Subscriber Spotlight; Ben Ernst
Meet Ben Ernst, a retired HR manager turned self-taught photographer. Ben's photographic journey, spanning over 50 years, captures the essence of people in diverse settings, exploring the intersection of humanity and environment. Through his lens, Ben weaves stories inspired by the lives and experiences of the diverse models he encounters, particularly drawn to the narratives of brave and inspiring traveling models.
Join us in unraveling the artistic tapestry of Ben Ernst, where every image is a chapter in the story of life's profound connections.
Ben Ernst
Who are you, where are you from, and what is it that you do?
My name: Ben Ernst, my wife and I live in a small village near the Dutch coast, close to Amsterdam. I am retired from my real job (HR manager), and a self taught photographer.
Why do you do what you do, and what is it that you are most passionate about?
That’s maybe the most difficult question, ask a psychiatrist. I started more than 50 years ago with an analog Practica camera, and had my own dark room for years. I am an (art) nude people photographer for about 15-20 years.
My passion is to see people in their surroundings, landscape, interior (location). I got more serious about people (model) photography when we had traveling models staying at our house. We talked, had meals and a glass of wine together. They inspire me with their stories. I love to see other forms of art, in exhibitions or talking to other artists in galleries etc. Thats a big inspiration too.
Is there something you have learned about yourself or society because of the work you create?
I am a social person, like to discuss social, political issues. By talking to (young) people I get a broader view. There is a link between my ideas about society and the images I make.
Who is your favourite model you worked with, and why?
Through the years I have seen, talked to, and experienced 10’s of young women, sometimes men. I specially like traveling models, because their life experience, ideas about life and they are brave. To mention a few models: Noa, Ilvy Kokomo, Ana to-model, and Mariette (@the.earth.anthropologist on IG).
Which artist do you admire the most or has been an example or mentor to you and why?
I am in love with the work of Man Ray. He developed photography in many ways. A photographer I am always looking forward to his new work is Stephan Vanfleteren. His style is very different from mine, but totally in love with his portrait work.
(@stephanvanfleteren on IG)
What is your most favourite artwork you created?
My most favourite work is a series with Mariette. Although it’s more about the experience. Mariette is from a French artistic family (she is a Canadian citizen now). Grandfather was a sculptor, art university professor, her grandmother painter, her father actor. When I first saw Mariette she was traveling to a modern streetdance event. A couple of years later she asked me to shoot her in her grandfathers workspace. She trusted me to do this together. I went with the night bus to Paris. Met Mariette and her grandfather in his huge atelier, filled with statues, paintings, drawings, sculptors equipment. Grandfather was showing me the light, the angles. He was intensely proud of his granddaughter. After a couple of hours and a lunch at their house I was totally exhausted by all the impressions. A couple of weeks later my wife and I went back to shoot Mariette at grandmothers workspace.
Where can we find more of you online?
You can find me at my website and on Instagram: @ernstbernardus, as long as it lasts. And you can find me on Model Society
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