Meet Benjamin “Benni” Anthony | Photographer/Curator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Benjamin “Benni” Anthony and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Benjamin “Benni”, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind my success has been limiting distractions and creating a balance between fun and business. I try my best to stay locked in on the task. “Lock In The Task” is a slogan I use to remind myself that I could be using my time wisely. Distractions come from all angles and I have to self motivate myself to stay the course. Furthermore, I have a passion for providing my services so it feels like my job is fun.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
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 for any and everything on my own if necessary. I don’t want to make is 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. 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 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’ 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.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When my friends come in town I usually create a itinerary for them. Since I curate events for “Well Connected” & “Benni Week In Dallas” it makes it easy to refer them to different events in the city. For example, Currently Kanvas On Sundays is the best Sunday Funday in the city! Rooftop vibes are unmatched. For restaurants, I would recommend Kitchen & Kocktails, Breakfast Brothers & Shells & Tails To Geaux. For other entertainment I would recommend going to a Cowboys game, checking out the Texas State Fair and Shops at Legacy.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have to give a lot of credit to my brother Bashir Anthony. I didn’t start photography until I moved to Dallas, Texas. Bashir was the one that encouraged me to transfer to Texas through my job at UPS. He opened his home to me in Copperas Cove, Texas and that allowed me time to transition to Dallas. Once I moved to Dallas I had to find a new barber. My barber Johnathan (JB) was apart of a promotion team called “Crownholders.” JB introduced me to Erik Grayson who is the CEO of “Crownholders.” Erik was the first person that invested in me as a photographer. He let me use his camera until I was able to afford my own. He also provided a platform for me at different social events in which I could enhance skills as a curator and photographer. I also want to thank my cousin James Rodgers, who also invested me by purchasing my first set of studio lights and tripod. These 3 people helped lay the ground work for where I am today.

Website: https://Www.Bennibenzproductionz.com

Instagram: @Bennibenzproductionz @Benni_Benz_

Twitter: @Benni_Benz_

Facebook: Benni Anthony

Youtube: Benni Benz Productionz

Image Credits
@cal615 @bennibenzproductionz