When you don’t
just want photos taken
When you need them composed

Eye of a marksman.
Heart of an artist.
People, Products, and the Places in Between
Ben Reed photographs people, products, and the occasional thing that defies easy categorization, working both in-studio and on-location across Portland and the Pacific Northwest. His clients range from regional marketing teams to individual professionals who need work that looks intentional without requiring a production budget to match.
Ben came to photography sideways, through curiosity more than ambition. He grew up absorbing art books, asking questions nobody had assigned him, and developing opinions about light and composition long before he had a camera to test them on. This habit of noticing things, of asking what if? is how he finds the story worth framing.
His work spans three portfolio territories. Portraits, products, and editorial. The first two start with a clear goal. The third is best experienced directly.
Sometimes you know roughly what you need but not quite how to ask for it. Ben built a whole service around that instinct. Custom stock photography starts with your unresolved ideas and ends with images that could never have been found on a stock site.
Some people call that branding or lifestyle photography. Ben just calls it solving the problem.
The North Coast Seed Building
Ben’s studio is on the second floor of the North Coast Seed Building, one of 40 artist studios in the four-story brick warehouse at 2127 N Albina Ave where Portland artists and creatives have worked since 1983. Walking through the front door feels like discovering something the rest of the city forgot to mention.
The studio itself is deliberately unassuming, around 800 square feet of neutral gray shooting space designed to stay out of the way of the image. No windows, no distractions, complete lighting control. A styling area, a couch, cold drinks, mirrors for last-minute preparation. Street parking is available, despite what the signs suggest.
The building is something else entirely. It tends to inspire ideas neither party arrived with. Old-growth timber beams from forests that no longer exist. A freight elevator. Brick walls, raw hallways, a skatepark next door.
Clients book the studio, but the building itself is hard to ignore. It tends to provide more location possibilities than most clients expect.
The Habit of Looking
Ben has spent years returning to the landscapes of Oregon and Washington, asking the same question each time. What else is hiding out here? The Pacific Northwest rewards that kind of attention.
Within a few hours of Portland, the terrain shifts from coastal cliffs to temperate rainforest, high desert to snow-capped peaks, and river gorges to rolling farmland. He has driven its back roads, sought out its ghost towns, and photographed locations most people pass through without stopping.
When a client needs something beyond the studio, Ben already knows where to look.
Stand out
Call or TextLighting with Purpose
Every lighting setup starts with a question. What does this subject need to look its best?
A face might need light wrapped to soften an angle, or definition added along the jaw. Product work is about controlling reflection and letting texture show. With a space, it’s about deciding where the eye lands first. Ben works through those decisions before the first frame is shot.
Most clients notice the result before they understand why it works.
Start to Finish
Ben handles the whole production arc himself, capture, edit, color, and delivery. Stills and short-form video from a single creative perspective mean every deliverable speaks the same visual language.
Clients who’d rather not think about the technical side don’t have to.
Professional grade, broadly equipped, and resourceful when the job calls for something beyond the standard kit. Ready to talk about it? Start here.
Booking a headshot session? Reserve a time directly.
Lasting Partnerships
Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Salesforce, Navissa, AO Shearman, Amazon, Deloitte, Opal, ConMet, Bennett Hartman LLP, Leasing Associates, Key Bank, JLH Capital Partners, Columbia Financial Investment Group, Millwood Associates, MUV Fitness, KPTV Fox 12, Oregon Anesthesiology Group, The Onion
USA Today, Pearson Higher Education, U.P. PRO, Spacelabs Healthcare, Child Mind Institute, Media Inc, The Portland Opera, Marquis Magazine, Great Escape Publishing, Wood, Smith, Wood Smith Henning & Berman LLP, Seattle Magazine, Keller Williams Realty, Greenpointe Design and Construction, Summit Reconstruction, Archer Energy Solutions, The House Of Kat Swank
Goldberg Segalla LLP, Gasoline Glamour, Northwest Tattoo Magazine, Stephanie D Couture, Valence Tek, 360 Labs, HelmsBriscoe, LGI Homes, Parkpoint, FinTech, McKinsey & Co, MOVES, MF Magazine, Adorn Body Art, ReMax Equity, GlassWall Syndicate, Class A Roofing Consultants, EcoNW
Prefer a quote first?
