I’m so excited to introduce you to one Mr. Benjamin Pete behind the awesome Atlanta instagram account @be_atlanta. Ben uses his photography eye to capture the beauty of Atlanta’s neighborhoods and people. This past Sunday we strolled in and around Buckhead Atlanta to get to know the people behind our respective lenses. I had so much fun talking and sharing our inspirations and our goals as they relate to our creative projects and I can’t wait for our next collaboration. You can click over to his instagram account to follow along with his profile on me. Below you can learn a bit more about this young photographer and enjoy some of his favorite work. Get familiar! You’ll be seeing more of this dapper young man around Atlanta.
Age? 30
Tools of the Trade: iPhone 6
What is be_atlanta and what led to its creation? BE Atlanta is an extension of a larger project I’m working on called The Truth Renaissance. It’s about promoting a shift in thinking – a return to the essence and simplicity of of everyday life through spirituality, music, fashion, and in this case, photography. It is also an extension of myself. I’ve been in Atlanta for a little over 10 years now, and it’s like a second home. This account has allowed me to share what I love most about Atlanta, while at the same time putting my creative imprint on the city.
What is it about Atlanta and its street style that attracts and inspires you? I’m inspired most by the I people see everyday. My office is located in downtown Atlanta, and the diverse styles of the business crowd, the local residents, and the out of owners, all serve as inspiration on a daily basis. The recent growth of the art scene in Atlanta has also inspired me to capture and document what’s going on around me.
How does Atlanta’s style differ from other cities? Atlanta is a melting pot of people and cultures from all over the country. Each individual brings their own unique style to the table and it has bred a mixture of traditional southern fashion with contemporary style.
What’s been your favorite experience as a photographer? My photography has afforded me the opportunity to work with some amazing individuals and groups. I’ve had some of my photographs displayed all over the city and I’ve been able to showcase not only my own work, but highlight those who inspire me as well. My favorite experience was working on the 45 x 45 Project last year. 45 x 45 is a wheat paste mural and community photography project in which 45 Atlanta photographers took portraits of 45 Atlanta residents (each from one of the 45 neighborhoods connected by the Beltline) which were then displayed on a large scale mural installation on the one trail that connects them all.
What advice would you give to aspiring photographers? Take the time to learn what style works best for you. I just recently began freelance photography, but I’ve always had an appreciation for the art form. Growing up, I admired and studied the work of Gordon Parks, and I’m currently inspired by contemporaries like Rog and Bee Walker. Also, don’t be afraid to learn from others and ask questions along the way.
Where would you like to see be_atlanta take you? I would love to do more collaborations with Atlanta creatives and also expand my work outside of what I do for this project. Also, I would love to continue telling my story through photography and inspiring others to live out their truth.
Contact: thetruthrenaissance@gmail.com
Instagram: @be_atlanta
Twitter: @therealbenpete
Photographs from @be_atlanta