The Colorful World Of Mr. Loy- ISSUE 25

Ben Loy aka Akeem The Prince

A perfect example of Ben’s exquisite eye for color on his everyday outings across the city of Melbourne. Image Courtesy of Ben Loy.

A quick message from LL

This week we have an amazing guest sharing their words and photography with us. Before we get into it though I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported my latest creative endeavor - my 101 Creative Strategies for Photographers Guide - it’s really awesome hearing the feedback from photographers on how it’s inspiring them and breathing new life into their photography practice. Woohoo! If you haven’t got a copy yet or you wanna learn more about this fun guide I put together then check it out via the button below.

---

Now enough about me and more about todays featured artist Ben Loy, who is many things… a dad, a film shooter, a husband, a musician and a Larry David fan. What a guy right?! Oh, and he also uses point and shoots, loves a bit of built in flash and shoots a whole lotta color film. Say. No. More. This is Ben Loy, enjoy.

Roller Bae - Image courtesy of Ben Loy.

Ben, please tell the readers a little bit about yourself and who you are as a photographer? 

Thanks for including me in your newsletter Lucy, it really is a nice feeling. I'm Ben Loy, 40 years old originally from Adelaide calling Melbourne home for the last 8 years. My interests are skateboarding, 90's Hip Hop, tattoo art, curb your enthusiasm, Rocky/Rambo flicks, tropical vacations and adore my wife and two young kids. Since my late teens, I’ve been involved in the punk/HC music scene, spending many years playing bass touring in metal and HC bands. Growing up in such an underground scene shaped me into who I am today, and I think my interest in photography stems from this, taking very bad pics at gigs and skating the streets with a disposable camera. By nature, I'm a quiet person so I like to carry a small camera and go about my business unnoticed. I'm not an in-your-face type of photographer, although I do admire people that pull it off.  

I absolutely love your work and regularly share your images on IG. You seem to be a fan of color and you make use of the flash on your point and shoots quite a lot. Can you talk about your aesthetic and the look you create? 

For a long time, I didn't realize why I found many of my photos lacking something, feeling flat or boring. When I started to understand how to look for and use color, things started to change. I try my best to use color in different ways to draw the viewer in. I also like using a flash to bring things to life. It creates a sense of drama and energy. I try and emulate a sense of timelessness in my work.  

The flash in all it’s dramatic glory. Image courtesy of Ben Loy.

What keeps you shooting film despite all the price rises and unavailability we have experienced as a community? 

Tell me about it! I'm on emergency rations. I've been shooting digital more for that reason. I own an x100f and Z7 which I really love, however with the raw files, they require a fair bit of editing and find myself trying to replicate the film stocks I like most. As much as I appreciate all the modern tech on a mirrorless and the amazing things they are capable of, it sometimes overwhelms me. I much prefer using the real thing with a simple camera, most of the time I'm happier with the results and like the fact that minimal editing is required. Any of the imperfections or accidents that can occur with film add to the appeal for me.  

How do you feel about gear? I love that you seem to use point and shoot compact cameras a lot, like the amazing Minolta AF-C that we both own. Your style feels like you are grabbing moments that interest you in an on-the-go kind of way. Is that a factor into why you choose point and shoots or am I way off the mark here?    

I have approx. 15 cameras, I feel it can overcomplicate things having so many to choose from. Maybe I need to cull a few... I feel most comfortable with something small in my pocket like an XA so I can grab it out fast and get a shot. In 2019 my wife returned to work, and I had a period of 2.5 years looking after my then one year old son. I left my job and had my days free to do as I pleased. My style developed as a result of this. We would be out on adventures all over Melbourne (apart from the lockdowns) and I wanted to remember those years. A heavy SLR around my neck wasn't comfortable and annoying to put away and take back out so I started using only point and shoots. I have an on-the-fly style, I rarely go out with the intention of shooting something in particular. I’m normally rushed and stressed haha. Talking about the Minolta af-c which is one of my favorites, it had a near-death experience when my wife dropped it riding her bike at speed. It was in pieces and I was ready to lay down a bouquet of flowers in mourning, but somehow I managed to resurrect it. It's never been quite the same but still gets a lot of love.

Fisherman caught on film. Image Courtesy of Ben Loy.

This photo here reminds me so much of something that you would see on Jerry Hsu’s Tumblr or IG. One of those unexpected kind of weird scenes you just have to grab. Image courtesy of Ben Loy.

You just started selling prints online which is so rad! Can you talk a little bit about setting that up and how you feel about having put your work out there in that way? I know for me it was a big step and kind of nerve racking at first? 

I needed a push to get my prints out there for sale for sure, I thank my wife Stacey for this. I overthink things a lot and to be honest I found it hard to believe someone would want one of my photos on their wall. I’m happy I took the plunge; it keeps things interesting for me and will allow me to try new things. I have a few ideas for 2023.  

Finally, let us know what's next for you Ben? Do you have plans for a zine?

We are off to Hawaii in a couple of weeks, I love it so much there this will be my 5th time. The idea of a photo book on Hawaiian hotel interiors/décor is on the cards. I think it could be cool, with lots of floral wallpaper and indoor plants. See how I go.

Where can people find and connect with you if they wanna say hi or grab a print!? 

Thanks so much Lucy shout out to Halide Supply in Melbourne for always doing an amazing job with the developing and scanning. 

You can find me on Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/akeem.the.prince

https://www.instagram.com/lime.splice 

Check out Ben’s new print shop below to see what he has on offer and grab yourself something colorful!

Another killer shot. All images courtesy of Ben Loy. Thank you.

Huge thank you to Ben for taking the time to do this interview and for sharing his life and photography with all of us. I hope you enjoyed this weeks featured photographer. I have a few more in the pipeline so if you aren’t subscribed hit that button below so you don’t miss out! If you are subscribed and wanna show some extra support to keep this newsletter going there is now a paid monthly option of $5 for those of you who wish to give a little extra.

Thank you for reading and sharing your time with me. See you next week.

Love Lucy xx