London-based photographer Sam Bénard specialises in sports photography and environmental portraiture. His work is recognisable through his distinctive and unique photographic style, combined with a considered post production treatment. Recently gaining him recognition in a further two categories in the 2019 Spotlight Awards, for the Kids and Documentary & Travel categories.

This shortlisted image for the kids category was from a series based around youth baseball participation in Japan. Like most of Sam’s work, this project was shot on location, and focuses on storytelling and the exploration of different subcultures.

Recent commissions include shooting for clients like Visa and shooting the launch campaign for the Gallagher Premiership Rugby 2019/20 season, as well as working with agencies like VCCP, Spark44 and the Bright Partnership.

London-based photographer Sam Bénard has developed a strong and recognisable style, through its subject matter and image treatment, gaining him recognition within the world of sports photography and environmental portraiture.

2019 has kicked off well for Sam and his new agent Morgan Lockyer, receiving a fantastic reception across the board with his new body of work. 

Since winning the Production Paradise Spotlight Sports award in 2018, he has continued on to become a finalist of two categories in this year’s AOP awards.

Along with recent commissions for Under Armour and Jaguar Land Rover, Sam is still putting a lot of effort into his personal projects, which he uses to fuel and influence his commercial work.

Sam Bénard is a young photographer based out of London, who is known for his sports photography and striking environmental portraiture. His style blends a documentary edge with a sophisticated post-production treatment.

Sam is most at home on the road, shooting people in new and exciting locations whether for clients or personal projects. His multicultural background allows him to integrate himself quickly with locals and talent from across the globe.

Always looking for new ways to develop his work, personal projects sit at the core of Sam’s photography. This commitment in turn underpins and influences his commercial work, with Argentina and Japan playing host to his latest projects.

Sam’s unique style and high work ethic recently earned him a spot on the roster of London-based photographic agency Morgan Lockyer. His recent clients include renowned sporting brands like Adidas and Under Armour.

Title: Greyhound

"This shot is part of a series which aims to do justice to the greyhound, and its embodiment of pure power and elegance. It is also a technical exercise; to freeze a precise moment, capturing it with three cameras at the same time with alternative angles from above and head on.
 
Initially, the plan was to use a laser trigger to sync the firing of cameras and flash, but due to unforeseen technical and weather issues, I had to completely change my approach and shoot in pitch darkness in order to capture the set of images.

I went through the GBGB (Greyhound Board of Great Britain) to find an approved trainer and assess the conditions in which the dogs were kept. This particular trainer has their own retirement kennel to ensure all their retired racing greyhounds are either well looked after by them or re-homed.

This photograph marked a defining moment in the progression of my photography and I am delighted it was recognised by the Spotlight Awards."