Photographer Ben Chan’s claim to fame is that he belongs to the lean-but-mean quartet of Adphoto, a big-name Makati-based studio deemed one of the best, if not, the best in Philippine advertising. Yet, even if he stands as mere shadow of the luster that the names John Chua and G-nie Arambulo illuminate, he has already fast-tracked his way to the pedestal of respect where most of his contemporaries have yet to earn.

"I love advertising," shares the talent whose hairdo alone projects the artist in him. He immediately segues way into poetry reminiscent of a line popularized by Forrest Gump. "Advertising is like a box of chocolates, pwedeng ang makuha mo crunchy or chewy. There is beauty in presenting subjects in the best way to present them, and not knowing what you’re going to expect every shoot."

A life-defining opportunity

Ben recalls that during college, one of his professors toured them over Adphoto studio as a prospect for their on-the-job-training requirement. That was a fateful visit for him as he got attracted to the place and its cameras. Looking back, he knew it was the workplace for him. Just on his first day as a trainee at Adphoto, he already logged in 13 hours; five of those were spent observing around the studio after his eight-hour duty.

A hobbyist-member of the group Cameras In Action prior to his affair with Adphoto, Ben was offered a part-time photographer’s job at the studio after his OJT. He graciously accepted the offer. "It was a one-of-a-kind opportunity and I know for a fact na iyon ang gusto kong gawin. Photography for me is never an eight-hour job, but a hobby, a lifestyle."

Eventually, Ben started working full-time at Adphoto. His very first big project was to help John shoot for Lufthansa Technik. He ably delivered his job, earning him a reputation as a good ‘industrial’ lensman. Since then, shooting industries and architecture has been serving like a field trip for the boy who grew up in Legazpi, Albay, in sight of the beautiful Mayon Volcano. He’d go down to an underground tunnel or get inside a transformer and generator, then receiving praises for his shots.

Also, in just four years of work, he has already established his niche in capturing the business biggies like the Yangs or the Aboitiz men. Part of his success in doing this is his ability to project an aura of confidence in orchestrating shoots involving the men on top of the corporate ladder.

The enLIGHTened one

Upon learning the photography trade, the biggest revelation for Ben turned out to be the power of lighting in every photograph. He underscores, "Photography is not just about the camera. It’s about the lighting and its technicalities. You’re always faced with a different situation and your lighting will depend on the subject and the mood. I wasn’t trained with rules, so good lighting for me is subjective to my eyes."

While specializing in industrial and corporate subjects, Ben’s portfolio of products, food, and talents likewise reflects his works’ radiance. Although he still has some years to spend to sound veteran-like, he now speaks of wanting to raise the professionalism in photography by being punctual on meetings and shoots. He does admit he’s a ‘crammer’ who delivers better when pressured. But that’s no problem, cramming is only bad when the finish product will be badly affected. Not with Ben.

"The best way to learn is by assisting senior photographers," Ben relates. He considers both John and G-nie as mentors, while accentuating that John’s actions at work or in teaching are always justifiable. He points out, "It’s always a good learning experience when I’m with a mentor. If John raises his voice, that means he’s just telling me to do the right thing because I’m doing it wrong. I don’t take it against him, I take it against me."

Enjoying the moment

Ben, the son of proud parents Domingo and Cres, is not pressuring himself of the possibilities of the future. He is simply enjoying what he has right now - a flourishing career in photography blessed by a growing portfolio and numerous clients. His three elder sisters Pauline, Christa, and Aileen must be so proud of their brother’s achievements, while his three co-photographers at Adphoto (including another young talent in Kathy Chua) are all smiling at the verity of their comrade’s success.

Concern for clients is one of Ben’s major issues on shooting. He sees to it that he gives regular clients a different treatment of photographs in every shoot. Thus, it was also through one of them that he learned of the ‘must’ that says, ‘If you’re going to work or make a business and want to be successful, love what you’re doing.’

Indeed, Ben loves what he is doing – exploring through his camera those images other regular people wouldn’t have a chance of seeing first-hand. His photographs make the subjects appear in their most attractive presentation and he is one reason why advertising photography is assured of a promising future.

"I dream and I do something about it," he says, referring to the day he began wanting to become a photographer. He may say he doesn’t think too much of what the future has to offer for his career. But people around him feel and see in his pictures that he’s a disciple to spread the beauty of advertising for many years to come – engraving his name in the field the way his masters have done.