GILAD BENARI, Israel ❧ 

These are ethereal, and just simply beautiful images you must allow your mind to immerse and soak in, very much like a welcomed relaxation-conducing mental spa, should your day prove a city stressful and overwhelming trial to your strained nerves.

Gilad's sensitive, gentle and intuitive spirit and aura pervades every shot presented here, and you can only be left feeling light-headed as you are transported and charmed so graciously by the visions he presents to us of his special wonderland.

A wonderland seen and taken with the use of infra red light which Gilad loves and masters, and the use of which brings out a completely different and surprisingly prestine effect to the images he captures, making us gasp with amazement at the beauty he presents with this perspective.

The photographs I have chosen here represent the incredible talent of this kind-hearted and caring man who strives to inspire through his work and support those he feels need encouragement, nurturing and valued advice. He is not only a gifted creative soul, but a gifted tutor as well, and deserves himself, the acknowledgement and admiration of the world - for there are just too few of these kind of special people about us who bring us so much pleasure just by sharing the gift of their eyes.

But to get to know the inner man, the only way is to pose important questions to him and to listen to his answers as he explains what he sees and feels when he captures these mesmerizing visuals for our enjoyment.

Here are answers to questions:

Your photographs carry so much aura with them.  As Cartier-Bresson once said, in managing to capture an image just at the decisive moment: "It's instant drawing." - do you feel photography these days is just that? Instant drawing? How much work would you say is needed to produce exceptional photography?

Gilad: I don't think good photography is measured in amounts of work. I think that as in any format of art, good photography should be a result of good Ideas. The rest is technique and production.

In my style of work, where I don't stage my photographs, I only try to look and express the world differently, there is no work other than creative process.

You make the effort to look at the work of other promising photographers, why have you done this and why do you feel you should support other photographers?

Gilad: I feel that my success is a result of my character. To support and to help as best as I can, to share and to critique. I believe that the more educated and supportive of others, the bigger the community, and better. That way we all can be better, and grow.  Besides, the fact I can actually make a difference in others' lives in a positive way like that, seems to me just as important as any other thing I can contribute to the art world.

What are the basic tools a good photographer should consider to have with him, and why?

Gilad: I feel it's creative imagination. All else (camera, accessories, editing) can grow within an artist, it's simply technique. There are thousands of great photographers, doing wonderful job with still life, macro, portraits, etc., but there is just not enough good ideas.  It's the idea that makes a picture remembered, touch emotions, and make a difference.

The Yarkon River, Tel Aviv

Do you remember your first photograph? What was the occasion and what did you feel when you took your first shot?

Gilad: I have to say that the first photo I took with the intention of shooting an "artistic" shot was poor. I used a bad compact shot, and I felt that I missed my opportunity.  It was a dog drinking from a puddle of water covering a picture of a cat in a newspaper. After the shot was taken the flash operated automatically and the light was reflected from the puddle covering the cat details to a point where you can't see it. So basically, I blew it. I felt bad, but that's my motivation to grow and get better.

STRANGER AMONG US

Golda Park, Israel
SILENT PRAYER

Of all your photographs, which ones do you feel are your best work, and why?

Gilad: “A Reflection of Innocence”.  One of my earlier shots. A shot of my son (which is a reason on its own). I feel like I captured a lot in that frame. The reflection is a beautiful graphic detail, but it's the look in the eyes, and the expression I love so much.


“Brain Dead”. A concept that is very important in my opinion. The minimal frame, but easy to understand concept, makes this one very strong. Besides, the frame captured in the TV screen is also very meaningful, and that adds depth to the shot that only a few can really get. That "hidden" detail is a great addition.


“Give A Hand”. Again, a motive I feel very strongly about. It's very easy to see the details that makes us so alike, and still so different from the apes. The bars makes this one shout.


“With A Fist and A Smile”. I can't say enough about this one. I love it so much. The happy eyes, big smile... and the fist and obvious burnt skin transfers a completely different message.


“Fishing for Stars”.  My most favorite. The feeling that this is a frame from a story, from a fairytale. I look at it and feel the story telling itself.

Can you say your photography is a hobby or is it a passion for you? Where do you see yourself going with this art form in the next five years? What would you eventually like to do?

Gilad: I see it as a passion that is slowly taking over my life. My plan is to keep doing it, while providing my home with a steady job (I work in media marketing). I plan to be doing only art in 8 years from now. Publishing books and showing exhibitions.  Till then, I'll just keep creating and building up my portfolio. Hopefully growing as an artist and as a person.

Thank you so much, Gilad, for taking time to share with us your "eyes" and your world.