Photography Masterclass Magazine
FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: BENNY BULKE
In this issue we feature Belgian fine art street photographer, Benny Bulke. He’s honed his focus on black and white images to stunning effect. He’s got a great eye for composition in urban environments and has a definite knack for capturing epic moments in time. When you see his images, you’ll understand why it takes patience and time to get the perfect shot. Enjoy!
Photographic Speciality/Style:
Fine art street photography with a strong preference for black and white.
Short Bio:
After my first real camera purchase back in 2013, I was triggered and started trying everything photography-wise, ultimately narrowing my focus to mainly fine-art street photography.
My style of photographing and editing has been shaped somewhat by my graphical schooling background, with an eye for shapes, crisp compositions, and compelling light...
But all of these things are nothing without some mood, of course!
How did you get into black and white street photography?
True architecture and where I live (cities are closer to me than, for example, decent landscape spots). From the beginning, I had a preference for very graphical images (hence the black and white inclination).
So, I went shooting nearby city's (architecture) and as soon I got started, I was somewhat drawn to shooting people as well. I started trying some candid street photography and found it to be very challenging shooting strangers, so I naturally fell into a more of a fine art style of street photography as it is easier to do streetwise but not so much shooting "in the face" of people.
Nowadays I am picking up the candid way of shooting again, because my confidence has grown over the years, and I keep getting inspired by the old masters.
I notice that there is a strong human element to most of your images. How do you go about capturing street images where the composition heavily relies on perfect positioning of a person or capturing a moment in time with genuine expression from them?
With fine art street photography you are more staking out a place of interest (architectural place or simply a few lines and stunning light) than you are on the go. Therefore you can use the time waiting for "the perfect person" to practice and test your framing until your human element enters your canvas.
How do you go about capturing images of strangers without them taking offence?
Shooting in my style its somewhat less offensive opposed to the candid way. That being said, I mostly try to have a friendly attitude and my experience tells me when you are open to people and, when called upon, just explain to people what you are doing and why. It helps when you can give them a business card showing your work too.
I’ve never had an aggressive reaction over the years - only mildly bothered or annoyed - but hey, that’s not a no-go for me.
Talk us through how your images evolved over time?
I guess it started with doing everything: landscape, portrait, architecture, urbex, street, etc .... but black and white always had a place in my mind ..... Ultimately, narrowing it down to what I do nowadays, I have found it very helpful in my photography quest to quit doing everything and focus on one or two types of photography.
What’s your long-term photographic ambition?
First of all, and most importantly: I hope I can enjoy my photography quest even more, because I think it’s the most beautiful hobby in the world! I also love to teach so I hope I can start doing some travel workshops with small groups, combining it all.
Where does your photographic inspiration come from?
It can come from people I see in the street, architecture, but also interesting light at places where I’m walking by! This can be any kind of light depending on the location of course.
What would you consider to be your greatest achievement (or achievements) in your photography to date?
Having been interviewed on Octavian Carare's YouTube channel is definitely high up there but I am very proud when I can do an interview for a magazine also of course. I think these are exceptional honors and it doesn’t get any better than that!
What’s your favorite photo/image that you've ever taken & why?
“Which of my photographs is my favorite? The one I’m going to take tomorrow.” QUOTE Imogen Cunningham.
In art there is not "a best" or something like that I suppose. Some have a different mood, some more graphically... it's the pursuit of great images that's the fun part but you can say I am proud of some images.
What's inside your kit bag?
I work with my Nikon D850 and a Fujifilm X100V. The lenses go from 12mm to 85mm.
What's inside your dream kit bag?
A tool with a fool is still a tool .....
But that being said, I think new gear or sometimes trying out some gear can be a creative boost. An angle you never use or new innovations (silent cameras, tilting screens, etc.) can make your photography improve a bit.
Replacing the D850 with the newer mirrorless gear will be on my path as it comes with new benefits and uses. Also, I keep wondering if a Leica Q2 Monochrom would be something for me ....
Which piece of kit couldn't you do without?
My B-Grip Handstrap! It’s very reliable for when I'm shooting difficult angles so I wouldn’t trade it for the world!
What words of advice would you give to beginners?
Shoot a lot! Go out and about and start photographing - practice makes the art could not be more true!
When you eventually are able to go shooting without needing to pay a lot of attention to the settings of the camera you will evolve even more because you can put all of your attention into your style, mood and be more aware of beautiful places, light or people.