, styling, budget and generally what works. Regardless how much you have read on wedding blogs or magazines, your wedding planner will know what is best. Remember they have successfully completed so many weddings and it is why you hired them.
3. Make sure you and your vendors arrive a few days before the wedding, just in case the flight gets delayed. Then there is room for error and they can still make it to your wedding. Travel time and logistics can be rather challenging for destination weddings in particular!
Your favourite travel destination
There isn’t a favourite destination! I love them all. I just love travelling to somewhere I have never been before or somewhere with less tourists.
Experiencing local culture and enjoying the journey is my main goal.
Do you have artists/photographers that have inspired you?
I used to be inspired by many famous photographers previously and occasionally I still do, but what mainly inspires me is my clients. The couples and their stories, and movies or music that would influence my creativity.
Do you collect anything?
Camera gear! I have countless camera bags, caps and shoes. I definitely have more shoes and bags than my wife. But all photography related, or at least that is what I tell my wife!
What are you reading or listening to right now?
I am currently reading Stephen King’s ‘Book On Writing’. I love his journey and I get to learn about writing at the same time.
When there is downtime what’s your favourite thing to do or go!?
I would spend as much time as I can with my family because I am quite a workaholic and I don’t want to miss out on my kids growing up. It may just be at home or a simple day out to a beautiful place. And of course I get to capture a few images of my family and add a few more frames on the wall.
Favourite location for shooting?
I don’t really have a favourite location, but I follow where the magical light is, as I am a natural light photographer. I think light and emotions are my main focus and locations is only secondary. But if I have to pick one, it would be anywhere I have never shot before. Any rural or traditionally different location would be my favourite.
Never leave home without!?
Phone! It has everything I need. My work, my music and my inspirations. I guess it’s the same for most people. But If I have to pick one besides the phone it would be an obvious choice, a camera. Oh, and my cap! Always have my cap on because fixing my hair always take too much effort and I guess I will be going bald one day?
With all the weddings you’ve seen what's one story that makes you laugh?
This is a tough one! So many weddings make me laugh, especially at the end of the day. The hilarious speeches from the best man or maid of honour, the crazy dance moves or just having an awesome time with other wedding vendors before and after the wedding, just sharing good times and lots of good laughs!. I really can’t pinpoint on one!
On your wish list or goal right now?
My goal right now (and I think like most people) is to have a good balance of work and life! My wish list is to travel to some exotic places and capture my journey along the way. And by capturing, I mean with both images and writing. Still so much to learn about writing.
