Contact Sheet #0001: Benny Loy
The Photographer:
Tell us a little about yourself. Who is Benny Loy, and where are you based?
Hi! I’m Benny Loy, aka @akeem.the.prince. I’m about to turn 44. I’m originally from Adelaide but have called Melbourne home for about 12 years.
How did you first discover photography, and what drew you to film?
In my teens, I would take a disposable camera out with friends who were skateboarding and going to see bands, leading into my early 20s. I really knew nothing about photography, just snapped shots. Looking back at them, I'm glad I captured those moments. I wish I had taken more. I remember being excited to get them developed and printed at Big W. After that, I didn’t take photos for a long time, then got a DSLR and began investing time in learning the craft, mainly taking photos on holiday. It was around 2019 that I grabbed a film point-and-shoot. Some friends were shooting film, and I thought it looked really cool. I took a photography class in high school in 1998 and did some darkroom work; I thought it would be nice to revisit.
If someone had never seen your work before, how would you describe your photographic style?
I'd say... fun, nostalgic, quirky, minimal, experimental.
What’s In Your Bag?
What’s your everyday camera?
To be honest, I take a different camera with me almost every time. I usually finish the roll that day, then next time take a different camera.
Which lenses do you find yourself reaching for most often?
I like my Voigtlander Ultron 40mm f/2.0.
Is there a camera or lens you’ll never sell?
I will definitely never sell my Nikon FM3A; I got it as a gift from my wife for my 40th. Untouched, never used, from Japan. I love that thing.
What film stocks are always in your fridge?
I usually have Kodak Gold 200, Kodak Ultramax 400, and some black-and-white film, mostly Ilford HP5 and Kodak Tri-X, on hand. My favourite film (scene and weather permitting) is Kodak Portra 160. I usually shoot the cheaper stocks, though.
What’s one underrated piece of gear you couldn’t live without?
A hot shoe flash. I know some people love the flash look and some are not into it, but in my opinion flash can bring energy and drama to an otherwise ordinary scene.
Do you carry anything unexpected in your camera bag?
Always got some Panadol and Nurofen on me. Haha, I get headaches a lot.
Making Photographs:
What are you looking for when you walk out the door with a camera?
If I have no plan and am just out and about, I'm looking for interesting use of colour, things that I find funny or out of place, juxtaposed compositions, etc.
Do you head out with a plan, or do you prefer to see where the day takes you?
I like to do both. When I have a plan, I'll usually bring an SLR or mirrorless with the focal length I know I want at the right time of day, etc. With no plan, I'll usually take something small like my Olympus XA and see what happens.
What makes you press the shutter?
The feeling comes fast when I know I've seen something I want to capture. If I hesitate, I've missed the moment, especially in a street scenario with people involved. Just a gut feeling, I guess
What’s one mistake you see photographers make when they’re starting out?
Learning from mistakes is very valuable; you need to go through that stage; however, I think composition can take a bit to master. Starting out, you might get the exposure ok especially if you're shooting auto mode, but the scene selection and composition will separate experienced from beginner.
What’s the best piece of photography advice you’ve ever received?
It’s not the best gear that makes a good photo.
Inspiration:
Which photographers have had the biggest influence on your work?
William Eggleston, Jerry HSU, Wendy Morgan.
Are there any books, films, music or artists outside photography that inspire you?
Wes Anderson films, mid-century architecture, skateboarding, “Arcadia” book by Ian Howorth.
Is there a place you keep returning to with your camera?
I go to my local cemetery often. I like to experiment with double exposures and different lighting situations. It’s my favourite place to photograph. I enjoy shooting on my own there; I never listen to music either when I'm out taking photos. I like how quiet the cemetery is as well.
The Work:
What personal project are you currently working on?
For years I have been taking photos at the same cemetery; one day I’d like to make a book or do an exhibition. I’m also shooting live bands regularly.
Is there a photograph you’ve made that means more to you than any other?
Anything that captures my family, wife and kids means the most to me. Photos of them will always be special. I take a lot of portraits and candid moments of my kids.
What’s next for you?
Keep having fun shooting, hopefully a holiday soon, playing music and working.
Burst Mode:
Colour or black & white?
Colour
35mm or 120?
35mm
Rangefinder or SLR?
SLR
Box speed or push it?
Box Speed
Favourite film stock?
Kodak Portra 160
Coffee or beer after shooting?
Coffee
Sunrise or sunset?
Sunset
One camera for the rest of your life?
Nikon FM3a
One place you still dream of photographing?
Japan!
Where can we find more of your work?
My work can be found here. Thanks a bunch for reading!
Working on a story, photo essay or project you'd like to share? We'd love to feature it in the Bright Side Film Lab Journal. Email your pitch to hello@brightsidefilmlab.com.
