Joel Benjamin Photography

New Improper Bostonian: Spring fashion

2012-02-27T13:44:00.000-05:00

New Work from Design New England Magazine

2012-02-13T09:01:00.000-05:00

From the Art Direction Archives, #1

2012-01-25T15:26:00.001-05:00

I've been thinking about my time in New York and my first big job there, working as an art director in the advertising department of Macy's. We were all so young then! But the work was always good, sometimes amazing. I designed this New York Times campaign for the juniors department and it ran for over a year. This particular ad was shot by a young Mario Testino and styled by Lori Goldstein. I look back at that shoot and remember very clearly that they were both supremely talented, but even more, they were super nice, respectful and a pleasure to work with.

Prom Time: Joli Prom Ads

2012-01-19T10:50:00.003-05:00

Just out now in the magazines Teen Prom and Seventeen Prom. I shot this series of prom ads (along with the catalog), featuring beautiful gowns designed by Christopher Henry, this summer. I still find an occasional rhinestone in the studio from this fun shoot.

Spirit Boston Magazine

2012-01-13T13:17:00.000-05:00

Filene's Basement Last Day

2011-12-30T10:04:00.002-05:00

Good bye Filene's Basement, on this, your last day. You were a fun place to shop

(I remember a great grey Perry Ellis suit from back in the day)

and a wonderful client for many years.

This Just in from Japan

2011-12-29T08:56:00.004-05:00

The Japanese version of Animals Make Us Human, with my author photo of the amazing Temple Grandin, just arrived yesterday.

And More From The Boston Globe Magazine

2011-12-06T12:24:00.000-05:00

New Boston Globe Magazine Holiday Issue

2011-11-29T16:43:00.001-05:00

International Interior Designers Association for Design New England

2011-11-10T17:49:00.003-05:00

I know Halloween is over, but you should check out the crazy costumes I shot at the International Interior Design Association's fashion show for Design New England magazine. Designers and architects are paired with suppliers and create costumes with the materials. Clearly, it's a VERY creative crowd. One of the top prizes went to the costume in the last photo, a group titled "Magic Kingdom Come."

New Boston Magazine

2011-11-04T13:45:00.002-04:00

Believe it or not, this is more real life set and less Photoshop than you might think. We hung 150 glass balls with thin fishing line from a wood lattice, to create this effervescent champagne look. It took a weekend to get them all hung and in the end, only one broke.

Kids Go-See

2011-09-08T14:55:00.004-04:00

There were lots of cuties at the kid's go-see we had last week. Not everyone was feeling it that summer day, but all were pretty adorable and each, special in their way. Thanks to Dynasty Models and Model Club for some great children.

Labor Day Celebration!

2011-08-26T11:44:00.002-04:00

Once again, Bella and Logan couldn't be more excited for Labor day!

Barcelona 2011, Part 2

2011-08-19T12:00:00.002-04:00

Faces from one of my favorite museums in the world:

the Frederic Marés Museum in Barcelona.

New Boston Magazine

2011-06-29T17:32:00.001-04:00

New portraits of Somerville's Schuyler Towne, who can pick a lock faster than just about anyone in the country and is working to make lock-picking a national sport.

Shor in Provincetown

2011-06-15T16:06:00.003-04:00

Check out my friend Herbie's great home store in Provincetown, Shor. He has an amazing eye and has done some great interiors, including this one in the ad, that I photographed. They are always so interesting and beautiful, filled with just the object, just the right texture.

Barcelona 2011

2011-06-10T09:59:00.000-04:00

Want'ems

2011-06-06T09:00:00.003-04:00

Just back from Barcelona and saw that Want'ems are out and available for sale. I shot the package photography for these new delicious snack treats! You can get them at some Whole Foods and Roche Brothers.

Behind the Scenes at the YAK Apparel Shoot

2011-05-04T14:13:00.002-04:00

Design New England Magazine

2011-04-29T13:23:00.008-04:00

The new issue of Design New England is out and here is one of the stories I shot this month. I love the high-gloss black rocker from Janus et Cie.

