Interview with a Pro: Daryl Benson
Following on the heels of our interview from Friday is another Canadian born photographer. Today’s guest is Daryl Benson from Alberta. Daryl has done quite a bit of traveling as is evident from the wide range of photos he chose to share with us today, including: Myanmar, China, Australia, and Egypt. So don’t hesitate. Jump on in and see what Daryl has in store for you.
What got you started in photography?
Like most of us it started simply enough as a hobby, grew into a passion, then a profession. That last step was more just being born at the right time, in the right place with a marketable skill set. I got into stock photography in the mid 1980’s. It was a feast and famine business back then but ballooned into a very profitable livelihood for a couple decades. I was there at the beginning of the wave and have been able to ride it through it’s, longer than expected, crest. No great foresight on my part, just born at the right time.
What’s the most reliable item you carry with you?
Experience. I feel confident enough that they could parachute me into any location, in any situation and I could get a shot. There is no substitute for experience, and there is only one way to get that.
What advice would you give to a newbie starting out as a photographer?
I’ve always liked this quote by Johann Wolfgang Goethe 1749-1832
“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance which no one could have dreamed would have come their way. Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now.”
Fotoloco: I like that a lot. Thanks for sharing that one.
As I’m sure you do quite a bit of traveling for your work. What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten and implemented that makes it easier?
One of my favourite photographers prefers to visit new locations blind. Doesn’t want to see or be effected by any photographs already taken there. I prefer the exact opposite. I want to see as many images from the locations I visit as possible. I find it helps to go in new directions if you know what’s already been done.
What other photographers do you admire?
In no order, Freeman Patterson, Ernst Haas and Pete Turner. Because they broke new ground and didn’t rely just on techniques and technology, they had imagination and vision. I enjoy a photograph when I can recognise a mind a work in behind the camera, not just the flawless execution of technology.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years, in regards to your business? What are your aspirations for your photography?
I’m a strong believer in our collective delusion of predictability. The further into the future you cast your vision the more it becomes total speculation. There is nothing wrong with setting goals and having future plans but I think the most helpful thing you can do is be aware of how fragile such plans are. Make plans, but be adaptable. Before the next five years pass by I hope to have two new books out, one a pictorial on the City of Edmonton. I also want to do more teaching (Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, Photography & Altered Art classes), at my daughters’ scrapbook store.
If you were to build a photo site for yourself and others in your profession, what would be an important feature you would add?
A way to monetize the value content providers bring.
Thanks Daryl
For more on Daryl, head over to his website and show your support. He obviously does good work and has much more in his bag of tricks than the preview you’ve seen today. Best of luck in the future, Daryl.
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