References for Ben Wilkes

Studio Stito

Our fourth shoot and by far the most demanding for Ben. He dealt with everything from recalcitrant rowing-boats to rough sleepers in the city centre with his usual aplomb. I suppose we have got to know one another by now but even I was surprised by his attention to detail and the subtle range of expressions he achieved. Highlight of the six-hour session for me was a Voigtlander camera he produced. Perfect for his dark formal outfit and the 1920s almshouses we were working at. The result was some of our best work so far. What's not to like?

Models in the Landscape

Ben travelled all the way from Rugeley to shoot with our little camera club based in Wordsley and actually arrived earlier than our agreed start time.

Working with a group of mixed ability can always be a challenge but Ben took the whole thing in his stride without issue, responding to any requests for minor adjustments in his pose or angle etc but also adopting very natural looking and photogenic postures when not being directed.

Ben engaged with members when the opportunity presented itself and also joined in with our gentle ribbing of each other (yes we are that sort of club).

As I commented last night, in real life Ben looks a lot younger than his posted images and his stated age here.

Highly recommended and hopefully we shall be employing Ben's services again in the not too distant future.

Studio Stito

Ben and myself have covered so much ground over recent months, I have to remind myself this was only our third shoot.

He was complimented on his 1940s-style suit four or five times and not simply because he was so well-dressed, but because he carries himself so well and, more to the point, carries it off. He worked well on a demanding steam-train location, handling everything with his usual aplomb, not least the tog desperately trying to adjust the settings on his camera.

By far our best shoot so far and a tribute to his increasing confidence and skill, not least his ability to build a rapport with the photographer to the extent he was anticipating what I was about to suggest and changing his expression before I could speak. This happened twice! An instinctive model who is well worth the effort of getting to know.

IlGattopardo

Sunday 24th March saw me working with Ben for the first time at Jon Busby's Portrait Kitchen, and I'm only unhappy I didn't do so sooner. Ben is as warm and relaxed behind the camera as he is poised and professional in front of it, and his array of outfits (and his willingness to try and retry them on in different combinations until he's found exactly what he's looking for) is second to none.

I'd very much like to work with Ben again, and in the meantime am happy to wish him all the best and delighted to recommend him to anyone looking for a talented, hardworking model.

Thanks Ben!

Portrait Kitchen

Ben has a real calmness about him, (plus an almost endless array of outfits and costumes).

He turned up on time and was very easy company to work with. He emoted extremely well and Ben can emote! A lot of my work is about the subtleties of what the eyes can show and Ben is very good at this.

The aim of my shoot was to take a striking bearded look and focus on that rather than the outfits. For me it worked really well.

No drama, turned up on time, listened to my direction and was patient.

Highly recommended.

Studio Stito

A very productive second shoot with Ben in the countryside and on the Great Central Railway. He handled a moving train like a pro., both on board and on the platform. Ben is an instinctive model; he holds himself well, has great presence and a knack for helping create atmosphere. I was especially impressed by the way he held a natural pose while I was waiting for subjects to come into shot both on the platform and outside the window. He brings along complete outfits and is a complete pleasure to work with.

Studio Stito

A productive first shoot with Ben. He arrived in good time with two different outfits as arranged. Attention to detail is a strong point. When I asked if he had a policeman's pencil and notebook, he produced them. So, he uses his initiative.

A fine head, strong features and an intriguing character. He makes a great portrait model and the period outfits he brought along added lots extra.

All in all a memorable shoot.Once he got used to me I could see he had a lot more to give. He likes to get it right and he was impressive. Nice to work with a guy who is so modest.