Michael Benken Photography was born out of a passion for photography. I have been an avid hobby photographer for most of my life. For as long as I can remember, I have had a calling to capture that singular moment in time. I remember being a kid with my first camera with a rotating flash cube that had 4 shots, taking pictures of family, taking them to the store to get developed and looking in awe at my creation.
In 2000 is when my passion really took off. I received a digital camera for Christmas and the rest was history. I took that camera everywhere with me. I was able to practice my craft and have instant feedback by viewing the images on the back of the camera. I was then able to tweak what I wanted to change and keep what I liked. I soon realized what a passion I had for the craft. I went to school for audio, video and photography. I learned lighting and framing, what makes an image great. I further developed my craft. Once I graduated college, I started at a local TV station in Cincinnati. I started as a camera man and moved on to other positions as well. Photography stayed as a hobby of mine the whole time I was working in TV.
Over the years I have developed and honed my “photographer’s eye”. That is something that can’t be learned. It comes with experience. I have taken thousands of photographs, each one carefully composed while looking through the viewfinder. Each time I look through the viewfinder I think about composition, lighting, what I want to be in or out of focus, and many other things. These are all part of the “photographer's eye”.
My interest in real estate photography comes naturally. My mother is a retired realtor working for a one of the largest agencies in Cincinnati, OH and my father is a retired appraiser. Many conversations were about real estate growing up. My mother’s company hires their own professional photographers to take pictures for their realtors. I have seen the difference in regular pictures and those taken by pros with the necessary equipment. A buyer’s first impression is usually on the internet looking at pictures of homes. Quality photos can enhance that first impression.
This job is a passion of for me. I love what I do. By offering quality services to agents and homeowners I strive to make the sale of the home quicker, easier, and at a higher sale price.