Behind the lens: Automotive Excellence with ben midlane
Juggling an award-winning freelance photography business alongside a full-time university degree is no mean feat, but Ben Midlane is showing that not only is it possible, but with style too. Perhaps best-known for his work with RUSH magazine alongside some well-known feature shoots (such as THAT iconic shoot of a white Porsche 930 Turbo at Black Rock Sands) Ben is currently (2024) in his final year of a photography degree, but still finds plenty of time to create stunning images and tell fantastic stories through his lens.
From his early days of an A-level photography course and ‘spotting’ around London and Alderley Edge to his latest career-defining works, publications and awards, Ben’s journey is an inspiration for anyone that is looking to get in to the world of automotive photography, and also proof that you can juggle being a photographer alongside other commitments.
Whether you’re a car enthusiast, photographer or just looking for some inspiration, read on for what is undoubtedly one of our favourite interviews yet…
Image courtesy of Ben Midlane @benmidlane
SHIFT: Hi Ben, thanks for agreeing to be a part of our ‘Behind The Lens’ interviews series. For any readers that don’t know you, tell us who you are and what you do.
BEN: Hi, my name is Ben and I’m an aspiring automotive photographer who is based in Greater Manchester. I’m currently in my final year of a degree studying photography with the aim to one day make it my profession.
S: How did you first get into the automotive world?
B: My dad and brother were always petrolheads as such but not to the extent that I’am now. My dad always speaks about his time marshalling the RAC Rally in the 90s ( wish I could’ve seen that ). My first memories of cars were attending events like the AutoSport International at the NEC and Chomondley Pageant of Power.
Image courtesy of Ben Midlane @benmidlane
S: You mention that your first foray into the world of automotive photography was in the early days of car spotting. How do you think this has influenced your current approach to photography and your work ethic?
B: Yes! As I got more into cars, I started doing some spotting with occasionally making visits to the well known Alderley Edge and a yearly trip to London starting in 2017. The reason I moved away from it was the lack of creativity in spotting, it was more recording that you’d seen a car rather than thinking about the process of taking the image. I think it was spotting and car events which made me pick up a camera so I have to be grateful for that as it’s where it all started even if the intentions have changed.
S: What was ‘the’ moment (whether that’s a single job, individual shoot, photo or entire event) that made you realise that you wanted to chase the dream as an automotive photographer, rather than it just being a hobby for you?
B: I don’t think there was a specific point, non that stand out anyway. I suppose I made the commitment to it when I decided to take photography at A-Level and had to submit a portfolio as I had no previous art qualifications. This was around the same time I started to make the move from spotting to more individual photoshoots so I would say around this period.
Image courtesy of Ben Midlane @benmidlane
S: Is there one particular area of automotive culture that you connect with or appreciate the most?
B: There’s not in fairness, I love it all! Having started from shooting a Mini to shooting multi million- pound cars there’s not many subcultures I’ve not dabbled in. Just after COVID I created a book and had an exhibition of a body of work I created called ‘ Connected by Cars ‘ which really showcased what the car community meant to different people in different areas of the car world. One thing I don’t often shoot is circuit racing, I occasionally cover track days and the odd British GT race but found the gear I have isn’t quite made for it.
Image courtesy of Ben Midlane @benmidlane
S: Out of all the amazing work you’ve shot, my all-time favourite of yours has to be the 930 turbo on the beach. Tell us how this idea came to fruition, how the shoot went and whether the results look exactly like how you’d planned.
B: Me and my client ,now friend, came up with the idea. We seem to have a thing for silly photo ideas from roof tents, ski’s and obviously the surfboard on the beach. I’m not really sure how it became a thing but I remember the owner spray painting the gulf surfboard on his front lawn in preparation! In terms of planning there’s always some to do; Black Rock sands, although not our closest beach, allowed us to get both cars ( camera car included ) onto the sand. The initial vibe was retro LA… As always it doesn’t usually go perfectly. Both 2-hour journeys there and back to Wales it was sunny but the time we spent on location it rained… I suppose it added atmosphere to the image with the mountains visible in the distance also. Overall, we was chuffed with the outcome despite the weather. It does seem to be my most ‘successful image’ having now won 2 awards, been in an exhibition, and now even pending showcase in a second exhibition!