EmailWhat Clients Are Saying
- Ben was low key and approachable while remaining excited, professional and confident. He helped guide the session well, giving ample feedback and things to try without being overwhelming. One aspect that was sometimes daunting was the deleting of photos I didn’t like, but once he reassured me that the ones that remained would go to the proofs site for further comparison, I felt more confident. I have already recommended him a few times to local colleagues and will continue to recommend him! – Andrew W
- I needed headshots and had been putting it off (I really, really hate having photos taken). Then I found Ben. What a great experience! Ben took a lot of time, gave great feedback, and as a result, I have photos that are just what I wanted. –Paula T
- I’ve worked with Ben on several projects and he has always been a source or great creative inspiration and technical knowledge. I would recommend him to anyone looking for an artistic photographer with superior skills. – Mike B
- My first ever experience was great, and I attribute this solely to Ben’s professionalism and candor. Yes, it’s okay to call him Ben. His office was easy enough to find, and the building screams “starving artist”, but in all the right ways. His studio was clean and tidy. He even had a fridge stocked with water and juice and little area with a couch to chill out and take a break if need be. There is also a changing room if you need it. Even though I didn’t know what to do, Ben did. He was easygoing and disarming, starting the appointment with inviting my feedback on what my expectations were. He was very open to whatever concept best fit my desired results. Since I had no idea what I was doing, he gently stepped in at times and offered expert suggestions and opinions which helped guide my own creative process rather than push me in any direction. Although, when I needed a push, he was tactful and humorous. Ben was a consummate professional yet laid back enough so I felt comfortable to be myself. I’m very happy with the shots he took, making it difficult to pick the 3 shots to keep. Once I did, he had the final shots edited and ready for download the next morning. Ben’s a great guy to work with, and I’ll certainly use him in the future. Thanks Ben! – Mark P
- Ben is an excellent photographer. He produced some of the best professional photographs ever taken of me. He is also very knowledgeable and easy to talk to. If you want to just get some shots taken quickly, he can do that. But if you take the time to complete the intake form and ask lots of questions (like me), he is also happy to teach you how to take better photographs. He coached me on some tips that I use in all photographs now and I find that I am much more photogenic. Highly recommend! – Robert S
- Kenneth shot our headshots for television and film, we had a great time in his studio, he is high energy, friendly and makes you feel like you are right at home, not to mention I received a download of all the shots the very next day. Perfect for impatient people like me, I would use him again and again. – Beth A
- As a creative director, I’ve selected photographers and worked behind the scenes with them on a regular basis. This was my first time in front of the camera. Fortunately, I had the privilege of working with Ben. He’s as professional as they come and guides every aspect of the process with knowledge, respect, friendliness, and fun. What more could you really ask for? He’s an image shaman. If he can coach me into being comfortable, he’s the right one for you. His brand and product work is also dope! I’d hire him for anything and trust the results 100%. – Doug V
- I needed a photo for my company website. The best thing about Kenneth Benjamin Reed is that he takes the time to coach a great photo. I had an hour long shoot in his studio. He gave me lots of tips so that the photo wouldn’t look forced or plastic. He took the time to try different lighting and angles. I had plenty of great shots to choose from. – Gabrielle D
- I went in with high expectations and yet Ben had the ability to take what I thought the experience could be to a whole new level, thank you Ben, I appreciate your love of getting it right and exploring what it takes to up the game. Yes, I’m simply speaking to a head shot and YES it’s that important to real estate professionals! – Justin D
