Whether you’re shooting for fun or for work, in the rush of modern life it can be all too easy to lose sight of the joy of photography. In this short, meditative interlude with no words, there’s plenty of inspiration to be found in just watching another photographer enjoying their own photography.
To be a photographer is to be part of a wonderful community in which we can all learn and be inspired by the work of others. I particularly enjoy “behind the scenes” videos in which a photographer or filmmaker offers a glimpse into their creative process and shares some of their results. Whether these shared experiences are educational or just pure inspiration, they can show us new directions and plant the seeds in our minds of our own future creative pursuits.
I already introduced Ben Staley in a previous article, and even if his name is not familiar to you, you have almost certainly seen his work. Ben is an award-winning videographer and filmmaker whose stunning imagery has been featured on popular TV shows like “Deadliest Catch” and “Ice Road Truckers”. Ben also happens to be an avid (and excellent) still photographer, and regularly features his still photography work on his YouTube channel “Adventure & Art”.
In this meditative and beautifully produced video with no commentary, Ben shares his experience photographing the Mojave desert with his Leica M6 loaded with Ilford XP2 black and white film. There’s a wonderfully leisurely and contemplative vibe to this scene. Ben seems to be in no hurry and shooting with no agenda other than the pure joy of photography for photography’s sake. I also really appreciate his choice not to add any commentary to this video since the beautiful black and white images he produces speak for themselves.
So why not pour yourself another cup of your favorite beverage, kick back, enjoy, and be inspired!
I'm sorry, but where's the adventure? And where is the art?
Agree!
Loved the video and the stills. I found it quite inspirational in that it demonstrated how lovely photos can be taken in the most unlikely of places. I love to drive back roads in search of things to photograph so this struck a chord with me. The still images are marvelous and beautifully convey the nature of the places Staley visited. Fine work, indeed!
But the Mojave desert has been endlessly filmed and photographed, and there is nothing "unlikely" about the places Staley visited. The desert is always photogenic. An adventure? Not quite; it's more of a safe bet for the purpose of maintaining a brand. And the photographs are mediocre at best, and you know it.
Totally agtee, having grown up as a desert rat in AZ with access to all areas around.
Central AZ along the Salt River and Superstitions etc. is far more inspirational and with a modicum of effort inspirational photos are to be had. Add to that the White Tanks west of Phoenix can give years of unexplored and adventuresome photos.
But wait, they were shot on a Leica M6! Meh, give me my trusty F3 any day of the week.