Meet Ben Owens | Photographer & video production major

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ben Owens and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ben, what inspires you?
I started my career in photography in 2020 when I began my journey with the University of Memphis Football Team. I was hired as a Student Video Assistant for Coach’s Film. Ironically my first day was to take photos at Junior Day for potential recruits. Now my backstory only consists of a GoPro and a flip camera. I never really sniffed a legit camera until that moment.

My inspiration really began with the people I met along the way. From a Panasonic GH5 to my Sony A7iii. The students I met along the way with the same passion led to where I am today.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a homegrown Memphis Tigers Sports fan & being able to capture moments when I had the chance as a photographer was incredible. From Football to basketball, Soccer, and Baseball. I fell in love with photography. This led to more opportunities in the city. Capturing from concerts to Memphis BBQ Fest to Memphis Redbirds Baseball. My college experience exceeded expectations. When I graduated, I ended up moving to Vail, Colorado to become an Epic Mix Photographer for the resort. This was my first time in a new state and new environment away from everyone I knew. But I ended up falling in love with the job.

As an Epic Mix Photographer. Our goal was to capture portraits of families and to sale them digitals, prints, and frames.

Now you wonder? Why change from Sports to portrait photography?

A little backstory: My Dad’s side of the family lived in Aurora, Colorado before moving to Memphis. And over the past few years. We started going on consistent vacations. Which led to me falling in love with the mountains and hiking!

I had this eager feeling that Colorado would be a perfect place for me to live and then I found a job in the mountains. Now that sounds incredible. And I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to use my photography in another form to meet people from around the country or world in the one of the beautiful places.

I found myself eventually being recognized in this position for my work ethic and connection to these families.

Let’s say I took advantage of my adventurous in the mountains and started a new journey in landscape but we will get more into that soon!

Unfortunately after the summer season in 2023 the department was no longer, but was still in talks for the next summer season. I was the runner up to be the team lead. In the end, the department did not come back. I was back in Memphis when I got this news. Although during my tenure in Memphis I kept working to be a photojournalist with Daily Memphian (local online newspaper). In the Spring of 2024, I felt like my time in Colorado fell short and I wanted to come back despite the news of the department. So I kept researching and researching. Eventually finding a job within the resort operations.

And ever since then I began my work as a landscape photographer. Capturing many 14ers and other mountains across the Rockies. Capturing sunrises to many incredible views.

Now as we entered the winter season…. I slowed down but it didn’t stop me from skiing for the first time ever and then I finally got into ski photography!! And this motivation has helped me captured the Rockies in many of my favorite mountain towns. And i absolutely cannot wait for what’s in store in the summer.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m an outdoorsy guy. Anything nature is my absolute favorite activity. I have many spots I’d take my best friend to. Especially if I have to take him early in the morning to see the sunrise.

Prepping a couple energy bars to a sandwich with electrolytes is my go-to meal on a weekend or trip to the top of a mountain. Cannot go wrong with camping either. Especially around a campfire and cooking up some more food!

I’m an established hiker with 12 14ers peaked in the state of Colorado. And even if the hike is shorter. I’d 100% introduce my best friend to one of the most incredible activities you could get into.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Memphis Football Coaches’ Video & Vail Resorts Epic Mix Photo

Website: https://benowensphoto.squarespace.com

Instagram: Benowens_photo

Image Credits
Benowens_photo