Benjamin

benjikan

About Benjamin

I was born and grew up in Toronto, Canada. Never quite sure what I wanted in life, I fell into many things by accident. Photography, Web Concept development and Creative Direction are just a few examples.
I played drums in a few punk rock groups, one of which, the "Existers", with the single "Telex Love" was produced by John Cale. Another, the "Poles", had a semi-successful hit called "CN Tower".

Afterward, I entered Carleton University where I studied Architecture. I then worked in several companies, including Webb Zerafa Menkes & Housden, best known for designing the CN Tower in Toronto.

After a serious accident where I fell from a five meter mezzanine, I literally fell into photography. There was a photographer taking photos at the party and I landed on his toe!!!

My second shoot was an advertising campaign in Toronto. While in Toronto, I was the first Canadian photographer to shoot Kim Alexis, which I did for the cover of Chatelaine.

I moved to Los Angeles and stayed there for just over a year before moving to New York. In NY, I shot quite a few campaigns as well as the Dayton Hudsons Christmas book with Andie MacDowell, Elle MacPherson and Brooke Shields. I also shot several covers for Vogue South America.

I then moved to Milan where I shot for Harper's Bazaar and Cosmopolitan. I came back to Toronto for a short stint before a friend suggested that I try Paris.

After six weeks in Paris, I was given an opportunity to shoot the Haute Couture for L'Officiel. Since then, Paris has become my base.

I also compose and write Pop-Rock music for several artists.

I also consult as a creative director for worldwide agencies and clients.

Some of the magazines I have been published in include :

Vogue Italy, Vogue Paris, Vogue Brasil, Elle (Spain, Portugal and Greece editions), L'Officiel Paris, New York Daily News Fashion, Women's Wear Daily, Harper's Bazaar Italy, Cosmopolitan (France and Italy), Votre Beauté, "W" Magazine UK, Biba, Flare, Glamour (French), Chatelaine, 100 Cose, Madame Figaro, Dealer Deluxe, Oyster Magazine, Deutsch Magazine, Icon, Issue One, Tank, No Name magazine, West East Magazine, Jardin des Modes, Dépêche Mode...