- So what do you do when the company you just joined says “hey, perfect timing…we’re reworking our marketing site and need your headshot right away, and oh, btw since you were not here when we took the other photos, you’ll need to try and match what’s done already.” This was the challenge I dropped on Ben — and he delivered!! Ben did just an amazing job directing the shoot. I’m a lousy subject, generally avoid the camera, but Ben coaxed me into the right position (turtle – on 1-2-3, still makes me giggle). And viola – I had a fantastic set of new “personal branding photos” that I could use on the company website, in social media profiles, anywhere I needed an inviting professional look. Couldn’t have been happier with the experience and the outcome. I would absolutely enthusiastically recommend him, without hesitation, anytime! – Julia A
- I started a new position and needed a headshot for the company website. Kenneth Benjamin Reed really makes you feel comfortable and takes time to help coach a great photo. He wants you to look your best and gives you tips and tricks to do just that. He took the time to try different lighting and angles to help me present the best side of myself. I had plenty of great shots to choose from. – Lindsey K
- Had a very good experience here, Kenneth is knowledgeable and friendly and works fast! – Dave P
- Ben is awesome! We needed professional headshots and had no idea how to even begin to approach it, and Ben provided a lot of direction. We also arrived 30 minutes early to our appointment, but Ben greeted us and took us in early anyway and spent about an hour to get three good images. He was very reassuring and laid back, stating that we can take photos all day just to get the right one if we needed, but he also said he completely understands if you feel burned out from taking so many photos. FYI our headshots were in preparation for medical residency applications. – Bo P
- I went to Ben for headshots for my website and couldn’t have been more pleased with the results! Ben was awesome to work with, he gave great direction and made the process fun and easy. Also, the turn around on the final photos was incredibly fast! I would recommend Kenneth Benjamin Reed Photography to anybody who is looking for professional headshots! – Catherine B
- Kenneth was very responsive, put me at ease, and did a great job including me in the process and normalizing the awkwardness I was feeling. I very much appreciated his input on color and styling. I learned a lot about photography and what makes a great professional head shot. My photos turned out great and look very professional. I would absolutely recommend him. – Katie B
- Ben is top-notch and cares about the details and results. At the same time he’s very reliable with deadlines. I asked him to photograph some Adidas basketball sneakers as concepts for ads and he did a great job. He’s extremely reasonable and easy to work with. – David C
- I highly recommend hiring Kenneth Benjamin Reed. He is a thoughtful and meticulous photographer, a good communicator and has a funny sense of humor. He will take as long as you need to get the perfect head shot. Hire him! – Tina B
- Ben is excellent. Book him already. Stop your analysis paralysis. (I was you a few weeks ago). Goal: We needed new headshots for a few places and a new couple photo for some of our relatives. Results: I just posted a new headshot online. About 3 minutes later… Friend: “WTH? You looks amazing. What happened?” Me: “What do you mean?” Friend: “Your photo is… GOOD.” Me: “We hired a professional.” -end scene- Ben is a photographic maestro in ‘getting the shot’ — the right light, the expression and emotional intent. He’s also makes the process both educational and fun. – Seth E
- My experience with Kenneth Benjamin Reed was awesome! This is the second time around as I have kept my headshot & various character looks up to a tee. I highly recommend Kenneth for any type of photos you are looking for. He’s on time, considerate, professional and always encourages you as he cheers and supports your goals. – Roma B
- The lighting was correct for my personality and Mr. Reed made me look like I see myself. It was a two-way communication during the session and I was allowed input on what I preferred in terms of light and background. It was an extremely enjoyable session and I can highly recommend anyone with the need for a professional portrait to use Kenneth. – Jens J
- I do photo double work for Adalind on Universal Media Studios’ Grimm and when they need an updated or specific picture of me I call Kenneth Benjamin Reed. – Kendal M
- Ben has shot several events for us. He’s really easy to work with, takes direction well and always gets the photos we need with a variety of crowd shots, candid images and any sponsors or dignitaries we need. – Mike R
- Ben’s ability to connect with people and his enthusiasm make him our first choice when the need arises. – Trisha H
