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MEET THE
SHOOTER
BENNI BENZ WITH THE LENZ
OWNER | LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER
I think what sets me apart from others is my drive to figure things out before I ask questions. Furthermore, I don’t like asking for anything from anyone. I set a bar of high expectations that require me to be prepared to do any and everything on my own if necessary. I don’t want to make it seem like I never had help but I also don’t want to get comfortable with using people for things I can do myself.
For example, My brother Bashir opened his home to me when I first moved to Texas. He said I could stay as long as I needed to and I moved to Dallas within 3 months. Erik Grayson gave me his camera to use until I could afford my own. From there I started working 3 jobs and then I gave Erik back his camera a little bit after a month.
My mindset is to never get complacent with borrowing or accepting offerings. Help is supposed to be returned if possible not taken advantage of. I never want or wanted to be free loader. One of the biggest things that made me successful was investing in myself and staying consistent. After the support I received I still had to learn more about my craft. I started taking photography classes so I could really learn more about how the camera works.
IRONICALLY....
My photography instructor was the same person who sold me my first camera. I purchased the Sony Alpha 7 III. My days and nights became very long. I would wake up at 5am every morning and go to UPS. I would leave there and go to Whole Foods or Delta Airlines. Finally, I would get off and get ready to go shoot at the club. I would get done around 2am and get right back up and repeat the same routine. It’s wasn’t easy but like I said I don’t like asking for anything so I always need to be prepared to purchase or do something on my own. The other thing that was driving me was all the family I lost within 3 years.
I couldn’t help but feel numb to the pain especially because I knew my mom needed me more than ever. It’s not easy watching your mom lose her sister and husband within 4 months. I could only imagine what it was like to be her. In a weird way it motivated me because I watched how strong my mom was after each lost. I knew I had no excuses. I’ve learned that no matter what’s going on in your life it doesn’t stop the world from moving. Life goes on and I try to live everyday like that. I pride myself in putting my problems to the side and still providing my services. I love providing customer service and I try my best to create a fun and comfortable experience for every client.
BENNI BENZ PRODUCTIONZ