Early Work: Polaroids from 1979

2011-04-20T14:09:00.000-04:00

Design New England Magazine

2011-03-09T09:58:00.000-05:00

Demolition Derby, Tunbridge, Vermont

2011-01-31T10:35:00.002-05:00

Sterlingwear of Boston Commercial

2011-01-28T11:19:00.001-05:00

Here's the commercial that was filmed during my shoot for Sterlingwear of Boston. If you look quickly, the back of my head makes a brief appearance!

London, 2010, Part 1

2011-01-14T10:49:00.002-05:00

New Year, New Work

2011-01-03T12:42:00.001-05:00

Potato Latkes

2010-12-09T11:39:00.017-05:00

New Boston Globe Magazine

2010-12-03T16:20:00.012-05:00

Magic Beans "Surprises" Magazine

2010-12-03T11:42:00.012-05:00

From this issue:

Toddler Property Laws

1. If I like it, it's mine.

2. If it's in my hand, it's mine.

3. If I can take it from you, it's mine.

4. If I had it a little while ago, it's mine.

5. If it's mine, it must never appear to be yours in any way.

6. If I'm doing or building something, all the pieces are mine.

7. If it looks just like mine, it is mine.

8. If I saw it first, it's mine.

9. If you are playing with something and you put it down, it automatically becomes mine.

10. If it's broken, it's yours!

Author Unknown

Kial Warehouse Sale

2010-12-03T10:52:00.005-05:00

For my friends in the Columbus, Ohio area.

iPhone 4 Photo Series: #2

2010-12-02T10:58:00.003-05:00

New Newbury Bond

2010-12-02T10:43:00.006-05:00

Hot off the press: the new Newbury Bond catalog featuring the beautiful and really nice Simone, from Major Models.

Shake Shack, New York, 2010

2010-11-11T21:12:00.003-05:00

Could Shake Shack have the quickest, cheapest and most perfect cheeseburger ever? Plus, it comes photo-ready!

New Design New England Magazine

2010-11-09T16:10:00.005-05:00

The assignment for three designers, was to take this iconic silverware pattern by George Jensen and design a unique table landscape. These each work in their own way and were interesting and fun to shoot.

iPhone 4 Photo Series: #1

2010-10-14T17:07:00.002-04:00

Halloween 2010

2010-10-07T10:52:00.007-04:00

Here they are: Logan's and Bella's official Halloween portraits. As you can see, they love being photographed and have been practicing their best scary looks.

New Portraits

2010-09-15T10:23:00.006-04:00

I was very excited to see these two new portraits in the recent issue of Fashion Boston. I love photographing performing artists; they always bring their unique talent to the shoot and often take risks that most people don't. Here, from the Boston Ballet, the sister/brother dancers Lia and Jeffrey Cirio, and the rockers Endway.

New "Glee" Inspired Boston Magazine Cover

2010-09-01T09:53:00.003-04:00

Venice, 2010, Part 3

2010-08-29T11:54:00.003-04:00

Boston Globe Magazine

2010-08-29T11:43:00.003-04:00

Antiques Period

2010-08-13T12:44:00.004-04:00

I was on assignment yesterday in Beacon Hill and met the most delightful proprietor, Lisa, at Antiques Period. She graciously agreed to pose of a portrait. She was quite a character and told tales of the Hill, of growing up in Denmark, of Mari Anntoinette, and sticky buns too. The shop is on the corner of River and Lime Streets and I'm pretty sure she'd be happy to have you stop by for a chat.

Florence, 2010, Part 2

2010-08-12T09:05:00.002-04:00

New Fashion Boston: The Best Dressed

2010-08-11T11:23:00.005-04:00

Hot of the press: the 100 Most Stylish Bostonians. There's a great video of the shoot, and I hope to post that soon. Stay tuned.

Jada

2010-07-09T10:17:00.004-04:00

A while back, I photographed the super talented women of the pop group Jada. I just stumbled on this ad, with one of the photos. They are as nice as they are talented. I love their video too, which is linked to the title.

Boston Magazine

2010-07-06T11:27:00.006-04:00

The new Boston Magazine came out this week and I have a portrait of the two PatchNYC guys, Don and John. Their artwork and visual sensibility is so cool.

Roma, 2010, Part 1

2010-07-05T14:36:00.012-04:00

Or should I call this "antipasti," with "primo" next? Assorted shots, in no particular order, of my recent trip to Italy. What an amazing trip. More photos up soon.