Image courtesy of Ben Midlane @benmidlane
S: Following on from the previous question, do you generally spend hours planning your shoots, perhaps even storyboarding them, or do you generally go with the overall ‘feel’ of the day and location?
B: Yes! Always planning even if it’s subconsciously. I often start off by thinking about the scenery I want to pair with the car, which is sometimes addressed in client briefs. Having built up a catalog of locations over the country I often have a vague idea where I want to do certain shoots but I’m always on the look out for new places. Social media is your friend also; I often search for the car online prior to the shoot to see what angles and images have been taken already, this gives me some concepts to experiment with when on location.
In terms of time, sunrise or sunset is easily the main time I aim to photograph in… I’ve had whole day shoots which have ended in the majority of images coming at sunset as the light is just that much better. Weather wise, we always aim for a dry day, and also try and pay attention to were the sun sets and rise in relation to location so we know where the light will be. On shoot day I tend to be as relaxed as possible because like the Porsche shoot it never goes 100% to plan.
S: As the lead photographer for RUSH magazine - which has just launched its first physical print issue - what are your thoughts on the future of print media, and does it still have a place in the world among the increasingly common short-form video content that’s cropping up all over the place?
B: It was always a worry… Instagram / Tik tok and now Youtube has ruined it really. Many photographers just jump on the bandwagon aiming to have the most amount of followers. It’s a shame as some have a lot of potential but just post tacky reels to feed the algorithm. What I look for online is something unique and different, something which stands out from the crowd and doesn’t just follow the usual trends. In terms of the physical print of RUSH, it was always a big jump. With EVO peaking at 90,000 copies a month in their prime it seems the golden days are long over. However, with RUSH we tried to aim it into a market which hadn’t been filled and fill the mag with as much content as possible. Overall, it has gone down a treat so far with petrolheads globally providing some really awesome feedback' add ' with Issue 2 hopefully on the horizon soon
Image courtesy of Ben Midlane @benmidlane
S: Looking back to the beginning of your career, what advice would you give your younger, less- experienced self about building a life as an automotive photographer?
B: Just shoot… Shoot no matter what and even shoot for free while you can. Build a portfolio and share it around. Also, if you don’t ask you don’t get, don’t be afraid to approach people and network. A few of my big shoots have come from a simple message or comment online.
S: Continuing with the nostalgic theme, do you ever wish you could go back to a certain point in your photographic journey? And, if so, why?
B: Nope, I live in the present with large aspirations for the future and feel any bad days or less successful shoots have made me who I am today. Without some of the experiences I’ve had ( both good and bad ) I wouldn’t have progressed as a photographer. There’s always the successful or dream shoots I would love to re-experience but I’m sure I’ll be able to top those in the close future.
Image courtesy of Ben Midlane @benmidlane
S: Tell us, what does the future hold for Ben Midlane? Do you have any specific goals for this year that you’re happy to share?
B: The golden question, how long is a ball of string?! I’m currently in my final year of university and all being well I will be graduating this June. The aim is to become a full-time freelancer in the automotive field but we all know it’s not plain sailing. I’ve had a few automotive job offers for when I finish so I will review them in the summer. I feel this year is definitely a big year in the future for me and my photography and I’m excited for what the future holds.
Image courtesy of Ben Midlane @benmidlane
S: We’re coming to the end of our interview, but before we end, share the love - shout out three people/accounts/brands that inspire you.
B: Alex Penfold, Mark Riccioni and Dean Smith to name a few.
S: Thanks for taking part in our ‘behind the lens’ interview, Ben. Please feel free to plug any portfolio/social media channels, and let us know where we can find you and your work.
B: Thank you for having me! I can be found at @benmidlane on social media and benmidlane.co.uk is my website.