ABOUT BENEDICT BRAIN ARPS
Benedict Brain ARPS is a UK based photographer, journalist and author. He balances his personal practice with writing about photography and running photography workshops and enrichment programmes. He is an award-winning journalist and writes a monthly column called The Art of Seeing. His first book, You Will be Able To Take Great Photos By The End of This Book, was published in March 2023 by Ilex Publishing in the UK, and is soon to be published by Prestel in the USA, Germany, Bulgaria and Spain
Benedict has been delivering highly successful RPS workshops for over 5 years and also sits on the Society’s licentiate distinctions panel.
Benedict is often seen on the panels of prestigious photo competitions and in 2020 he founded Potato Photographer of the Year. Benedict exhibits his work internationally and travels the world as a public speaker talking about the art and craft of photography.
BENEDICT’S THOUGHTS…
DO YOU HAVE ONE PIECE OF GOLDEN ADVICE?
Don't make photographs for anyone other than yourself; photograph things that interest you in the way that you want to. Don't be beholden to someone else's "rules", conventions, or ideals. Be true to yourself. Practice your craft and be persistent.
TELL US THE STORY BEHIND YOUR FAVOURITE PICTURE?
ALASKAN WOLF RUG -
Telling stories about wildlife, the environment, and humanity’s relationship with nature is a subject that touches everyone everywhere.
Typically, wildlife depictions of the Alaskan region might show a bear snatching salmon from a waterfall, an eagle swooping on its prey or a mousse silhouetted against a stunning sunset. These are all admirable depictions; however, sometimes, there are other ways to communicate and articulate ideas about humans and nature, which can be just as effective, if not more so.
This image reveals a rug made from a skinned Alaskan wolf. It is photographed in way that highlights the crass way we, as humans, have commodified this beautiful wild animal, by killing it, skinning it, turning it into a rug and hanging it on the wall with a price tag. Something to think about…
WHAT IS YOUR MOST ESSENTIAL ITEM?
An open, inquisitive mind and a compulsion to create far surpasses any specific item of equipment. However, a good pair of shoes is vital, along with keeping my kit as minimal as possible - for me, that is a medium format Fujifilm camera and one lens - 35mm (equivalent).
WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES A GOOD PICTURE?
A ‘good’ photograph might suggest a sense of story, make a connection with the viewer, or evoke an emotional response. An image that makes you think and presents more questions than answers is often the foundation of a good photograph.
BENEDICTS REGULAR WORKSHOPS
Benedict delivers regular workshops for the RPS on a variety of topics, you can see all of Benedicts upcoming workshops on our events page or read below for details on each workshop and what they cover. SEE ALL
A SENSE OF PLACE - NORTH WALES
This two-day workshop is set in the shadow of the Devil’s Kitchen in and around the easily accessible area of Llyn Idwal in the heart of Snowdonia National Park. It is a breathtakingly beautiful, raw, rugged and wild landscape. Within a relatively small area, there is a range of rich and exciting topographies to explore.
BOOK HERE
A SENSE OF PLACE - VALLEY OF ROCKS, DEVON
This one-day workshop is set in the Valley of Rock area on the North Devon coast and is easily accessible from Lynton. The workshop is aimed at anyone interested in creative photography and expanding their vision.
BOOK HERE
‘‘Ben Brain is a wonderfully creative photographer and inspiring teacher and presenter. The workshop was great fun and made me think differently. I learnt a lot. Thank you.‘‘
THE ART OF SEEING
The Art of Seeing is a one-day workshop which will focus on how and why images are made through a variety of approaches - some technical, and some conceptual.
BOOK HERE
SLOW MO MOJO
A fun, creative practical workshop on the art and craft of slow-shutter speed photography. Neutral Density filters and tripods are a must; however, we will also experiment with notions of Intentional Camera Movement (ICM).
BOOK HERE
‘‘This was a really excellent workshop that had a big impact on the way I think about my photography ‘’
MORE FROM BENEDICT BRAIN
Benedict has just released a brilliant book ‘YOU WILL BE ABLE TO TAKE GREAT PHOTOS BY THE END OF THIS BOOK’
