Ben Burgis
Website: https://www.benjaminburgisfilm.com/
Tell us a little about yourself! Where are you from? What do you like to do besides photography?
My name is Benjamin Burgis, I'm 18 years old and I was born and raised in Kelowna, BC! Besides photography I work in film production as a 2nd assistant camera. During my free time I shoot personal projects, skateboard, and ski.
When did you first get into photography? When did you start shooting film?
I believe I first started messing around with cameras when I was around twelve or thirteen. My friends and I grew up mountain biking and skateboarding so there was always something to record.
I started film photography 3 or 4 years ago. Since then I've always had a camera on me. Photography only really clicked for me when I started shooting film, digital photography just didn't feel as fulfilling.
What kind/style of photography are you currently shooting? What style of photography do you find yourself drawn to? Is there something you would like to start shooting?
I’m mostly shooting street right now, that's where I feel comfortable. Currently I’m drawn to street portraits. I would love to shoot more skateboarding. I always find myself only videotaping skating.
What camera are you currently using the most? What’s your go-to film stock?
My daily camera has been my Nikon F90X with a Nikkor 50mm F1.8. My go-to film stock is Kodak Gold 200, I'm slowly starting to shoot more Portra & Tri-X however.
What’s your dream camera?
Hasselblad X-pan or Mamiya 7.
Is there a film stock you haven’t gotten the chance to try but really want to?
A good friend of mine, Tobias Gebhardt, sent me some dope scans of Ilford 3200. I picked up a single roll and have wanted to shoot some portraits with it, just haven't been able to line up a shooting date with an artist.
Your current portfolio features many depictions of homelessness as well as graffiti/street art. Can you tell us more about why you are drawn to these very unique subjects?
I’m drawn to these subjects because,
In grade 10 I remember having a gem of an english teacher, when other students were studying Shakespeare and writing poems (not dissing), my class was watching “Exit Through The Gift Shop”, a Banksy documentary, and constantly talking about how art can change the world or spread an important message. Before this I don't remember having a close eye on graffiti. Documenting the illegal art form was, at times, my only motivation for photography. But ya, shout out to [my english teacher] and all the vandals in BC.
I'm drawn to the homeless and addiction crisis in BC because I want to shoot the side of Kelowna that people often sadly would rather push away than confront. There were 1726 overdose deaths in BC, 62 deaths in Kelowna, in 2020 alone. I don't see many things changing for that number to get smaller. I’m only shooting the things I see, I’ll keep doing it.
If I can spark a conversation with my work that is worth more than anything.
Besides these two subjects, are there other things you like to photograph but don’t post/share?
I shoot a good amount of night photography. I also have a mass amount of photos of my dog Dover and my girlfriend's kittens, not gonna lie..
"Hard Rock"
This photograph was captured on Kodak TRI-X 400. On a sunny, beautiful day, while walking through the alleyways of Kelowna, I noticed two men sitting on the ground. After asking to take a photograph, I looked at the one man and asked how his day was. He pulled his pipe out of his pocket and roasted the bottom, exhaled, and said "great".
Can you tell us how you got involved in the filmmaking business and how this medium differs from still photography for you?
I got involved in film production by reaching out to people in need of help with anything film-related. I knew by high school graduation I wanted to get into camera related stuff, but I didn't bother going to film school. I just helped out on a few short films as a camera trainee and was a production assistant for a little bit. Anything that would get me on some kind of set. People were always willing to help me, I appreciate every person I’ve worked with. Work definitely is play for me.
My still photography is drastically different from film production because a proper working film set has many departments, lots of gear etc.. all working together to make the day. Film production should also be very planned and organized, whereas my film photography has no call sheet or schedule, just one camera and my skateboard.
Goals for this year?
I want to keep working as a camera assistant, there's always something new to learn, so I wanna be onset as much as possible. During my off time I’m gonna stay focused on my personal projects, family & friends.
Favourite Quote
“Don't force your creativity, or it's probably gonna be awful”.
1-2 songs that you currently have on repeat.
Protect ya neck by Wu-Tang Clan
Astronaut by Madlib.
Closing statement?
Spread Love.
