Ben Liew

I’ve been a commercial, advertising and portrait photographer for close to 18 years. I work with businesses who give a damn about honest, human imagery – not the boring stock stuff. Client work keeps the wheels turning; personal projects keep the fire lit. I’m stubborn about staying authentic, brutally honest when it counts, and always aiming to do better, not just be busier. Two young boys at home make sure I’m good under pressure – and remind me why it matters.

I’ve been a commercial, advertising, and portrait photographer for close to 18 years, and in that time, I’ve worked with businesses that value strong, honest imagery over the usual polished stock stuff. The goal is always the same: real, raw visuals that connect with people.

My client work keeps the wheels turning, and personal projects fuel my creative drive. I’m a big believer in staying true to the craft — no fluff, no shortcuts. Efficiency is key, but quality is never sacrificed.

Outside of work, I’m a dad to two young boys who keep me on my toes and remind me what really matters. Photography has always been my way of staying connected to the world, and that hasn’t changed. If anything, it’s made me sharper and more intentional in how I work, balancing creativity and the hustle with a life that’s just as full of stories as the images I capture.

Q&A

What made you decide to become a freelance creative? What drives you to create the work you do?

Honestly, the spontaneity and variety of work and experiences are what I thrive on, and everything that comes with it. It takes a certain type of person to be okay being a self-employed because one week you’re the busiest person ever, and the next week you’re wondering how you’ll be paying next weeks bills.

What are your hobbies outside of your freelance work? What are you willing to share about who you are?

I am pretty good at Tetris and super Mario… I’m also really good at Netflix.

What made you decide to join a co-working studio? What do you like most about working from Cog?

Being in a space that’s separate from home, I find I’m so much more productive. Photography is a lonely industry but I choose to be around other people in this field to share experiences and information. I am very forthcoming with how I conduct my business and any information I can share with my colleagues and co-workers will ultimately help our industry as a whole to grow rather than to diminish… I hope.

What is the project you are most proud of so far?

I have taken a portrait of each of my children each day since they were born. Every. Single. Day.