Miami Beach, 1993

2010-03-11T13:26:00.009-05:00

The blog thing kinds of gets away from me at times. How much to put on? How mercenary should I be? Creative? Old? New? Josh Campbell, who I work with, is doing a bang-up job on his blog, featuring old and new work, including his "Film Fridays," where he showcases older work he shot in film. Remember film? Anyway, he's the inspiration for posting these four images, all shot on film.

This lovely lady is Cele Stein, mother of my friend Bea. Years ago, when Bea had told me her mother was modeling clothes at a Miami Beach hotel poolside (at around 70 years old I think), I jumped at the chance to photograph her . I went in with a sort of a Diane Arbus feeling in mind, but I don't think these photos went in that direction. Cele is way too sweet and she was having too much fun modeling (and being photographed).

I recently went back to the negatives to finally make prints for Bea (I know, I know, it was years later) and looked at them in a fresh light. They appealed to me on different levels then they had originally. I mean, she's stylin' and I'm happy to have documented her.

Industrial Design?

2010-03-05T14:28:00.008-05:00

My friends and neighbors, Megan and Dominic, came over last week for a one-week-before-due-date pregnancy photo. Megan has never looked more radiant. Dominic is an industrial designer and art directed this abstract take on Megan. I think the top photo remains true to Dominic's clean and modern esthetic in all he helps create!

Design New England Magazine

2010-02-23T14:25:00.004-05:00

File this posting under "better late than never." This story and photo, from Design New England magazine recently became a 2009 Filio magazine Ozzie Award Winner! It took the bronze medal for "Breaking Ground" by Molly Jane Quinn and Jenna Talbott. It sounds almost Olympian, right?

Elle Decor

2010-02-10T14:17:00.008-05:00

Be sure to visit J.E.M. in the South End. It's a beautiful store with a great collection of pieces, both vintage and new, and some combined. I recently photographed the store and it's been chosen as one of Elle Decor's Hot Shops. I think you'll agree.

iPhone Photo Series #5

2010-01-25T10:57:00.002-05:00

Carney Knowledge

2010-01-25T10:50:00.002-05:00

What could be more fun than an adult themed carnival? The Fort Point Theater is presenting this series of plays and carnival-styled performances, starting January 29th, at the Cambridge YMCA Theater. I did this photo of several of the performers (and my neighbors) last month and I think it captures some of the mysterious oddity of a sideshow. Tickets can be purchased at:
www.brownpapertickets.com/event/90678

Holiday FB

2010-01-06T12:24:00.003-05:00

Brown University

2010-01-06T12:19:00.002-05:00

iPhone Photo Series #4

2009-12-30T11:29:00.002-05:00

It's an Honor Just to be Nominated

2009-12-15T10:05:00.007-05:00

This spam just in:

The Small Business Commerce Association (SBCA) is pleased to announce that Joel Benjamin Photography has been selected for the 2009 Best of Business Award in the Commercial photography category.

The SBCA Best of Business Award Program recognizes the best of small businesses throughout the country. Using consumer feedback and other research, the SBCA identifies companies that we believe have demonstrated what makes small businesses a vital part of the American economy. The selection committee chooses the award winners from nominees based off information taken from monthly surveys administered by the SBCA, a review of consumer rankings, and other consumer reports . Award winners are a valuable asset to their community and exemplify what makes small businesses great.

I guess it beats a $1,000,000 money transfer from Nigeria.

Neighborhood Shopping in the Boston Globe Magazine

2009-12-11T16:44:00.002-05:00

Some Enchanted Village

2009-12-03T16:43:00.009-05:00

My other title for this slide show was Enchanted Village of the Damned. I'm not sure which is more appropriate.

This group of pictures shows what was left of the famous Enchanted Village from the department store Jordan Marsh.

In another lifetime (or so it seems), I was the creative director there and worked, along with a number of people, to bring the Village back to the store . It had been shut down since the 40's and came back in 1990. Although there is some confusion about it's origin, this display was a recreation and not the original.

A few months ago, David Filipov, a reporter for the Boston Globe, did a story on the Village. It was now owned by the city, a gift from Macy's. They had decided not to set it up after they had taken over Jordan Marsh in 1998. The city had displayed it for a number of years and no longer had the money to do so. It was all warehoused in a huge space near the waterfront.

