Episode .3 Ben Baker
Born in Adelaide Australia, portrait photographer Ben Baker travelled extensively as a child through the remote areas of the Northern Territory. Traveling with his father David Baker, who was working with indigenous communities as a mediator. These early experiences defined Ben’s ability to communicate and observe different cultures that would be the foundation for his later work as a portrait photographer. After finding his way to New York, Ben had an opportunity to assist Annie Leibovitz. This opened the door to work with legendary photographers Mary Ellen Mark, Harry Benson and Mark Seliger on projects for Rolling Stone, The New Yorker, Time, and Life magazines. Ben’s portrait career began with assignments for New York Magazine, Newsweek, Esquire and Time magazine. Ben has photographed some of the most prominent leaders in politics, business and the media. Notable portrait sittings of President’s Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Bill Clinton and George Bush. Also First Lady Michelle Obama, Warren Buffett, Oprah Winfrey, Lady Gaga, Ralph Lauren, Jay -Z, and Rupert Murdoch. His work has been collected by the National Portrait Gallery of Australia and the African American Museum of History and Culture in Washington DC. Awards include the American Photography collections, New York Press club and Photo District News. benbakerphoto.com