He is an unstoppable force of joy and creativity, an artist to his core; a problem solver, encourager, and calming force all in one. Ever since his first roll of film was developed in high school, Benjamin knew that photography was his calling and the perfect place for all of his talents. Persisting through long hours, crafting deep relational meaning, and building photographs that speak to your heart through your eyes are all second nature to his relentless pursuit of serving others with his craft.
It sounds like this is always what you’ve wanted to do. What about this work drew you in?
Well, that’s a little bit of an impossible question to answer because the truth is, while photography is my craft, everything that fulfills me in this work is personal and relational. The technical aspects of photography were, without a doubt, the hook that drew me in. Technology and science both digitally and in a traditional darkroom (side note, if you ever get a chance to watch a print get developed with chemicals, do it… it’s magical) are an endless puzzle of creative possibilities. The rabbit hole kept going deeper and deeper until I realized that beyond the technical aspects of photography there is a whole universe of relational intricacy that can use a camera as a gateway to caring about what you’re doing and who you’re doing it for. About the same time as I started dating my now wife and business partner Jennifer, I realized that weddings were awesome and wedding photographers had a unique opportunity to invest on a personal level with their clients. That’s when I knew that this was it. This was what I wanted to be doing. From there, I have been continually drawn in by the perpetually complex natures of love, joy, peace, kindness, heritage, and relationship. My understanding of life and love continues to deepen and I find myself on a never ending journey of grasping to create two dimensional versions of life’s beautiful moments of heart and soul.
Everybody likes an origin story, tell us about your first camera.
Truth be told, my first camera wasn’t mine, it was my dad’s. His AE-1 with a 50 mm 1.8 lens, tales of his FTb, and unending encouragement were all gifts to me, investments in my photographic journey, long before I got my first camera. I was given a camera by a very kind neighbor after a while but that was never mine either. My first camera still sits on my shelf today and gets used frequently. Purchased at a camera show in Detroit, my father and I settled on a 1971 Canon F-1 with my own accompanying 50mm 1.8 FD lens. It was beautiful. Crisp, clean, robust shutter sound, detachable prism, and most importantly a father’s pride to go with it. There aren’t many things that come with a life time guarantee any more, but the pride and encouragement I get from my dad is one of them. Guaranteed.
I understand that you are highly involved in the graphic design work of your brand. That’s pretty cool! What made you want to take that on?
My grandmother always said, “I like any color as long as it’s yellow.” Similarly, I believe that if you want something custom to fit within certain boundaries, you should be more specific with your boundaries. The Derk’s Works brand isn’t just about the color and the font, it’s a face and body to how much we care about each detail, both big and small in the work that we do. To me, graphic design has always been the slow-mo version of photography (like Neo dodging bullets in the Matrix or something). A lot of our photographic style follows action and forces me to compose an image in split-seconds. Design on the other hand is a process that can take hours or days for one final piece. Honing this cross discipline was a specific choice with the intent to better my photography learning to make better compositional decisions faster. I think any artist should spend some time in another discipline, it develops your voice in ways that one focused path never could. That said, we have had LOTS of help and contributions for very talented designers to get the brand to where it is now… but I still get my design kicks in where I can.
Other than graphic design, what outside influences help give you the unique artistic voice that you have?
Gratefully I have the joy of having my work steeped in the complexity of human emotion. I also believe that we (humans) were created to exist for and to thrive on deep relationship. This prism allows me to draw inspiration from the poetry of music and art, but more importantly and valuably, my art is informed and shaped by the relationship that I have with my wife Jennifer. Our story not only gives me insight into love but also the full development of a long marriage and the meaningful things that last and are worth cherishing. As time goes on, our children grow, and I learn new things that will only add to my understanding of how to make the best images to withstand the test of time.
With The Life Aquatic and Grand Budapest Hotel both in your top five favorite movies of all time, would it be safe to say that you are a fan of Wes Anderson?
Ha, yeah… you might say that ;) The fact that his dry sense of humor plays perfectly with Bill Murray’s modestly depressed deadpan comedy doesn’t hurt either. His stories are well crafted, every detail is set carefully in place meticulously timed to guide his viewers on an emotional journey that is deeper than the story at hand. I think that’s the big thing that I relate to when I watch his movies. My goal when photographing people, is to make images that encourage ideas that are deeper than visual. I’ve said it so much it seems a little cheesy at this point, but I want people to come away from my images feeling what it was like to be in a place, not just see what it looked like. But I suppose, coming back to your actual question… yes… I really love Wes Anderson’s movies…. a lot.
Obviously ice cream should be allowed into the food pyramid towards the base, but do you prefer it in a cone, sandwich or shake?
Well, OBVIOUSLY! While I like all of the above, I think my preference (without other factors, of course) would be shake, cone, sandwich in that order… or all of the above…. if that’s an option.
You shot your first wedding in 2003, how do you keep your focus fresh each wedding without falling into a check list mentality?
I guess the easy answer is to say that I don’t make check lists, but the complex truth is that the deeper I go into this business, art, and the lives of others, the more I find beautiful nuances to explore. I never have to worry about getting repetitive in this work because I always focus on the spectacular differences and unique elements of each couple I am privileged to serve. Weddings might have traditional elements, but the beauty of marriage is anything but predictable.
