Ben Campbell

Remuera based sports and events photographer Ben Campbell, enjoys shooting in the outdoors with natural light. His passion for sports photography has led him to cover events such as the World Basketball Champs, and the Melbourne Commonwealth games.

Where are you based?

Remuera, Auckland
 


How long have you been a photographer?

6 Years
 

Tell us a little about your style of photography.

I am a sports and events photographer. A lot of my work is outdoors in natural light and I think you can't beat it. But I also use studio flash and speedlites when shooting events.
 
What gear do you use?
I shoot Canon and have a wide variety of lenses from a 16-35mm F2.8, up to a 300mm F2.8. I have 2 pro bodies, a 1D mk4 and a back up 1D mk2N. I also have 2 Canon speedlites.
 
 
What is/has been your greatest challenge as a photographer?

Getting used to the business side of being self employed. The most enjoyable side is of course taking the photos, but you have to get a grasp on the business part if you want to be successful.

What has been your most memorable assignment and why?

I have been fortunate to do some travelling, so any assignment overseas is always memorable. I covered the Head of States Funeral in Apia, Samoa in 2007. Travelled to Japan in 2006 to cover the Basketball World Champs and then again in 2010 which were held in Turkey.
 
If not a photographer, where would you see yourself?

I have always wanted to be a Sports Journalist as I am a huge sports fan.

If the chance arose, who or what would you most like to photograph?

I've been into sports since I was a young kid and played football since I was 5. So I'd love to photograph a Football World Cup (hopefully in Brazil in 2014, if NZ get in). Live music is also another area I really enjoy so Glastonbury, Coachella, any big music event would be amazing.

What tips or advice do you have for budding photographers?

Get out and shoot images, practice is the key, but also look at what other photographers are doing in the field you want to get into. Although I am huge believer in having your own style, you can get an amazing amount of inspiration from other photographers.


Has the advent of digital been beneficial or detrimental to professional photographers?

For me I have only known digital so I would say beneficial.

Can you see clients moving from stills to video, with the advent of HD video capabilities in digital SLRs?

I think there will always be a place and need for still photography, but that clients will want to utilize HD video as well. I reckon there will be more of a requirement on photographers to shoot both.


Are you a fan of using a flash in photography?

Definitely! my background is in newspaper photography and I learnt a lot shooting everyday, including about on and off camera flash. In the beginning I hated using flash, but now that I'm used to it, I love it! 
 
What meal would you cook to impress somebody?

I do a mean Thai Green Curry.
 
What do you do to get away from the grind/to de-stress when things get too hectic?

Go to the pub.
 
Visit Ben's website here