PERSPECTIVE: Buy us a 6-pack!

(Beer helps fuel our creative process. © 2014 Shannon Mackay, Benjamin Luk Photography.)

We go through a lot of beer here at Benjamin Luk Photography. Every night we spend editing and every day we spend in our studio, we knock back a few brews. Obviously, we're not just stumbling around drunk all the time – we'd never get any work done if we were – but during an all-nighter edit session, a cold pint goes a long way. That's where you come in.

If we've done a good job for you or if we're currently working on your photos, consider buying us a 6-pack! You should see a button in the top right of this page. Many thanks! You guys are the best clients in the world.

Benjamin Luk Photography is available for assignment at BenjaminLuk.com.

PERSPECTIVE: Amanda Palmer at Whidbey Island Winery

(Amanda Palmer rocking the uke at her private Whidbey Island Winery show. © 2013 Benjamin Luk.)

It was over a year ago that assistant Lauren Mulcahy first asked if I was interested in pitching in for Amanda Palmer's Kickstarter with her so we could go to a private house party where she'd be playing. Admittedly, I didn't know Amanda's music well, but I'd known her since The Dresden Dolls so I agreed. On April 23rd, Lauren and I hopped in a car and headed down to Whidbey Island Winery where a fellow Amanda fan named Zoe was hosting the show. There were ukuleles and cameras everywhere.

(Amanda also brought her friend, Jason Webley. © 2013 Benjamin Luk.)

From where I was sitting, I made do with a Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM. The light was fairly good and it was a nice reminder of my roots; I'd first gotten into photography with the intent of shooting live music. Being limited in my lens choice was a great learning opportunity too. I'm getting more accustomed to packing lightly and creating great images while doing so. To the folks at Whidbey Island Winery, I'll be back. It'd be a beautiful place to shoot a wedding.

(Amanda pounding away on the keys. © 2013 Benjamin Luk.)

Benjamin Luk Photography is available for assignment at BenjaminLuk.com.

PERSPECTIVE: The Gear Collective

(Want to borrow high-end camera gear in Vancouver for free? Join us at The Gear Collective. © 2013 Kinta Maeda.)

In late 2012, Roman Seregin of Dark Edge Media and I were kicking around the idea of a rental house that allowed us to share gear rather than trying to generate profit. It seemed more a pipe dream than reality. After all, with a concept so simple, why hadn't it been done before in Vancouver, a city that thrives on community and creativity? Nevertheless, we started small with a soft launch on Facebook (seen here) and are currently looking for active and engaged members. E-mails zipped around, lawyers were called, and we now have the groundwork for what we hope will become Vancouver's foremost gearshare community. Want to borrow a Canon 35mm f/1.4L for a weekend with no fees? What about a Nikon D600? Maybe a Profoto AcuteB 600? That's only what we have right now with two members. We hope to build up to eight dedicated members, four Nikon and four Canon. Applications for membership can be sent to info@benjaminluk.com. Good luck.

Benjamin Luk Photography is available for assignment at BenjaminLuk.com.

PERSPECTIVE: Sarah & Matt's Engagement

(Meeting in the middle in Gastown. © 2013 Benjamin Luk.)

My lovely friend and colleague Sarah Alicia Thomas has always been there for me over the years. In fact, I'm still not sure when our first shoot together was; I only know we bonded over glamour shoots when I still had my studio in Port Coquitlam. She's a talented hairstylist and went on to work full-time in a salon. I left my glamour studio behind and now do a modest number of weddings each year. I suppose it was only a matter of time before our paths crossed again professionally. She's getting married to her man Matt in October and needed engagement shots. In two separate sessions due to time constraints, we shot through Gastown and Mount Seymour.

(Matt and Sarah getting chilly on Mount Seymour. © 2013 Benjamin Luk.)

Starting for 2014 dates, a confirmed wedding booking now means an opportunity to get an engagement session too for just $100 + PST. We'll also be doing more engagement shoots than usual this year. May 4, 2013 is our first engagement booking this season and we'll be working with a great-looking young Indian couple. Got a wedding photographer already, but their package doesn't include engagement shots? Inquire directly at info@benjaminluk.com for rates. 2013 is already looking like our best year yet and we want you to come along for the ride.

(Hockey love. © 2013 Benjamin Luk.)

Benjamin Luk Photography is available for assignment at BenjaminLuk.com.

PERSPECTIVE: Lorenz Agave Spirits

(Agave spirits expert Eric Lorenz nosing a fine reposado. © 2013 Benjamin Luk.)

Those who know me even in passing know I can never pass up a good drink. It was through that love of drink that led me to befriending Eric Lorenz, perhaps the most knowledgeable agave spirits expert in British Columbia. After he helped me on a business project last summer, I agreed to make it up to him with new headshots, which was how he came to be in my new home studio with two bottles of mezcal to share. The image above was shot on a Canon 5D Mark II sporting a Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L USM with a single Profoto AcuteB Head on softbox at 45°. More on Eric can be found at his website, Lorenz Agave Spirits.

Benjamin Luk Photography is available for assignment at BenjaminLuk.com.

PERSPECTIVE: The Half-Hour Headshot

(Victim #2 of the Half-Hour Headshot, Travis. © 2012 Benjamin Luk.)

As of late, I've been trying to reinvigorate my headshots marketing; namely, a) how can I bring something to the market that doesn't already exist, and b) how can I make it marketable. Thanks partly to @happyspork, I've hit on a new idea: The Half-Hour Headshot. Though a quick Google search confirms that we're not the first ones to come up with this, I'm prepared to take this to the next level. Guaranteed, from the moment we start setting up gear to the moment we finish editing, you can get your completed headshot in just half an hour. You can get the same quality seen here for only 30 minutes of your time and an affordable $200 (with makeup and hair, $250). Great for realtors and corporate.

Benjamin Luk Photography is available for assignment at BenjaminLuk.com.

PERSPECTIVE: 12x12 Vancouver Photo Marathon B&W Edition

(12x12 brainchild Morten Rand-Hendriksen in a test shot before the official mugshots were taken. © 2012 Benjamin Luk.)

For the past four years, it's been one of my greatest privileges to be a 12x12YVR committee member. In a film competition that challenges pros and amateurs alike to create 12 stunning images over 12 hours from 12 abstract themes, it's a unique opportunity for Vancouver photographers to strut their stuff. With only one exposure per theme to capture their vision, can they do it?

(A group photo taken before 2012's 12x12YVR competition. © 2012 Benjamin Luk.)

These are some of the 60 competitors for 2012, the long-awaited B&W edition. For more information, visit 12x12 Vancouver Photo Marathon and Vancouver Is Awesome, where you can find more information about competing next year. You can see this year's exhibit at the Salt Building on September 22nd at 6 PM. More info can be found here. To help donate, click here and help fund Vancouver arts. We're some of the best photographers in the city. Care to join us?

Benjamin Luk Photography is available for assignment at BenjaminLuk.com.