ben ernst2

Ben Ernst is a self-taught photographer based in the Netherlands with over forty years’ experience in photography

Ben Ernst's working process is very fluid. First, he conceives a concept and then finds a location and model to help achieve his vision. He prefers to work with models with an artistic background, such as actors and dancers. Mainly due to their abilities in portraying a wide range of emotions and posing fluidly with ease. Traveling models also bring stories and their curiosity informs Ernst’s creativeness. His preferred equipment includes a Sony A7 III, Canon 5D, 6D with 50mm, 85mm, 24-70mm, 70-200mm lenses, as well as Sigma 35mm Art and Sigma 17-40.

The selection of a shooting site is a vital step in Ben Ernst’s artistic process. A location allows him to tie in together the relationship between the model and photographer. And, the perfect setting, either indoors or outdoors, allows for such connection to come through in the resulting images. Ernst and his wife often open their house for the models to stay in, as they often travel from abroad. By having the models visit a couple of days or even longer, he can build a genuine relationship with them. His photographs capture honesty uniquely and highlight the trust built by working together.