Welcome back to The Outspoken Artist podcast! In this special episode from Imaging USA 2024, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the incredible Justin Benson, a master photographer and co-founder of Aftershoot.co. We dove deep into the world of photography, discussing everything from wedding photography to the revolutionary changes in post-processing thanks to AI.
Table of Contents
- Getting to Know Justin Benson
- Creating Emotional Connections
- The Birth of Aftershoot
- Imaging USA Experience
- Advice for Aspiring Photographers
- Where to Find Justin
- FAQ
Getting to Know Justin Benson
Justin kicked off our conversation by sharing a bit about his unique style and branding. With a killer mustache that many recognize him by, he emphasized how it has become part of his identity. “If I was just a regular guy, they wouldn’t know me, but the mustache… they just start like, ‘Oh, I knew that mustache!'” It’s clear that branding plays a significant role in his work.
From TV to Weddings
Justin’s journey began in the TV and film industry, working on notable programs like Gossip Girl. He transitioned into photography, initially capturing street scenes in New York City. “I started taking a lot of photos… those photos started to be requested for TV shows and magazines,” he explained. Eventually, an unexpected phone call led him to take on his first wedding shoot, which ignited his passion for wedding photography.
Creating Emotional Connections
What sets Justin apart as a wedding photographer is his ability to evoke genuine emotions from his subjects. “I make lots of inappropriate jokes,” he shared, admitting that humor helps break the ice. He famously tells bridal parties to “look in my hole,” which, while cheeky, creates a relaxed atmosphere for capturing authentic moments.
A Memorable Wedding Story
When asked for a memorable wedding story, Justin recounted an experience where a horse and carriage ride turned into a comedic ordeal. “They got stuck for 35 minutes because the horse couldn’t grip the wood,” he laughed. Despite the chaos, he managed to capture all the essential shots in just 12 minutes, thanks to his quick thinking and sense of humor.
The Birth of Aftershoot
Justin’s frustrations with the culling process in photography led to the creation of Aftershoot. “Culling was the thing that I despised the most,” he admitted. After connecting with Harit, the founder of Aftershoot, they began developing a solution. Despite initial skepticism from others, Justin’s detailed feedback helped refine the product, which has now processed over 8 billion photos.
Transforming the Photography Landscape
Aftershoot has evolved significantly, now offering AI editing capabilities and features like Capture One support. Justin explained, “Every time a release comes out, it’s like we just changed it again. It’s a game-changing event.” This innovation allows photographers to save valuable time and focus on their creative work.
Imaging USA Experience
Justin shared his enthusiasm for the Imaging USA conference, describing it as a welcoming space for photographers to connect. “There’s no clicks… it’s very much so like anyone’s an open book,” he said. He also recounted a touching story about helping a fellow photographer in need during the conference, showcasing the supportive community within the industry.
Advice for Aspiring Photographers
If you’re on the fence about attending a photography conference, Justin’s advice is clear: “Definitely go!” He emphasized the value of learning from active professionals who can relate to current industry challenges. “My business would be 10 times further ahead had I known about these before,” he admitted.
Looking Ahead
As for what’s next for Justin, he plans to reduce his wedding photography commitments to focus more on Aftershoot. “I’ll always still photograph weddings… but I just can’t take on as many because I have a full-time job now,” he shared. With exciting developments on the horizon for Aftershoot, including user feedback shaping future features, the next year promises to be transformative.
Where to Find Justin
You can follow Justin’s work on Instagram at J Benson Photography and keep up with Aftershoot at Aftershoot Co.
For more episodes and to explore the world of The Outspoken Artist, visit my main website at https://outspokenartist.com. To check out all my links, including merch and promo codes, visit https://joyqr.com/outspoken.
FAQ
- What inspired you to start The Outspoken Artist podcast?
The podcast was inspired by my experiences at photography conventions, where I met many talented individuals and wanted to share their stories with a wider audience. - How can I support the podcast?
Engaging with episodes by liking, sharing, and subscribing helps grow the community and supports the podcast. - Are there other episodes available?
Yes! There are multiple episodes across various platforms, all available on my website.
Thank you for joining us on this journey through the world of photography and creativity!