- Ben was both easy going and professional, making for a comfortable environment. He provided some great tips and coaching through the whole process and I had my final images within just a couple days. I’m very happy with my final headshots and I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a photographer. – Shea M
- I had a fantastic experience with KBR! Needed headshots, fast, and he accommodated me quickly and did a great job. Very good at all the technical elements of his craft, but best of all he is excellent at coaching you to feel comfortable in front of the camera. Nice guy, great work! Can’t recommend him more highly! – Jessica H
- I had an excellent experience working with Ben. He sent me helpful pointers before our appointment and gave concise instructions during the shoot. He is detail oriented, responsive and I am very happy with the end results (professional headshots). I would highly recommend his services. He is professional and is a nice guy. – Jen B
- Take a look at Ben’s portfolio. Skilled in both studio and on-location photography Ben has shown himself to be a dynamic photographer capable of handling a myriad of photography projects.” – Luke O
- There are few photographers that I would endorse, Ben is one them. He’s truly talented and hard-working. – Adam M
- I really enjoyed working with Ben. He made me feel relaxed and confident. Most importantly, I loved the results. The headshots I received from him were just what I needed to help me land the roles I was seeking. – Sherrie V
- Ben did such an incredible job during my photo session. It was for employment postings and he was so patient in taking so many shots, that I did eventually relax, which has never happened before! Very skilled! – Linda H
- Kenneth has an amazing eye for photography. – Alex R
- Ben is a fantastic photographer, patient and creative. He will help find ideas for those who don’t know what they want, and help fulfill the creative ideas of others. I am very pleased with the work he’s done for me, and will be returning in the future. – Sean W
- If you are looking for fun and edgy photo or a classic and elegant photo; you can have both with this photographer. – Skye W
- Ben shot my son’s senior picture–a series of formal headshots–and then used the rest of the time for some creativity. Wow. The headshots were fine, perfect for the yearbook. But if you use KBR, just let him roll with the creativity. The scenes, lighting, use of props, were outstanding. Most of my teenager’s creative shots were pretty edgy but really fun. Since he wants to be in theater, they will be perfect–and different–for his portfolio. The price is very competitive as well. I would highly recommend KBR for any type of photography. – Deborah N
- His gregarious nature is sincere, and his charm is a breath of fresh air in an industry of people seemingly too busy to be human. I highly recommend him for projects large and small; you can’t go wrong in any capacity. – Benjamin B
- His shots are the main reason our business has done so well, as we are a internet based company. He has earned a lifelong client and I can’t recommend him enough. – Andrew J
- Very easy to work with, and very professional. He coached me to get a great shot! Very affordable too. Definitely recommend him. – Megan R
- Kenneth Benjamin Reed has a rare and amazing talent. He has the ability to capture the spirit of his subject (without which a photo has no life). I’ve worked with him on several occasions in the past and have never been disappointed. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for fabulous photographs! – Kat S
- Ben is a very talented photographer and a great teacher. He was patient and explained photography techniques very well. He gave me a good base to start from as a beginning photographer. Ben also followed up with me via email to offer support. He was happy to answer my follow up questions. I look forward to continue my learning with Ben. – Dale B
- Kenneth Benjamin Reed is a very creative photographer who shoots outstanding work both in studio and on-location. I highly recommend him. – Pete S
- He is a true professional and I highly recommend him if you are looking for someone experienced to come prepared and produce quality work. – Daylene R
- I’ve worked with Ben a few times and those that I didn’t get to, I wished I had! He presents only the finest of quality work matched with timely deliveries. He is artistic, clean, professional and innovative…clearly amazing! – Jennifer S
- Ben provided excellent work – quality images delivered on time and within budget. – Corey P