I was able to get permission to photograph it the day before it was auctioned off. I thought that the current setting and condition brought an appropriate message about the holidays, shopping, commercialization and sadness. Having been part of that machine, it resonated strongly with me.

The Enchanted Village now resides at Jordan's Furniture in Avon, Ma.

Special note: the music is 2000 Miles by Merrie Amsterburg. She is an incredible artist and I am proud to consider myself a groupie. Her album Season of Rain is incredibly moving and her latest album, Clementine and Other Stories, is a rich retelling of classic American songs.

The Puppy's Official 2009 Holiday Portrait

2009-12-01T16:05:00.009-05:00

Turn away from the screen if you have insulin issues!

Here you see Sonny, Logan and Johnny in their official portrait. Special thanks to Raphie and Evann for their help with art direction and puppy handling. It was the perfect holiday card because the experience of working on it together was as fun as the result.

It sort of reminds me of the cover of a 1964 calendar given away by a laundromat, before "cute" became ironic.

iPhone Photo Series #3

2009-11-24T13:37:00.002-05:00

All That Glitters

2009-11-23T14:31:00.010-05:00

It's beginning to look a lot like, well, you know. I always have mixed feelings about the holidays but enjoy them more as the memories of my retail advertising days fade. The make-up is by Debra Macki and the hair is my Krystal B. More images at the linked site.

Kitchen Color

2009-11-05T11:14:00.008-05:00

Recently photographed a Boston Globe Magazine cover and story and I'm loving the subtle Brady Bunch 70's style theme. I grew up in a Miami neighborhood filled with Avocado colored fridges, turquoise cabinets and burnt orange colored ovens and feel very nostalgic for these tones.

iPhone Photo Series #2

2009-10-16T16:04:00.001-04:00

New FB Rocks!

2009-10-16T15:48:00.006-04:00

I'm pretty excited about the new issue of FB, just out this week. It felt like a perfect combination of talent and we all had a great time making these pictures happen. Low tech tricks in a high tech world really made this stand out, I think. Plus, having a small budget to rent a lot of disco balls never hurts.

iPhone Photo Series #1

2009-10-05T12:26:00.002-04:00

Designer Herbie Acevedo and Cape Cod Magazine

2009-10-02T11:31:00.011-04:00

I met designer Herbie Acevedo through our mutual friend Jane (the same Jane that had introduced me to Steve, who I photographed and posted in the previous entry). He owns a great home furnishing store in Provincetown, Shor, and he has a number of clients he works with.

I had been looking to shoot more home interiors when we met, and once we did, the match clicked. I shot these photos last spring and it was great to see them on the cover and inside Cape Cod Magazine. The home was quite incredible, both as a wonderful historic renovation and as a design showcase.

Stevie Jay Unretouched

2009-09-27T17:44:00.007-04:00

After more than 20 years, I reconnected this week with one of my oldest friends, Stevie Jay. He's was touring with his one man show, Life. Love. Sex. Death... And Other Works in Progress, and playing in Providence. It was unexpected to hear from him and even more unexpected to be able to spend some time together.

How to describe my relationship with Steve? Well, I'd say if you are very lucky, every once in awhile, someone will turn up in your life and have an effect on it that almost is greater than its parts.

I met Steve when I was about 23 years old and freshly moved to New York City. I hardly understood how anything worked, from the subways, to winters, to life. I was a suburban boy from Miami (thus, no winter knowledge or warm clothing). We met through our mutual friend Jane, and became fast friends. I cannot underestimate just how many life lessons I learned from him during the years we both lived in the city, things I still reflect on today.

To see him again, first on YouTube, and then in person, after all this time, was, well, it wasn't just overwhelming and it wasn't just intense, but it was both of those together. I felt compelled to photograph him, and he photographed me (see my new blogger photo) and I think these photographs capture some of Steve's warmth and honesty. From Steve, I learned that it's best to move in the direction of the greater truth, and that holds even for these photographs.

Vanished Author Joseph Finder

2009-09-15T13:44:00.007-04:00

I was sitting on the Delta Shuttle to New York, reading the Times, when I saw this ad featuring a photograph I shot of Joseph Finder. It's always nice to be surprised at where your photographs go.