You seem wear a Tiger’s baseball hat a lot, what’s the story there?
You mean, other than “i’m going bald and like wearing hats? ;) Yes, actually. I grew up in Toledo, which is by many standards, mini-Detroit and home to the Mud Hens who are the farm team for the Tigers… all of these things are insularly to the fact that I’m not really a sports guy. I love baseball for heritage reasons just as much if not more than the sport. My great grandmother, my grandfather, and my father were/are all Tigers fans and I will stand in their shoes, listen on the radio, and cheer on my team rain or shine, win or loose as often as I can. I love an underdog story and they will be my underdogs until they finally make their comeback sometime in 2030… or so.
For the past few weeks we’ve been playing a game with George, where he tells us that he is either two or six and then we tickle him and strictly forbid him from growing up. As it turns out, the game is still funny but our parental authority seems to have failed us in preventing the passage of time. Without any doubt, our little boy is two. He will occasionally bust out a sentence, a beat-box, or laugh at this own “toot”. Drums, hammers, and baseball have all made the list of awesome things that can and will always be a good idea at any time of the day or night. He is a wonderful big brother, though I suspect that he and Solomon are already plotting mischief together at night. He is kind, caring, courageous, and inquisitive and I couldn’t be more proud. Happy birthday George, you are very loved.
Alright, I’ll just warn you right now, this is a long one. I tried trimming the selection a little further but then I thought, “nope, I’m gonna take a ‘selfish’ today.”
Last month we went with my Derkin family to the awesome state of Colorado for my younger brother’s wedding! In the process we added on a few extra days for family vacation. I’m pretty sure our only regret was that we wish it could’ve been longer. Not to spoil anything from the images but, the whole trip was stunning. Sam and Nicole’s wedding was on the spring equinox, the day from which all the days only get longer and more beautiful… if that’s not the most poetic day to get married, then I don’t know what is. I couldn’t be happier for my brother and was honored to be in his wedding. Though it is one of about four weddings I’ve ever been in without shooting it, I just couldn’t help myself, and I made a deal with their super-talented photographer Hannah to let me be part of their portraits anyway.
I’m not sure what it is about the Colorado air, colors, water, or mountains, but it is a magical place and I am honored every time I get to go back. I hope the next trip isn’t very far away.
-Benjamin
Pancakes with my dad has always been a longstanding tradition. Now, another generation gets in on the action.
The colors of Colorado’s earth are pure and magical. I will never get over these shades of green.
This straight razor was hand restored by our friends at Yellowood Design, replacing the cracked plastic pieces with hand shaped wood from reclaimed barn wood. I’m not too sure on the exact origin of the razor, whether it was my grand father’s business partner’s or if it was his fathers, but the barn wood was from Benjamin Rowley’s grandfather’s barn and the whole thing is just SO dang cool.
Little known fact, Solomon had a HUGE poop five minutes before the ceremony and directly preceding this photo. We don’t often brag about how quick we can change a diaper, but I have to say that we were pretty proud of this Indianapolis 500 racing pit speed change.
Shortly after this photo and right after I said, “I don’t think that rock is going to be a good foot hold Sam.” I fell into the river for a hot second.
At our core is a love for true grass roots movement, genuine relationships, and good branding. Our creative process is founded upon a strong story told with images, connected through moments of significance, captured by a camera. This love for story telling has only grown as we have continued down this journey of owning our own small business. Thus, PHOTO NARRATIVE was born.
Combining our passion for business, people, and images that communicate feeling we noticed a gap in the ability of businesses to create a relationship with their audience in a way that felt fresh and tailor-made. PHOTO NARRATIVE creates that gateway from business to consumer, narrowing the gap and building the bridge.
It is our goal through this new branch of Derk’s Works to continue our devotion to capturing and sharing the heart and soul of passionate living. Through PHOTO NARRATIVE, we’ll freeze the moments that encapsulate your business and show the movement that tells your brand’s story. This process takes on a few forms, some simple and some more involved; no matter the level, we can’t wait to help share your story!
Headshots
Simple though they may be, we believe in a headshot that is as unique as you and your business. On a traditional paper backdrop or something more specialized and complex, we stick to making you the center of attention.
In Your Element
There is something special about finding your niche and digging deeply into the work that comes with it. We are here for those moments that make your work special, so you can share your passion for your business with the world.
Video
Sometimes movement is the most effective way to share your message. Our PHOTO NARRATIVE videography has mastered the mix of light, sound, and story. Your action-packed day carries the heartbeat of your narrative.
Consulting
Two parts visual and one part brain power, we proudly offer straight up consulting as a stand alone service or as a compliment to our implementation. Jennifer brings 10 years of corporate sales experience and strategy to the table while Benjamin brings 10+ years of small business expertise and understanding. Sometimes you just need ideas and a clear game plan, we would love to put our moxie to work for you in sales, brand strategy, and social media marketing.
Our passion for brand strategy is backed by a decade of growing and adapting to a fiercely competitive industry, perfectly paired with years of corporate experience and strategic sales positioning combined with a drive for small business. Top it all off with expertise in social media marketing and a devotion to new trends, old trends, and finding your trend; we have exactly what you need to set you apart in your market.
The wait is over and PHOTO NARRATIVE is officially here, ready to take your business to the next level of relating to your customers. Let’s get the conversation started.
These are terrific