Ben Marans is someone who lives and breathes their passions. As an accredited member of the Hong Kong Press Photographers Association, he has had his work featured in numerous international publications including The New York Times, The Guardian and The Washington Post. He has also spent over 20 years in the non-profit space in both Hong Kong and his native Canada, as well as working as a lecturer of photography students at Hong Kong Baptist University. And on 26th November, he will be sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm at a workshop at Banyan Workspace.

Ben credits his background in the non-profit sector with profoundly shaping his perspective in photography. He doesn’t just take pictures; he builds relationships, delving into the lives of his subjects to uncover the narratives behind each image. “Photography has been an incredible entryway,” he explains, “into so many places and people’s lives that I wouldn’t otherwise have access to.” This empathetic approach is evident in his diverse portfolio, ranging from intimate portraits to vibrant street scenes.

When Paula delved into what truly motivates Ben, what he is passionate about in photography, Ben was clear: “It’s really about the stories. It’s about the people I get to meet. When I’m shooting food, it’s about the chef; if I’m shooting interiors, it’s the architect. It all revolves around people and their stories, and being able to engage with them, ask them questions. It’s insatiable – this desire to know about their lives and how they do what they do and what their passions are. And photography has given me that introduction.”

He emphasises the crucial role that storytelling plays in his work: “Storytelling is the linchpin of photography,” Ben states. “It’s one thing to take a beautiful image, but it’s another to create a series that tells a compelling story.” This focus on narrative informs his entire process, from initial client consultation to final image selection. He describes his preparation as meticulous: “Preparing in advance is key. It starts from the moment I think about a topic or am engaged by a client. My mind starts to go towards the visual elements…how can I portray their story?”

As part of the Banyan team, where we organise a large number of events, Paula was especially interested in how Ben approaches this type of photography. Event photography presents unique challenges, he notes: “Events are exciting and challenging…they’re dynamic. You never know what’s going to happen.” He focuses on seeking out those decisive moments: “It’s about those key moments – a touch on the arm, a laugh, a roll of the eyes – to really capture and convey it.”

And the most common photography mistakes that people make, in his opinion? “I think it’s impatience! People take a shot and move on. We have the capacity and technology to see results instantly, but we’re not taking the time to think about composition. Patience—taking a few different shots, comparing them, and choosing the best. I also think that learning the basics of composition, framing, and light awareness is important. I love opening people’s eyes up to new ways to capture the world around them.” 
You can view Ben’s portfolio at www.benmaransphotography.com and sign up for the workshop here.