Ben Brewer

Photographer and Director/DP @ Ben Brewer Photography

About

My mission is to bring authentic, engaging, story-driven photography and video, blending cinematic style with journalistic instinct, for brands and agencies ready to embrace visuals with purpose. As an editorial photographer and DP/cinematographer, I’ve built my career around crafting visuals that connect on a deeply human level — bringing authenticity and nuance to every story I tell. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of creating stories for some of the world’s most recognized brands and agencies, as well as editorial giants like The New York Times, Reuters, and Bloomberg. I create work that reflects real people and true experiences, driven by a commitment to bold visual storytelling. My path to photography might seem unconventional. With a degree in Biochemistry and Neuroscience, I learned early on to approach every project with both curiosity and precision — qualities that have become the foundation of my creative work. My approach combines the careful observation and responsiveness of photojournalism with the creative, strategic, and structured thinking required in brand and agency work. From brand documentaries to commercial campaigns and in-depth editorial features, my work consistently centers on one goal: to craft visuals that feel both true and artfully refined. I focus on capturing real moments and peak expressions — whether it’s a powerful portrait, a brand story with authenticity at its core, or a documentary piece that challenges perspectives. Currently based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, I’m available for freelance and contract work worldwide. When I’m not behind the camera, you’ll often find me exploring the Midwest, pursuing new creative ideas and personal projects, or simply enjoying the quieter moments of life on one of Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes. As an FAA Part 107 certified drone pilot, I’m also able to bring a unique aerial perspective to projects, giving clients multi-dimensional storytelling that stands out. Reach out if you’re ready for visuals that stand out, connect deeply, and capture not just what’s seen but what’s felt.

Country

United States

City

Minneapolis

Industry

Photography

Skill

Cinematography, Video Production, Visual Storytelling, Journalism, Videography, Photography, Photojournalism, Video, Photoshop, Newspaper, Final Cut Pro, French, Multimedia, AP Style, Image Editing, Photo Mechanic, Sports Photography, Newspapers, Editing, WordPress

Experience

Photographer and Director/DP

Ben Brewer Photography

2012 - Present · 14 yrs

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

I am a freelance photographer and cinematographer creating authentic, dynamic visual stories for editorial and corporate clients to tell unique, engaging, and visually arresting stories the world over.

Freelance Photographer

The New York Times

2014-5 - Present · 12 yrs 5 mos

Madison, Wisconsin Area

Freelance photographer with the New York Times on projects across the Midwest, covering a wide range of news, features and profile assignments. Captioned, edited, and filed photos on location and on deadline.

Freelance Photographer

Reuters News Agency

2015-5 - Present · 11 yrs 5 mos

Madison, Wisconsin Area

Freelance contract photographer for Reuters News Agency for assignments across Wisconsin, covering national spot news, high-profile political stories, and features, transmitting photos to the North American and Global Picture Desks.

Multimedia Specialist

Gillette Children's

2019-8 - 2024-1 · 4 yrs 6 mos

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

Primary visual content creator responsible for creating high-impact, story-driven photography and videography, including patient, provider, and community visual features.

Multimedia Specialist

CUNA Mutual Group

2018-7 - 2019-8 · 1 yr 2 mos

Madison, Wisconsin

Plan, shoot and edit innovative, engaging visual content for B2B, B2C, and larger multimedia pieces across the enterprise as a part of the Corporate Brand and Marketing team. Collaborate with business stakeholders to develop the visual voice of CUNA Mutual Group corporate video content. Consult and guide marketing and communications colleagues on ways to best leverage video content to deliver against business goals.

Multimedia Specialist

TruScribe

2014-2 - 2018-6 · 4 yrs 5 mos

Madison, Wisconsin Area

• Responsible for precise and timely editing, re-timing, and color correcting of engaging, story-driven, hand-drawn whiteboard animated videos. • Added value to company by spearheading photo, video, and written marketing content used in marketing and social media outlets across a wide variety of subjects.

Freelance Photographer

The Minnesota Star Tribune

2013-12 - 2014-5 · 6 mos

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

• Creating photographic content for various sections in the regionally-producing Star Tribune newspaper. • Contributed multiple "FaceTime" event assignments (half-page, fully-captioned photo spreads)

Photography Intern

Guthrie Theater

2013-2 - 2013-7 · 6 mos

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

• Responsible for day-to-day photography needs for publications and social media for renowned regional theater • Assignments included rehearsal, scene shop and production photography for various plays as well as portrait, architectural and product photography for internal and external usage

Photography Intern

Deseret News

2012-10 - 2013-1 · 4 mos

Greater Salt Lake City Area

• Photographed timely and compelling images for daily print and online photo galleries • Routinely edited and transmitted photos out of the office on assignments, from spot news to college and professional athletic competitions.

Staff Photographer and Videographer

Grinnell College

2011-8 - 2012-10 · 1 yr 3 mos

Grinnell, IA

• Chief producer of photo stories, video projects, sporting events, and audio slideshows • Generated content for the regularly updated college website and quarterly alumni magazine • Edited and helped develop materials (photo, video, design elements) with online media and web coordinators for interactive campus tour