Meet Benjamin & Joy Clifford

Today we’d like to introduce you to Benjamin & Joy Clifford.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I started in the art world at a very young age. I remember watching other artists as they worked, and I could see how they layered every brush stroke, and see every line. Then I started to understand perspective and framing and loved how it intertwined. I studied fine art and loved to create works of art in multiple mediums, acrylic, oil, pen and ink, and airbrush were some of my favorites early on. And at the age of 12 I was published in my first National Magazine.

I realized art was something that came easy and natural for me and that I had an uncanny eye for detail. As I continued to study art I eventually picked up a camera and fell in love all over again. I feel as though it was a natural progression for me, somehow, I always knew photography would be a massive part of my life. And I honestly fell in love all over again. Realizing I have this ability to look beyond a traditional photo and create something more, something unique has been amazing.

After finding my new love of photography, I recruited my wife and we began our photography journey. That’s why so often I always say “we” because our photography is an extension of us both, and we complement each other so perfectly in style, and personality.

Please tell us about your art.
We create authentic photos that are filled with emotion. Most couples describe our work as bright and airy, fun, authentic, and full of emotion. And that is what we strive for. We really want our photos to not only be great photos, but to withstand the test of time. We capture images that we know will be placed on walls, in albums, and viewed for generations. It is a massive responsibility to think that this couple is trusting us with one of the most important days of their lives, their wedding day. And knowing that in 20 years from now, or 50 years from now, generations will be able to look back and see and feel the emotion and how they were on this day. That is what drives us. That is our inspiration.

Our goal is that the couples we photograph not only walk away from their wedding day with beautiful images, but a fantastic experience. We want people to love how we worked with them, and helped them.

Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
I can only speak from experience and how my path unfolded. For me I started very part time while I worked my “real job” as people would call it. I focused on paying off all debt during this time, and building my photography business little by little. Once you have any debt paid off, and can learn to live without spending a lot, then it becomes easy to realize how quickly you can make your dream a reality.

I was able to leave my “real job” after years of hard work. I think financially everyone is different, with different circumstances, but I know this pattern is what worked best for me.

So ultimately start small, do everything you can to grow while you still work your day job. Pay off your debt. adjust your life so your monthly bills are small. Lastly take business classes, because being a creative is awesome, but creatives are often not the smartest at business. We love to create, not look at numbers.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
We would love and be honored for people to view our work on our website, our blog and other social media at:
Website: www.benjamincliffordphotography.com
Blog: www.benjamincliffordphotography.com/blog/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/benjamincliffordphotography
Facebook: www.facebook.com/benjamincliffordphotography
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/bcliffordphotog

Contact Info:

• Website: www.benjamincliffordphotography.com
• Phone: 425-877-6535
• Email: ben@benjamincliffordphotography.com
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/benjamincliffordphotography
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/benjamincliffordphotography
• Other: http://www.pinterest.com/bcliffordphotog

Image Credit:
Benjamin Clifford Photography

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