Joe is a great guy and a wonderful writer. His books keep you on the edge of your seat. Check out his newest one, Vanished, literally.

FB: Boston's Best Dressed

2009-08-12T11:12:00.007-04:00

Hot off the press: the new issue of Fashion Boston hit the stands this week. It was another fun shoot with Alex Hall and her team. We shot nine of the most fashionable people in town, over one day in my studio. Each person brought something to the shoot (in addition to several outfits!) and I think these photographs capture a side of their personalities, in addition to their great style.

Marie Galvin, Milliner

2009-08-06T11:52:00.008-04:00

There are images that I photograph and really love but often, they never seem to have a place to be shown. They don't quite work on the website or portfolio and I keep trying to find the place where they will perfectly fit. These have stayed in the back of mind for some time now and I realized that the blog is the perfect forum for them.

The hats are by the super talented and super cute Mare Galvin. She's opening a new store at 450 Harrison Avenue in the Boston's South End. Her work spans the gamut from simple, chic headbands to large, gorgeous hats. I love the variety of the shots here, from classic 40's to 70's glamourous to 30's simplicity.

The Super-Heroine Monologues

2009-07-27T15:59:00.007-04:00

I love my life in the theater. Well, in the wings, actually. Recently, I got an e-mail from Greg Maraio, an actor and director whom I had photographed for the Zeitgeist Stage Company. He was directing a new show and needed some publicity photos for it. I'm always up for helping out theater groups. I remember when I produced (along with the co-writers) our musical, The Paisley Sisters' Christmas Special, and help came from surprising places and was always welcome. You really have to love the theater to produce a show, that much I can say.

Anyway, when Greg and the cast came over to the studio for the shoot, I was blown away by the costumes. They were amazing. I've included some of them here. Greg designed and made them himself. They really capture the look and spirit of the characters. Here, well, you'll know all of them except for maybe Storm, unless you're at Comic-Con right now.

The show runs September 10 through the 26th at the Boston Center for the Arts.

New Fashion Boston

2009-07-21T09:12:00.008-04:00

Is two weeks too long between entries? Is a week on the Cape a good excuse? I was happy to return to find the new issue of Fashion Boston in my mail. Working with FB is always a good time. Alex Hall, the editor, is like a real fashion editor, gorgeous and a little larger than life. She brings a high energy to the set, great talent and a gaggle of cute assistants. I might almost think I was working in New York.

This is the Summer Fun Issue and the challenge was to say warm weather while working in the studio. I used a large scrim as the backdrop, lighting it from behind, and letting the light wrap around the models. This gave them a lot of freedom to move and I really like the way the light comes softly from behind.

Comedian Bo Burnham for the Boston Globe Magazine

2009-06-26T16:58:00.016-04:00

I photographed YouTube phenomenon, comedian Bo Burnham, a few weeks ago for the Boston Globe Magazine. Bo had just gotten back from a comedy festival in Australia and had to be a bit jet-lagged for the shoot, but none of us knew it. He really got into character and was fearless, as some actors can do, really getting into the characters . He turned out to be very funny and was very up for the idea of dressing up as high school archetypes. He didn't even mind wearing the singlet for the wrestler character or the grey lipstick for the goth.

In setting up the shoot, we didn't quite realize how tall he was, and the pants for the band uniform character were quite short. That turned out to be serendipitous, because the length (or lack of) really worked for the character. What says "high school awkwardness" more than too short pants?

This Just In

2009-06-10T11:01:00.003-04:00

Photographed writer Charles Pierce and his American made car for the Boston Globe Magazine. Both he and the car were good sports.

Then and Now

2009-06-03T10:16:00.007-04:00

I think this is an appropriate and meaningful start to the comments in my new blog. Here are two shots of my friend Mary Jean's daughter, Alexandra. The one on the right I photographed when she was about three, back when I was an art director and people used film. The second, taken last week, is Alexandra all grown up, now 21, and an aspiring actress (with star in her DNA). There is something I like about looking at this continuity in life and work. I hope this blog not only serves to document current work and thoughts but to reflect on the past.

Design New England

2009-05-05T11:03:00.004-04:00

First Post

2009-02-26T16:43:00.000-05:00