The Healing Power of Creativity | Alister Benn on Pixels Podcast

When it comes to improving our photography, we often focus on a few areas: our creative vision, our technical and processing skills, and our gear. Those are all important, but they’re missing a critical element: YOU.
In this conversation with Alister Benn, we talk about what it means to bring yourself to your photography, his evolution into creating autobiographical images, and what role story and context play in how we present our work.
Alister Benn is a renowned landscape photographer, educator, and author, celebrated for his innovative approach to night photography and expressive, minimalist landscapes. His work often emphasizes mood, emotion, and the intimate connection between the natural world and human experience.
Through his artistic and educational endeavors, Alister Benn has inspired photographers around the globe to connect deeply with their craft and the natural world.
CONNECT WITH ALISTER
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Printed Book, Out of Darkness: expressive.pho...
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Workshops: expressive.pho...
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Every like, comment, subscribe, and share helps this channel grow and benefit photographers everywhere. You can also show your appreciation and support by buying me a chai ☕️ (buymeacoffee.co...) or purchasing a YT Super Thanks (click/tap the three dots near the Like button for the option). All proceeds go to my video editor 😂 Thank you so much! 💙
‪@Alister_Benn‬
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Acknowledgements:
Inspired Creator Grants: www.naturephoto...
Video Editor Alex Armitage: www.alexarmitag...
Music Composed by musicdoctor: audiojungle.ne...
0:00 What About You?
1:51 What's Making You Smile Today?
2:26 Life on the Isle of Lewis
4:44 Ego and Personal Growth in Photography
15:26 The Healing Power of Creativity
29:36 The Power of Autobiographical Photography
39:45 The Relationship Between Image and Story
44:10 Shedding Expectations in Photography
53:57 Understanding Expressive Photography
01:01:56 How to Challenge Ourselves
01:07:10 Resources for Creative Growth

[@linaionta7590]

"The world doesn't care about us..." So true, Alister is right, we have to believe in ourselves. It's the only way!! ❤

[@astridpreisz519]

What a wonderful episode! Having known Alister for over 4 years now, I never tire of hearing his philosophy and his approach to photography, art and life. His mentoring and friendship have made a huge impact on how I view the world. my art, and myself. Absolutely beautiful discussion. Thank you both for that!

[@PixelsHeartandArt]

You're welcome, Astrid! It's clear that Alister is creating not only a photographic legacy, but a powerful mentoring one, too. Thank you for sharing and watching 💜

[@pascalthiebaud]

There was a before and an after to Alister Benn for me. He was the mirror in which I saw the beautiful man I am today. I've lost my zest for life in recent months, and recently Laurie advised me to wake up every morning and ask myself the question ‘What's the most interesting thing I can do today?’. Hearing that phrase again from Alister's mouth was funny. I could say many things about the importance of his teaching in my life, but he already knows them. Today I enjoy my photography and poetry. Thank you both so much.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks man, that means a great deal to me... The feeling is mutual.

[@PixelsHeartandArt]

You're so welcome, Pascal! How wonderful that Alister's teachings have held such a meaningful place in your life 💜 Such a gift! Thanks for watching and sharing your story,.

[@anisab9506]

Guitar playing, photography playing and everything else in this conversation nourish the soul. Thank you so much.

[@brucehyman]

As always, it's a joy to hear Alister sharing how to find lighness in the dark places.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks mate, it's been quite the ride and one that continues with increased insight and learning.

[@PixelsHeartandArt]

It's certainly a needed message. Thanks, Bruce, for watching and sharing.

[@susanfirth2279]

Great guest and fabulous episode. Love Alister's outlook and philosophies. Thank you for sharing.

[@Alister_Benn]

Many thanks

[@PixelsHeartandArt]

You're welcome, Susan, so glad you found value in the conversation!

[@Alister_Benn]

Such a pleasure to talk with you - thank you very much for the thoughtful questions.

[@PixelsHeartandArt]

And thank you for your very thoughtful and insightful responses! It was a delight chatting with you, Alister. Your contributions here and everywhere are greatly appreciated 💗

[@Alister_Benn]

@@PixelsHeartandArt thank you, that’s very kind ❤

[@davidhuth5659]

I could listen to the philosophies of Alister Benn all day! Thanks for sharing!

[@PixelsHeartandArt]

Right?! :-) His experienced perspective is so helpful. Thanks for watching and commenting, glad you enjoyed the conversation, David!

[@Alister_Benn]

More Vision & Light podcasts coming and I will be reissuing many of the older ones in a new format this year. Many thanks

[@davidhuth5659]

@@Alister_Benn Awesome! I'll be tuning in!

[@missmontiel1]

Beth! What an incredibly refreshing conversation. I love listening to Alister Benn, his insights and philosophies. I also identified myself with some things he shared. Keep these amazing conversations coming and I know there are more

[@MarthaMontielPhotography]

I realize I left this comment under my personal acct.

[@PixelsHeartandArt]

@@MarthaMontielPhotography I knew it was you 😉 So wonderful that the conversation resonated with you, Martha. It's such a gift when someone is willing to share the ups and downs of their experience so openly.

[@jerrycarriveau1620]

Great interview !

[@PixelsHeartandArt]

Thank you, Jerry! Happy you liked it!

[@janeberrisford8555]

Beautiful images...

[@PixelsHeartandArt]

Totally agree, Jane! So evocative and atmospheric. Thanks for watching!

[@joelbarto1103]

How do we promote/market ourselves without doing egoically?

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks for the question. I think if we are honest with ourselves we can identify the role of our ego's in our work and how we promote ourselves. So much of photography these days feels like shouting into the void; there is just so much photography and viewers have lost their bandwidth. I don't like shouting, so I rely on being honest with myself, my audience and my work. I would rather have a small, honest appreciative audience, than a huge one that demands too much of me. I don't want to be famous, I just want to share what insights I have had in the hope that they may resonate with someone out there and help them. Life is hard, life is suffering. Yet, life is also love and joy.

[@joelbarto1103]

@ that resonates deeply. Thanks Alister.

[@PixelsHeartandArt]

Thank you for asking this; Alister's response puts into words what I aspire to. I also need to remember that "ego" is not inherently bad. We all have one, and it's part of the catalyst that compels us to put ourselves out in the world. We all have a need to be seen and heard, especially around things we love and work hard at. That's okay! The key is intention. Am I, as Alister so eloquently puts it, shouting and saying "look at me!!"? Or am I making an offering with the hope that someone will find resonance and/or usefulness in what I share? Am I attached to peoples' responses? Or am I unattached, open, generous? Perhaps we release the idea that we're "promoting" or "marketing" and simply and consistently show up as fully, honestly, and courageously as we're able, trusting that as we do so, we'll resonate with the people who will find the most meaning in our work.