Light Up Your Adventure Photos

Light Up Your Adventure Photos

Author: Steve Brazill April 3, 2025 Duration: 54:16

Over the last few years I have been lucky enough to have the agency Wonderful Machine suggest a few photographers for the show, and every single time I’ve been blown away by the level of artists that they represent. Today is one of those times.

Today’s guest is Ben Girardi, and his work, across all areas from active lifestyle to landscapes, and portraits to sports, is stunningly good.

On Ben’s website, he refers to himself as a professional commercial and editorial outdoor photographer who tells stories in the outdoor world. Yeah, that’s a spot-on description of his body of work, yet… it’s so much more than that. His images seem to jump off the page. I’ve actually spent a good deal of time going through every image on his site, trying to figure out what that magic sauce is, what the common thread is, and I think it’s a combination of things. He clearly has a passion for his subjects, and his love of the outdoors allows him to present each image in a way that tells such a concise story. There is also a wonderful, subtle processing that brings emotion to his images. His passion has elevated his craft to a level where he is working with elite athletes, and top global brands.

Ben found photography back in high school, and he was instantly hooked. That love for photography, combined with his passion for snowboarding as he started capturing riding with his friends. For a lot of kids that age, that interest would fall off after awhile, being replaced by the next dream, but not for Ben. He graduated from RIT with a degree in photography, and then was off to Utah, looking for bigger mountains. After meeting his Canadian wife in the Argentine Andes he moved to Pemberton, BC.

Splitting his time between British Columbia and Utah allows him to work on projects in both of those spots, and anywhere in between.

His client list is a Who’s Who of outdoor life and sport, working with companies like:

Pelican Sport      Whistler Resort      GORE-TEX
Head Skies      Vail Resort      and Talisker Whisky

Join commercial and editorial outdoor photographer Ben Girardi and me as we discuss dive into how you can up your game with your nighttime outdoor adventure images.

Connect with Ben

Portfolio: bengirardi.com
Instagram: @bengirardi

Ben’s Photographer Pick

Isami Kiyooka: ikiyooka133.myportfolio.com | @isami_kiyooka

Ben’s Other Work


Steve Brazill hosts Behind the Shot-Video, a series that goes far beyond gear lists and camera settings. Each conversation is a deep exploration of the creative and technical journey behind compelling images. You’ll hear working photographers unpack the entire process-from the initial spark of an idea and the challenges of the location to the critical decisions made in post-production. This podcast sits at the unique intersection of art and practical technology, offering tangible lessons for anyone looking to improve their visual storytelling. Rather than abstract theory, these discussions provide a real-world look at problem-solving under pressure and the artistic choices that define a signature style. Tune in for honest, detailed breakdowns that reveal how memorable shots are truly built, layer by layer. It’s an essential resource for visual artists seeking both inspiration and actionable knowledge, all grounded in the lived experience of accomplished creators.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 200

Behind the Shot - Video
Podcast Episodes
Remote Cameras at Weddings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
I’ve always been fascinated by the use of Remote Cameras, but it’s not something I’ve had the chance to try, unfortunately. The last time I cover it on the show was on the episode Using Remote Cameras with Canon Explorer…
Elevating Your Photojournalism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
There have been so many times that I’ve made a mental note that I need to include more photojournalism on the show, only to have a mental dog eat my homework. Finally, today, I am checking that off the list. Still, if I’…
Music & Tour Photography [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
To say I’m excited for today’s show is a huge understatement. I first met today’s guest 6 years ago, when our mutual friend Adam Elmakias asked us both to help him with his Live Music Photography Workshop. I’m sure you k…
Light Painting Abandoned Places [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:30
For this show, we have a returning guest, night photographer Ken Lee. I’ve known Ken for awhile, and the way he ended up as a guest for the show Capturing the Slowing of Time is one of my fave Behind the Shot stories. Ke…
Bird Photography Tips & Tricks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:53
I sometimes wonder, while writing these guest photographer posts, how many listeners or viewers actually read them. The truth is it doesn’t matter to me, I write them for myself more than anyone else, and I find that try…
Canon Auto-Focus Explained – 2025 Update [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:10:53
NOTE: This is not an official Canon USA show. This is a podcast first and foremost, available in both audio-only or video, and the video is also placed on YouTube. My hope is that by going through all of the AF options o…
Growing Through Personal Photography Projects [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:26:59
LA based photographer Ian Spanier has been on the show a few times, with the first being back in 2019 for a conversation about Classic Portraits & Classic Lighting, discussing a portrait of actor Jeff bridges. Next up wa…
Backstage Portraits [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:56
Social media today can be so draining, but almost daily I am reminded of the wonderful connections I’ve made there, and today’s guest is a perfect example. Jenn Devereaux is a New Orleans area concert and event photograp…
Using the New Canon R1 & R5 Mark II [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:29:36
I’m a Canon shooter… I shoot an R6 and an R5. So, I have been curious about the new Canon R1, and a little less so about the R5 Mark II. Still, I had written off watching the announcement, because it was at something lik…
Making More Creative Portraits [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:46
I have always been fascinated with the education side of photography. I don’t have a formal photography education myself, and I am very aware of what skill sets I wish I had been exposed to earlier in my photo journey. I…