FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Hiring a Photographer or Director/DP?

Here’s how I approach creative partnerships — from concept development to production, travel, and storytelling.

These FAQs cover the most common questions from agencies, brands, and editorial clients.

  • What kinds of photography and video work do you specialize in?

    I create still and motion content that blends journalistic instinct with cinematic style. My projects range from editorial photography features and portraits to nonprofit documentaries to commercial brand films leaning on emotionally-driven interviews. At the core, my focus is human-centered stories that are bold, honest, and visually intentional.

    → See client work

    Three separate scenes: a young girl with a walker smiling outdoors, a person with dark skin working on a wall with a hammer, and a man in a vest and glasses standing outside a house.

  • Do you work with brands, agencies, nonprofits, or editorial outlets?

    I’ve collaborated with editorial leaders like The New York Times and Reuters, brand and creative agency teams building campaign visuals, and nonprofits creating strategic storytelling for fundraising, awareness, or recruiting. My approach flexes to match the structure and creative needs of each partner — whether you need a DP to integrate into your team, or a photographer to lead the story from the ground up.

  • Can you handle both photo and video on the same shoot?

    I work fluently in both still and motion — and often contribute both on a single project. That said, I rarely shoot them simultaneously. Instead, I build production workflows that prioritize one at a time, ensuring each gets the creative and technical attention it deserves. This leads to stronger work across both mediums — with seamless coordination and a consistent visual tone.

    Ben Brewer taking a selfie in a mirror with camera, wearing black t-shirt and camera gear, in a room with wooden furniture and beige walls.

  • Are you available for ongoing or retainer-based projects?

    I partner with organizations who need consistent visual storytelling — whether that’s monthly, quarterly, or across a full campaign cycle — building content libraries, recurring campaigns, and episodic storytelling. Whether you need regular visual assets for internal comms, executive messaging, or donor outreach, I can help structure a cadence that’s sustainable and consistent.

  • Do you offer drone photography or video?

    As a certified FAA Part 107 drone pilot, I integrate aerial storytelling into both still and motion projects to expand perspective and context for my clients. I integrate drone shots thoughtfully — not as gimmicks, but as visual tools that enhance story structure and environmental presence.

    Dusk over a city skyline with a river, bridges, and city lights reflecting on the water.

  • Can you help develop the creative or story concept?

    Creative development is often where I bring the most value. While I’m often hired to execute a vision, I also collaborate frequently on early-stage development: helping clients refine narrative arcs, interview structures, visual tone, and story architecture. I think like a director and editor — not just a shooter — and I’m comfortable plugging into either established creative frameworks or helping shape them from scratch.

  • What’s your approach to directing interviews?

    Interviews are at the heart of my storytelling process. I approach them with empathy, clarity, and genuine curiosity — making space for people to speak honestly, not perform. Whether I’m talking with a community member or a CEO, I listen deeply and guide with intention. I’m also experienced in shaping interview structures that support a broader creative or strategic initiative.

    A woman with blonde hair wearing a purple jacket and black shirt sitting indoors with large windows and a living room area in the background.

  • Do you provide captioning, transcripts, or accessibility support for videos?

    Yes — especially for clients in healthcare, education, and nonprofits. I ensure that all deliverables can meet accessibility standards, including captioning, transcripts, alt formats, and accessible video structures when needed.

  • Where are you based, and how far do you travel?

    Minneapolis is home base, but I regularly work throughout the Midwest, across the U.S., and occasionally internationally. I tailor each production to fit the creative scope and team dynamics — from solo editorial features to larger campaigns with agency partners. Travel is part of how I operate, not a limitation.

    → Let’s talk logistics

    View of farmland and suburban area from an airplane window, showing the airplane wing and winglet in the foreground.

  • How do you help clients feel comfortable on camera?

    Whether I’m filming a nonprofit leader or a brand executive, I create space for people to feel like themselves. That starts with listening — and building trust in how I direct. I avoid jargon, don’t rush the process, and adapt my approach to meet the comfort level of each person. The best on-camera moments aren’t forced — they’re guided. That’s where my background in journalism comes into play.

  • How do you price projects?

    Every project is scoped individually based on creative goals, production days, deliverables, licensing, crew, equipment, and travel. I offer transparent estimates and can provide flexible tiers (lean to full-scale) based on your budget and priorities. My 2025 rate card is available on request.

    → Request an estimate

  • What makes you a good fit for collaborative projects?

    I’ve built my career in roles that require both creative vision and adaptability — working alongside agency teams, internal brand leads, nonprofit communicators, and editorial editors. Whether stepping into a fully built concept or helping shape a narrative from scratch, I bring structure, emotional intelligence, and clarity to the creative process. My goal isn’t to own every idea — it’s to help elevate the ones that matter.

LET'S WORK TOGETHER