We recently caught up with Ben Hunt to delve deeper into his journey.
Welcome to SUBCULTURE?, where one of our our passions lay within celebrating the film photography community. We are constantly seeking out talented individuals in this field to showcase their work. One such creative we've had the pleasure of connecting with is Ben Hunt, who is based on the Central Coast of NSW. Our paths crossed while organising events in Long Jetty, and we had the opportunity to collaborate with Average Shots on a film photo event called 'Lucky Shot,' where Ben was featured.
BEN HUNT (@usbenthem)
We recently caught up with Ben Hunt to delve deeper into his journey. We were eager to learn about the cameras he prefers to shoot with, the films he uses, and the exciting projects he has undertaken recently.
Hey Ben, How are you today?
B: yeah I’m going well hey, how’re things with you?
Ready to dive in?
B: yeah let’s do it
What is your favourite subject to capture?
B: oh it depends really. I guess whoever or whatever is most willing. Sounds like I’m kinda desperate, but what I mean is that it sucks if someone isn’t into it. Never family portraits (no offence to those who do that sorta thing, I’ve got respect for you, it’s hard work), but I find that it if the person isn’t keen then it affects the image. That’s why live music is such fertile ground.
We see your take a mixture of 35mm & 120mm, what’s your go-to and why 35 and why 120?
B: yeah, simply put it’s the cost and availability that decides which film format I go for. 120mm film format is much larger and is for use in medium format cameras which have a larger sensor, all of which means greater detail in the image compared with 35mm. But I can only get 16 frames out of a roll of 120mm film whereas I get 36 out of a roll of 35mm. Photography hurts my bank account.
What camera’s do you shoot primarily on?
B: I’ve got two beloved Nikon f3s and a Pentax 645n which I use primarily for film stuff, and then two Nikon d750s which come to the live gigs.
What film grade do you shoot on?
B: when I can afford it and source it I go for Kodak Portra for colour, and in black and white film Ilford HP5 is my go-to.
You seem to be either shooting portraits of people, or live music? Are they your go-to subjects?
B: yeah they are my go-to subjects. Although I used to only be interested in creating images featuring people but during lockdown I found myself doing some different stuff, like long exposure blurred seascapes, and a series of frozen flowers which I then got to exhibit at a couple of places.
What’s your fav thing about shooting live music?
B: a combination of the challenge and the theatre. The conditions are awful for making pictures - photo pits are basically a crawl space, and the intense lighting is totally confusing for cameras. So there’s the challenge. But then the movement and energy of the performance, the interaction between musicians and audience, that’s the theatre and the real drawcard for me.
Who have you had the chance to photograph within music?
B: I used to get all fan-boi about being around celebrity musicians, and while I’m super grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to be in the presence of international stars of the stage, I’m more at home these days tuning into local bands and don’t feel the need to chase anymore.
Is this your full-time job, or side hussle?
B: yeah this is my side-hustle/addiction. It started as a hobby and now I feel compelled to click that shutter any chance I can get! But anything involving cameras is a hectic expensive side hustle though, so I’ve gotta get a fee where I can.
Who haven’t you photographed, and would love too in the future?
B: well, since you ask…last year when restrictions ended and live music came back, the publications I had been shooting for pre-covid had down-scaled, so I started shooting for a new publication. I had to start at the bottom because that’s their process. I was down to shoot Idles at The Enmore and was so keen, but then got bumped for a more senior photographer. This is not me still being cut. Gotta cover Idles one day.
What was the best gig you’ve caught from behind the lense?
B: so many come to mind. Can I give you a top three? I’m going to anyway. The National playing at the Opera House forecourt, because the whole scene was iconic, the weather was perfect, and it was pre-covid and those memories are now nostalgic and untouchable. Then Farmer and the Owl festival which was meant to be a boutique version of Yours and Owls but was stacked with a massive lineup including Amyl and The Sniffers who were considered up and coming at the time, so the crowd didn’t know what to expect and it absolutely blew up. Then can I squeeze in Downgirl at The Hamo? Covid restrictions had just lifted, and Downgirl were met with a cold Newy crowd but turned what could’ve been an aggro scene into a massive party where Newy’s toughest ended up joining in a singalong cover of These Boots are Made for Walking!
Are you excited about music on the Central Coast?
B: hell yes! There are so many great musicians in this community, and I’m pleased that more venues and festivals are being established to provide opportunities for performers and audiences to come together.
What are you listening too atm?
B: The Buoys have been on high rotation since seeing them last month, Well? (a band from Newcastle that are ripping up a tour at the moment), and I’ve been rinsing a live recording I found of Voider online while I look forward to something in hard copy.
Any last words for our readers?
B: Yeah, support local music like SUBCULTURE? does. And if you’d like to make some nice pictures together HMU.
BEN HUNT (@usbenthem)
Check Out Ben’s Photo Galleries Below
Last Ever Long Weekend Party at The Cambridge
Deadshowws ++ @ Drifters Wharf for ZAPPED
Upstairs Wines x SUBCULTURE? Monthly Live Music w/ Neav + The Happiest Kind of Sad