Robert HardingA chat with Ben Pipe
Whether photographing a festival in Italy, a sunrise in Patagonia or portraits in India, Ben Pipe’s travel photography is always lively, atmospheric and compelling. We chatted to the talented British photographer about his varied and fascinating career.
Palio di Asti, Piedmont, Italy, Europe
Where are you from and where do you live?
I’m from Weymouth, Dorset, and now live in London
How long have you been a professional photographer?
I started working as a professional photographer at a makeover studio while studying at art college back in 2003, and went freelance on my own after graduating in 2006.
Dancers at Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria, Copacabana, Lake Titicaca, Bolivia, South America
How did you first get into photography?
My Uncle, David Noton, is a pro photographer and I grew up with his posters and prints on the walls at home, I was always into art and drawing before starting photography at 15.
Where are you now and what are you shooting, or what is your next big trip?
Currently in London, its been a busy year for travel and my next trip is probably going to be Vietnam in late December and then I’ll carry on into China for 6 weeks in January/February.
View from Victoria Peak, Central, Hong Kong Island, China
What are your favourite destinations and subjects to photograph and why?
I’ve pretty much enjoyed photographing every place I’ve been, the variety of different places keeps photography exciting. Nepal was a special trip – the people and places were so beautiful, I’d like to return and explore the lesser known areas of the country sometime.
How would you describe your style?
I tend to work at the start and end of the day, I like working with shallow depth of field, shooting in a reportage style, and I tend to favour monochromatic images.
Holi Festival Celebrations in Mathura, Braj, Uttar Pradesh, India
Can you recall a favourite experience on your travels?
My favourite experiences have been when I’ve been reminded of the universal goodness in people – being shown hospitality and welcome in far flung corners of the world. In the Thar Desert of Rajasthan I’d ridden a motorbike out there and the vibrations of the journey had caused my tripod head to rattle loose, so as I walked out to the dunes it fell off. I didn’t notice until I got to the dune I wanted to shoot and began to set my equipment up. Then in the distance a man with a camel appeared gesturing to me – he’d found the tripod head and was bringing it over! Saved my bacon.
The Fire Wave, Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada, United States of America
Can you recall a particularly challenging experience while taking photos/travelling?
Dealing with bad weather – you dream about a destination for months beforehand and then nature doesn’t co-operate, sometimes its hard to stay positive when the rain is beating down. Also, getting ill when you’re travelling alone is no fun at all, I visited Varanasi at the end of my first India trip and fell ill, times like that you wish you had your friend or partner alongside.
Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), Amritsar, Punjab, India
What cameras and equipment do you use? Do you have a favourite piece of equipment?
Nikon D810 and D800E, (the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 is my favourite piece). I also use Nikon 14-24mm, 24mm PC, Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses on most trips.
Portrait of Ari, Banna Tribe, Gargew Village, Omo Valley, Ethiopia
What are your tips for taking a good photo?
Think about the subject, background, lighting. Many people rush to get their camera out and believe that by taking many shots they are bound to get a good one but this mindset couldn’t be further from the truth. When you know it isn’t a great image don’t press the shutter but try and figure out how it could work.
Paraw boats, White Beach, Boracay, The Visayas, Philippines, Southeast Asia
What advice would you give for young photographers starting out?
Stay hungry, shoot as much as you can, don’t stress about making a career out of it – just enjoy it and evolve a style.
What are your future plans?
China and Vietnam in the Winter. I would love to visit Papua New Guinea next year. South Africa is high on the list too.
Shuoloch applying clay hair decoration to Chafich, Dassanech Tribe, Salany Village, Omorate, Omo Valley, Ethiopia