About Benjamin

I have always harbored a passion for the world of art, yet the journey to realizing this dream proved to be a challenging one. My upbringing took place in Mansfield, Ohio, an old Mid-Western town with a rich history built upon the industrial revolution. Unfortunately, pursuing artistic aspirations in such an environment was no simple feat.

Fortune smiled upon me when, at the age of 19 in 1995, I found myself relocating to Silicon Valley. This was a time when the World Wide Web was still in its infancy, even in the Bay Area of California. It soon became apparent that the analog era was waning, and the age of computers was dawning. Seizing the opportunity, I co-founded one of the first all-digital design studios, propelling me on an unceasing journey of progress.

Through the course of my career, I honed my expertise, excelling as an animator, designer, and programmer, particularly in the realm of Flash. My mastery of this technology propelled me to the forefront of the industry, securing engagements with prestigious companies such as Microsoft, Apple, Time Warner, Wells Fargo, Philips, and numerous other high-tech giants.

One of my notable achievements was pioneering the world’s first streaming video using the Flash player for Hewlett-Packard’s Chai platform. This groundbreaking feat occurred years before Adobe introduced streaming video through Flash and a remarkable six years prior to the establishment of a then-unknown entity called YouTube.

As time progressed, I transitioned away from the programming aspect of my work, redirecting my focus towards the creative direction and design that I cherished deeply. My artistic pursuits also extended into photography and videography, capturing product shots and commercial videos for various clients.

Almost two decades after my initial relocation to California, I returned to the East Coast to explore new horizons. It was during this period that I recognized the tremendous creative potential that photography held for me, leading me to spend more time behind the camera lens. Around 2016 I co-founded a non-profit organization, “Warrior Beat”, that gave relief to US veterans suffering from mental challenges through drum therapy. Because of how PTSD affects those who suffer from it, many of those who have PTSD have trouble leaving their homes. I developed a program that allowed us to stream our therapy directly to those in need. We reached out to, and worked with, the Veterans Affairs to reach veterans on a national level. Soon our program became the model of effective tele-health and several years later when the Covid-19 pandemic hit in 2020 it was, again, our program that stood as the example for tele-health during those next few years throughout healthcare.

Over the ensuing years, I garnered numerous awards and accolades for my photography and earned a distinguished reputation for myself. Founding a new graphic design company, Emotiv, alongside maintaining my photography business, Benjamin Lehman Photography, has allowed me to build a multifaceted portfolio.

In addition to my professional endeavors, I have devoted considerable time to mentoring and educating aspiring photographers worldwide. Through streaming free classes on platforms like Twitch, I share my knowledge and expertise generously. Moreover, I actively collaborate with local artists and charitable organizations, lending my skills to support those in need.

As I embark on this newest chapter of my career, I eagerly anticipate expanding my photography services, encompassing commercial, advertising, portrait, and editorial photography for clients seeking to collaborate with me. My style remains distinct, yet my approach centers on catering to the unique needs of each client. Guided by the wise counsel of a seasoned designer who once advised me, “You have to design for your client, not for yourself,” I consistently strive to showcase you, your products, and your company in the most exceptional light possible.