Today we’d like to introduce you to Ben McCosh.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I began taking photographs about seven years ago on the Streets of San Francisco. At the time, I worked for a large camera bag manufacturer and wanted to get closer to the ‘end consumer’ by trying photography myself. I found myself quickly connecting with the local street photography community and documenting the nuances of life on the street.
Three years ago I moved to Boston. Walking the streets was my natural way to meet new people, learn about the city, and take in the different cultures that make up the city. I log about 15 miles a week walking around with a camera in my hand and trying to capture interesting moments throughout Boston’s more lively neighborhoods.
Throughout the years, I have learned that eliminating options in ‘gear’ is essential. I have limited myself to one camera, one prime (fixed focal length) lens, one speed of film, and a good pair of sneakers is all I need. Eliminating all the variables of what camera to shoot with, what lens I like best, etc. etc. allows me to stay fast and focused on the movement and interplay on the streets.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I view my photography as my art. I’m not a full time photographer so I’m not looking live paycheck to paycheck through making photographs. This is a passion of mine to document the truth of my city. For that reason, making photographs has always been a smooth road.
I am very self-critical and am always reading, talking to photographers, setting goals, and trying to progress myself in the craft. I’ll never be completely satisfied or completely finished learning so I’m just committed to enjoying the journey and collecting meaningful moments.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about @bmccosh – what should we know?
I photograph exclusively on film and I specialize in documenting the street life of Boston. I display my images in galleries, online, and most recently through a project I call Fixer. Fixer is a platform for me to share unposed film photographs taken in and around the city.
A good deal of photographers use Instagram to capture moments and share in our digital age. I am fully a part of that scene, but because I shoot film, my photography is not ‘Instant.” I wait upwards of a month before getting some of my film developed to see if I’ve captured an interesting image. This requires me to focus less on time-based events and more on more emotional, lasting, or gestural imagery that can connect and feel relevant regardless of day, season, or year.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Too many to mention. I was fortunate to meet some very influential ‘OG’ photographers in San Francisco, Chicago, and NYC who really inspired me to pursue this craft and have pushed me to new heights. I am forever thankful of my wife Dana and Daughter Harper who provide infinite inspiration and patience to pursue this passion. My man Abhi C is my partner in crime locally to stay connected to the streets.
I have been heavily influenced by the greats of the past including William Eggleston, Robert Frank, Elliott Erwitt, Costa Manos (A Boston Local and Magnum Photographer), Bruce Davidson, Gary Winogrand, Alex Webb to name a few.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://bmccosh7.wixsite.com/photo
- Email: bmccosh@gmail.com
- Instagram: @bmccosh
Image Credit:
Portrait Shot taken by Anthony Retounard
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