I wasn't disappointed and am pretty sure you'll be entertained and learn a few things as well – especially when Ben relays his most embarrassing wedding photography moment that involved a lack of underwear, a boat and some climbing. Absolute gold!
What do you picture when someone mentions “successful photographer” – is it flashy cars, holidays, a big house, lots of staff or a big Studio? When I think success I think lifestyle, hence the reason Ben came straight to mind for my initial interview.
A few things about Ben:
- He shoots around 25 weddings per year… because he wants to
- He used to shoot around 45 weddings per year
- He lives on a farm
- There is no electricity supply to his house (he does have solar power and a generator)
- He has no kids
- He's been through a marriage breakdown, partly attributed to his love of photography
- He doesn't work every minute of every day
- He had a $22,000 debt with his photo lab in the early years of his business
- He doesn't follow the photography “fads”
- He rarely looks at other photographers work
- Ben is unique
- Ben has a great lifestyle
- Ben really is a successful photographer
We cover the lessons he learnt along the way and talk about what should have been an eye opening chat with another very successful photographer, Anna Blackman only to find he didn't really understand that he wasn't making any money even though there was plenty of weddings being photographed and it felt like there was lots of money to spend.
Ben has learnt a lot of his lessons the hard way and after 12 years of photographing weddings, I get the sense he is now living the life he wants to be living. He shoots the way he wants and attracts the kind of wedding clients that he wants to photograph.
During our chat, he shares plenty of tips and advice for any up and coming photographer. Although he readily admits there is no shortcut to success, there are a few things he would definitely do differently if he were to start over with the knowledge he has now.
I was surprised to learn Ben recommends shooting your first 10 weddings for FREE! There is method to his madness, I'd be interested to hear if you agree?
A few other topics we touch on in this interview include:
- Pricing and how it affects everything

Ben preparing to head out to a wedding… in the old days (you may need to listen to the podcast to ‘understand' this caption.
If you have any questions, feedback or want to say thanks to Ben for the information he shared, you can do that in the comments section below or you can contact Ben directly using the links below. If you did enjoy my chat with Ben, it'd be great to let him know and show your appreciation with a quick thanks via email or on Facebook – I'm sure he'd be very happy to hear from you.
Links to mentions in this episode
Ben Marden – the website: http://www.benmarden.com.au
Ben on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/benmardenphotography
Ben on Instagram: http://instagram.com/benmarden
Ben likes to chat, so if it's something simple, you can call him: +612 6493 8305
The AIPP: http://www.aipp.com.au
April Goodman of Moving Pictures Photography in Alice Springs: http://www.movingpictures.com.au
Anna Blackman: http://annablackman.com.au
Graham Munroe: http://www.gmphotographics.com.au
Photo Mechanic – software for editing, sorting and renumbering. Fast and easy to use: http://www.camerabits.com
Want to see the world like Ben does 🙂 Serengeti Sunnies: http://www.serengetieyewear.com.au
Some feedback would be awesome!
This podcast is all about you – if want to know something, anything photography related, just ask. Got comments about this show, feedback on the audio, my questions, want to hear a certain guest be interviewed… let me know. You can get in contact by using the comments section below or you can email me andrew@photobizx.com.
If you enjoyed the show, it'd be a huge help if you left a rating and a comment on iTunes. Not only will it help others just like you to find the show, it'd warm my heart knowing that you cared enough to spend 2 minutes doing that for me.
Hope you enjoy this episode.
Have a great week and speak soon.
Andrew
Hi Andrew! What a great idea! I loved this interview with Ben Marden…it was so cool! As someone just starting out with photography, it was nice to hear someone else’s journey and compare notes and pickup bits n pieces to help you along your way. It’s like the hard part as already been done (thank you ben!) and makes for an easier time for you. yay!!!! Andrew, you are a great interviewer and I really enjoyed your down to earth manner and tone of the interview. You certainly do have a way with people and it is quite refreshing. Makes for a happy interview!! I look forward to the next one! Keep up the great work! Thank you!
Hey Pauline – thanks for your comments, the very first for the podcast – woohoo!
So good to hear you loved the interview – Ben is an awesome guy and photographer so you’re definitely on the right track following any of his advice.
And thanks for the great rap about my interview style – you’ve put a big smile on my face 🙂
Feel absolutely free to contact me if you have any questions along your path to being a pro photographer – I’d be more than happy to help wherever I can.
Speak soon – Andrew
Knowing Ben personally, its funny that i am still learning bits and pieces about him 🙂 Especially the ‘no underwear” bit….LOL… I assisted him on a wedding some time back and thankfully no incidents on that occasion 🙂
Having actually reignited my passion for photography under the amazing tuition of Ben because not only is he a great photographer, he is actually a wonderful teacher and mentor for those of us beginning our journey.I can highly recommend him if you are wanting to build your own skills.
It is actually because of Ben that i am pursuing my own dream of having a photography business. But i am being realistic, I am doing the work required not only in improving my own photography, but also in business and price setting. I want to earn a living and ‘give up’ my day job in the next few years!
Thankyou Ben for your beautiful humour as always, your honesty, your down to earth view on life and living and your immense integrity…proud to call you my friend…
I don’t know Ben as well as you Deb but I was also SHOCKED at the underwear part of his story – reminded me of Kramer from an episode of Seinfeld…
You’re lucky to have such a great teacher and mentor and if anyone knows about setting the right prices, you’ve fond him!
You’re lucky too, to be able to call Ben a friend, I’m 100% sure that life will never be boring with him in it. Thanks for adding your comments.
Oh the split pants Ben….. A photographer that loves to flash…
I remember the first time Ben stood up and introduced himself at a photographers function…. very seriously before he sat down he says… ‘and Im against nude photography’
No one knew how to take it…. we all thought he was very serious and had a personal issue with it…. now if I had of known he had no undies on at the time….. 🙂
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Andrew great interview. I love hearing these interviews from successful photographers. I have been through or am going through these growing pains myself. It reassures me that I’m doing things right when I hear these interviews. Keep up the fantastic work. 10/10 for content.
Merry Chrissy
Andrew
Thanks Andrew – loved reading your comments!
I think anyone that has a business has been through similar pains but I agree, it’s nice to know you’re not alone.
You too, have a Merry Christmas yourself!
Speak soon
[…] Ben Marden of Ben Marden Photography and episode 2 of the Photo Biz Xposed podcast […]