References for Ben Wilkes

SDW Images

Ben did me the huge honour of driving a long distance down to my studio for a day shoot for which I am truly grateful. He brought a range of his character costumes and we had a marvellously productive shoot during which he portrayed the patience of a saint as I asked for so many costume changes to suit the lighting set-ups. What marks Ben out from many other models is his ability to get into character and pull an expression on demand which really helps the photographer to create an image that tells a story brilliantly.

I highly recommend Ben to any photographer who wants to make impactful images and thoroughly look forward to shooting with him again.

Plumtreelad

It was a delight working with Ben today. The communication in advance of the shoot was first class. Ben was always quick to respond to questions. He said that he never liked to be late and turned up in good time and was into his first costume set ready to start at the appointed time. Throughout the 3 hour shoot he was always happy to follow any instructions that were offered but was equally at ease with his own poses. He brought a superb set of props that worked well with his outfits. He possess a great sense of humour and it was good to share brief stories with him when time permitted. I won't hesitate to book him again when the need arises.

Steve M

I worked with Ben for the first time today. He arrived in plenty of time with a terrific collection of outfits and props. From just a brief suggestion of a theme he was able to create the expressions and poses needed to bring these ideas to life. Ben was very relaxed throughout, and has a great sense of humour, making him a pleasure to work with. I would certainly book him again when next needing a character model and can’t recommended him enough.

Neil Currie

Ben showed up promptly, we went with looks which Ben brought to life with his gesture and props - also, kept patience with me as I faffed with my lights :) A really friendly character too, will definitely call on Ben's services again. Excellent.

Cheer mate

Neil Currie

Second shoot with Ben who showed up on time as usual. Made the session relaxed and fun. We did some flash blur shots, using constant light, flash, gels and a two second exposure with Ben moving across the frame - Ben nailed the timing immediately.

Thanks again, Highly recommended.

Sheff

First but not last shoot with Ben this week in Leicester.

Ben worked with us for 2 x remote shoots and a live event, a total of some 17 hours across 3 days, bring some of his Great Uncle characters alive for us.

Ben is the ultimate professional, with great communication skills, bags of props, loads of poses and style in abundance.

The range of characters and what Ben brings to each one is extraordinary and a delight.

I would recommend Ben to all levels of photographer and will most certainly being working with Ben on a 1 2 1 basis as well as booking him for other group shoots in the coming months.

PGD Modelling and Photography Studios

What a fantastic 3 days!

Ben joined us at the studio for a series of remote shoots followed by a live shoot. And to join us on these shoots Ben brought with him a few of his characters/Great Uncles.

With the backstory and styling, these characters are well thought out and even better presented. Coupled with Bens range of expressions, ability to seamless step pose to pose for 3 days solid, and produce some absolutely awesome story telling images for all our client. The photographers that attended from around the world loved him, we loved him, the camera loved and if you book Ben in, I guarantee you will love him too!

Very highly recommend and look forward to getting some visits from Bens other Great Uncles soon.

Lloyd Scott

Had my second shoot with Ben, we had good pre-comms communication & he arrived on time. As usual it was a joy to catch up & shoot again with Ben. We had a great time & I came away with some excellent images.

Studio Stito

A fast-moving, relaxed and very productive shoot today, with Ben confident, versatile and very well-prepared as always. He had spent a long time putting together a 1930s Met. superintendent's uniform, which summed up the period to a T. and was a great pleasure to shoot. An absolute must for any photographer or camera club. I am always 100% certain that I will come away with lots of shots I really like and today was no exception.

martinduffyphotography.co.uk

What a superstar, I couldn't recommend Ben enough. The shoot was organised through a casting call from which Ben applied. Communication from start to finish was easy and flowing, from organisation and shoot direction. Ben turned up early, had a great repertoire of quality outfits and was easy to direct on shoot. Where Ben absolutely shines is his very relaxed likable personality that is focussed on getting the shoot to work. It made the shoot with 9 photohraphers very fluid and easy despite doing the same poses numerous times, nothing bothers Ben - he's a real trooper! I can't wait to work with Ben and his amazing characters in the future!

PaintingLight

I had the great fortune of meeting Ben at an event at Strelley Hall. Ben has an incredible style and ability to create vintage stylings. His attention to detail is the best I have encountered so if you are looking for a vintage gentleman model, Ben should be your default. I really hope we will get to work together again.

mightykitey

Met Ben at a group shoot

What a character, excellent model with poise and panache. Once in costume he is that person. The session was over in the blink of an eye and it was superb to work with Ben. He not only poses well but the conversation is interesting and informative. An all round great guy whom I recommend wholeheartedly.

Would really like to shoot again soon and discover more of his wonderful wardrobe

(For the older audience he is the TV character Mr Ben)

Alfar

Encountered Ben at a group shot in Nottingham. He cut a fine, dashing fellow, excellent, helpful and kind. Exactly what a newcomer to photography needs, so I am truly grateful for that. He also sported an absolutely superb costume which worked brilliantly in the eerie, macabre surroundings.

Adam John Photography

I met Ben last Saturday on a super group shoot arranged by Tann Marie - Excellent day.

Thoroughly recommended working with Ben, professional, good company to be with, and full style. I'd describe Ben as the perfect gentleman, both in look and in persona. Easy to direct, but actually needs very little direction!

Thr=oroughly recommended.

lester

loved working with Ben at a recent shoot at Strelley Hall.

His fine gentleman personna and look, blended into the hall seemlessly, he really could have lived there.

He took to the shoot really well and worked hard at avoiding the reflections in the spectacles and monocule.

His easy manner made him a pleasure to work with.

Would highly recommend

Studio Stito

An excellent shoot today in a Victorian area of Nottingham the city council have so far failed to wreck. A vein of understated comedy ran throughout the whole shoot, culminating in our best portrait session in the studio so far. Not sure if it's the caffeine, cake or natural exuberance but Ben was at his best, using his eyes with considerable subtlety. But what struck me most was how well he now holds natural-looking poses while I fiddle with the camera settings. He is building up a great collection of hats and props that helps make every shoot we do.

Photography Session Days

We have booked Ben for a couple of workshops and he is superb. A great look, very patient and friendly with our photographers, professional and reliable. He was a very popular choice and is highly recommended!

Studio Stito

Another productive and enjoyable shoot in the studio and at various locations - some of them demanding. The outfits and props he brings with him continue to surprise me and always help make the shoot. Not only that, Ben can be relied on 100% for a bunch of good shots.

Studio Stito

Despite the terrible weather and suffering from an old war wound (1914 - 1918) Ben stuck this one out. Shoots with him are always a collaboration and he made his usual contribution with smart new outfit (to me) and well-chosen props. His dead-pan expressions go on amusing me long after the shoot is over.

Lloyd Scott

Had my first shoot with Ben & he was a lovely chap. We had really good pre shoot comms & he arrived before me. Ben was easy to pose & had a great selection of clothing & props. I had a top day & managed to get some quality images. I Strongly recommend Ben.