VISION:
My vision is centered around creating engaging art at least, and absolute "image magic" at best. To give clients a different perspective on life and themselves. To see their excitement when they realize what we have done, to connect with people through this unique medium and to help them form connections with each other and the world around them.

The name of my venture is "APERTUS"--latin for "to be open." This name reflects my mindset. I want my work to reflect a wide range of experience and background. When you browse my portfolio, I think you will recognize this. I love the human mosaic that this world offers, and I live to capture really special snapshots of that mosaic. This is what motivates me as an imagemaker.

I am also determined to use this venture as a force for charitable works (Go to my website and see the Service Captured Project, the Goldenrod Showboat Project and the Jersey County Courtroom Project). I know this all sounds very naive, and in fact, I embrace that label. It probably has something to do with the life that I have lived and how I came to this point. So far, thanks to loyal support from dedicated clients, the reality of APERTUS IMAGES is very much in line with this stated mission.

Let me know what you are seeking, and I will tell you honestly whether I am the right photographer to fulfill your vision. I know lots of great photographers and love sending them referrals for areas that I am simply not passionate about. For instance, if you want sports images, I have just the guy for you. If you need an amazing photographer for your wedding, the same applies. I am not interested in these genres, and so I won't shoot them. So my promise to you is that if I choose to make images with you, you can be assured that my heart will be very much in the project, and that my professionalism and dedication will reflect that.

So please...tell me what you have in mind, and lets create some amazing images together.

The best way to determine whether or not you would like to work with me is to take a look at my galleries on my website. I can go on and on about my vision, but if my actual images do nothing for you, then, you should look elsewhere. You might also want to take a look at my TESTIMONIAL section. There, you will find clients who describe their experiences with me. If after browsing these images and reading these testimonials, you find yourself wondering what it might be like to be in front of my lens, then we should talk!

QUANTITY vs. QUALITY:
If simply obtaining a large quantity of photos is your priority, then I am probably not the photographer for you. I am very much concerned about the quality of the images that I provide, in both technical and artistic terms. And while the technical is easier to control, the artistic is trickier. Add the “human aspect” (ie: Some people are more photogenic than others. Some people get more sleep than others. Some people have more "bad days" than others. All of these factors can have a tremendous impact on photographs) and things are further complicated. Don’t misunderstand what I mean by “complicated.” I absolutely love photographing people who aren’t photogenic (or people who aren't necessarily well-rested or having a great day)! The challenge of capturing ANY person’s personality, or even a person’s soul is what draws me to this profession. There is nothing like the feeling of someone telling me, in near tears, that the images that I created captured them or their loved ones better than anyone ever had previously.

That being said, one has to keep in mind that I am not a magician. A single session with a professional model might yield fifty amazing images. But if I was photographing myself (I am not a photogenic person), that same session might yield twenty. In my mind (and in the minds of most of my clients), they would rather have twenty exquisite images that truly capture something special, than 40 or 50 average ones. Of course, I will take hundreds of pictures during our session (normally 600-1000), but I am particular about what I select, edit and release. People who hire me love that about me. They trust my choices (after all, they ARE paying me for my expertise in making those choices) and they love that their gallery is full of incredible images that they can do with whatever they like. If you don’t tend to think in these terms, then you should find another lens. There are many great photographers out there!

MY EDUCATION...MY TITLE...MY PERSPECTIVE:
I am not a professional photographer. I say that out of respect for people who spend years achieving various degrees in the field, and make their living doing this. Neither of those apply to me. I will always proudly label myself as an amateur freelance photographer. My degrees are in other areas, such as history and education. My lifelong work is as an educator of young people. My experiences include extensive travel, including two forays into a literal war zone. I believe that these degrees and my experience add an angle to my work that others can’t capture—just as those with other experiences will capture things that I cannot. The true test of our compatibility is how much my images speak to you. My work and style are uniquely MINE and I am dedicated to developing these to a very high degree. Speaking of style...

IT'S THE LIGHT:
In terms of style, I am primarily a natural light photographer. Though I am fully equipped to move a studio into your living room within about 15 minutes, I would much rather go the extra mile to achieve that natural glow that only natural light can provide. It is not always the easiest route, but it is normally the best. One of the things that people often comment about is how nice skin tones look in my images. I would love to take credit for this, but it is the early morning light that is responsible, and most of my sessions are done eeeaaarrlllyyy in the morning. There is simply nothing like that light.

It is interesting to me how many people ask about what equipment I use, so I will address that here. I am a Nikon guy (not that this makes any difference TO ME). I also have a full range of studio strobes, filters and backgrounds. Though I do not have studio space, all of this equipment is very portable.

Follow me, Ben Gracey, on:

https://www.facebook.com/apertusimages
https://instagram.com/apertusimages/

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