Meet Ben Everden, a creative maven with a unique journey, primarily defined by his passion for the creative arts, notably fashion photography. From being the youngest person ever to win an international jewelry award, Ben transitioned seamlessly from jewelry design to marketing, always retaining an unwavering passion for capturing moments through the lens.

The transition from jewelry to marketing didn't dull Ben's passion for photography. During the challenges of the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, when marketing budgets were constrained, his multifaceted expertise became pivotal. Ben seamlessly assumed the role of a marketer/content creator, a role that predated its mainstream recognition.

For the past decade, Ben has been a force in NYC, steering transformative projects. He spearheaded the reinvention of Volvo Cars in 2013/2014, assumed the position of global head of creative at Havas, and played a key role in the collaboration between Fashion Weeks globally and Etihad Airways.

Culminating this journey, in 2021, Ben cofounded TRVE Creative in Miami—an agency that stands at the intersection of photography, video, and design. Ben's journey reflects a fusion of creativity and innovation, with a distinctive focus on fashion photography. His ability to seamlessly blend his past experiences with his current role positions him as a dynamic and sought-after fashion photographer, capturing the essence of style and creativity in every frame.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Moevir Magazine February Issue 2024 featured edition

[Retro Sports with Gracie Ray]

https://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/2710796

Photographer: Ben Everden @decentcrop

Producer: Sofia Dunin @trvecreative

Wardrobe Stylist: Josie Olivia @josieolivia_

Hair Stylist: Michelle Dubé @michelledube_mua

Model: Gracie Rae @Chadwicks Models Australia

The Society NYC

Elite Model World @grace.rae

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What do you believe sets your work apart from other fashion photographers, and how do you continually strive to innovate and push boundaries?

For me everything starts with a picture. With a picture you can sell a product, tell a story, make people want to laugh, cry, travel, eat and even feel ill.

Before each shoot I get very little sleep, I will lay awake in trepidation, excitement and anxiety on delivering the absolute best possible set of images. I can and honestly say I wouldn’t have it any other way. The day I don’t feel like that is the day I’ll pass the torch down to the next generation.

I have worked for agency’s (and I now own one), but my passion is brands and people. I get so excited about the opportunity to make pictures that actually help and I think that is our defining point here at TRVE Creative. I have so much experience on the brand side and I remember how frustrating it can be getting your message out via agencies and creatives that I have an empathy that really allows me to listen to what is needed and what is missing.

How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in fashion photography, and what role do they play in your work?

Staying at the forefront of anything takes a lot of thought and time. I jump between completely ignoring what’s happening in the world in the hope I can come up with something mildly individual and then really heavily investing time into current social trends, what the “cool” brands are doing and even delving into the trend makers and celebrities that are also doing their best to adapt to ‘chronic swipers’ need for daily reinvention.

Most of our clients have a need for daily content and not just on one platform but for multiple different platforms so I’ll do my best to create the most amazing images I can taking every platform and audience into account.

Depending on who and what I’m shooting this all just feeds the list of ideas that we’ll pitch and work on depending on each specific client's budget and needs might be.

Can you share a particularly challenging shoot you've worked on, and how you overcame any obstacles or creative blocks?

One of the most memorable and challenging shoots I've undertaken recently was for a swim brand in Miami during the South Beach Food and Wine Festival. The plan was to capture the essence of the collection during the golden hues of sunrise before the masses embarked on the streets and beaches, and preparations were well underway as the team gathered on set early in the morning. However, in a turn of events, the model we had scheduled simply didn't show up, throwing us into a whirlwind of stress, especially considering the expenses involved with makeup artists and other talents.

In the face of this unexpected obstacle, I had to think on my feet. With quick decision-making, I reached out to someone else who happened to be available. In an interesting twist, not only did they step in, but they also brought their mum along for the shoot (which was really a welcomed company on set).. Pulling together the team at the last minute was no small feat, and to add to the challenge, we found ourselves shooting in the unforgiving midday Miami sun with crowds everywhere.

While we did need to add a certain compromise toward some of the elements we had initially planned, the shoot turned out fantastic and the brand owner was more than over the moon with the end result.

Who are some of your biggest influences and inspirations in the world of fashion photography, and how have they impacted your own work?

When I first got interested in photography in high school, I honed my skills on film cameras, taking inspiration from the pioneers of the '70s and '80s fashion, portrait and street photography. I was working part time in a bakery almost only to fund the dreams of owning the iconic 35mm and 50mm prime lenses they used and it was undeniable that the stories they told through those images shaped the foundation of my craft.

As the industry evolved, so did my influences. Today, I find inspiration in the creatives who seamlessly navigate the modern intersection of social media and photography. They have the unique ability to entertain and captivate audiences while maintaining an impressive portfolio of client work. In my eyes, this is the future of our trade.

My own photography is shaped by the battle between the intense need I have to make clients happy, creating beautiful images and knowing I need to really step up my self promotion.

Can you speak to the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the fashion industry, and how you strive to incorporate those values into your work?

Throughout my career, I've had the incredible fortune of contributing to meaningful projects, such as the "Design for Disability'' initiative with the Cerebral Palsy Foundation and the collaboration between UPS and IN THE BLK at New York Fashion Week. The richness of creativity that unfolds within my professional circles leaves me standing in awe.

Recognizing the profound impact of diversity and inclusivity is paramount in the fashion industry. Beyond being a moral imperative, it's an acknowledgment that talent knows no boundaries of disability, skin color and size. In essence, a captivating film or a stunning photograph transcends the confines of race or physical looks or abilities—it speaks a universal language that resonates with people from all walks of life.

How do you approach creating a narrative or telling a story through your fashion photography, and what role do themes and concepts play in your work?

Creating a narrative for a shoot, whether it's to encapsulate the essence of a brand or illuminate the personality of an individual, is a process I relish. I particularly enjoy when the location also plays into the story or when I need to try and bring a location or landmark.

While not every shoot requires an extensive storyline, I love the moments when a narrative unfolds organically, adding layers of depth and meaning to the visuals. Approaching fashion photography as a storyteller is where my heart truly lies. What adds an extra layer of excitement is my occasional foray into shooting and editing videos, especially when these moving images are designed not just to complement but elevate the power of the stills.