- Kenneth (Ben) creates phenomenal photographs – they are imaginative and technically excellent. Highly recommended. – Lisa F
- Ken was my colleague while he was a Google Trusted Photographer. We collaborated a couple of times and he was very professional, responsible and great photographer. I highly recommend him for any photographic job. – Juan C
- I was able to assist Ben with a few shoots, and was amazed at his professionalism and ability to coax the most inexperienced subject into a fantastic shoot! Ben is a work-horse, and stays on task until everyone is completely satisfied with their results from the initial consultation and set-up to final printing, – Holly P
- Kenneth Benjamin Reed is extremely knowledgeable and creative in his art and understanding of client’s goals…cool dude too. – Raymond G
- Great Photographer to work with! Very Professional and very easy to work with. – Cody S
- I went to KBR’s studio on Friday for my first ever sit down for pictures. I was pretty nervous about the experience, but he had a knack for easing down my anxiety level and engaging in conversation that made the process very, very easy. I now have the headshot I needed for my business. A nice guy who does a great job at an amazing price. – Russ F
- Ben is a remarkable, skilled and personable photographer. His is a master of both the technical aspects and the art of his trade. – Padraig N
- Ben was a pleasure to work with and super speedy in getting the head shots back to me. He created a warm environment that made me feel at ease and we were able to capture some great photos in less than an hour! I’d come back to Ben again for any of my professional photography needs! – Paige E
- I hired Kenneth Benjamin Reed to photograph the 4 Wheel Parts retail outlets for Oregon and Washington for Google See Inside Tours. Kenneth made all the arrangements. He hired the photographers, he scheduled the photo shoots with the store managers and he uploaded the tours to Google Virtual Tours. Working with Kenneth was smooth and the tours came out looking great. I would recommend Kenneth to any enterprise level business looking to have multiple locations photograph but wanting to outsource the management of that process. – Adreana L
- Kenneth recently did some headshots of me for my firm’s website and, simply put, they are amazing. Kenneth is extremely knowledgeable about what works and what does not, and he spent the time and effort to reach perfection. He is also very personable. I enjoyed the time I spent in his studio (to the extent that taking headshots can be enjoyable, that is) and overall had a wonderful experience. Kenneth’s final product is truly a work of art! – Kevin C
- Ben is a talented artist with a fantastic eye for his subject – you’ll love his work! – Alicia K
- I reached out to Ben for a professional headshot, which I had never done before. He was incredibly helpful, patient, and laid-back though the whole process. He didn’t charge a lot for it, but still spent quite a long time working with me, answering my questions, coaching me to get the best shots possible, and helping me pick my final three. He was also very responsive and easy to get a hold of for questions. I love my final headshot as well! I definitely recommend him. – Erin K
- Working with Ben was a very comfortable, enjoyable experience. I’ll definitely contact him for my next photographic experience. – Nathan S
- Ben has the kind of calming presence that can put camera-shy folks at ease, he knows how to give gentle direction in order to take a great photo, and he has the kind of artistic eye and understanding of lighting and framing to beautifully capture whatever he points his camera at. When it comes to quality, creativity, and professionalism, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better photographer. I really can’t recommend him highly enough, he’s fantastic. – Jayda K
- I searched around for a decent place to get some headshots taken and luckily found Ben. I got way more than decent. He explained everything that he was doing and going to do, had great suggestions and while I had many trepidations going in, I came away feeling really confident and more importantly, having thoroughly enjoyed myself. It was a really great experience and I plan on using him again for future work. – Nick H
- Kenneth Benjamin Reed was our photographer for a little over a year, and photographed hundreds of our actors and models. He does a fantastic job, and our clients loved the work! – Scott C
- We collaborated on a project with Ben Reed, where I was a Stylist and we had a male model. The results were amazing, and plus Benjamin is an excellent listener, he has ideas and he is very easy to talk to. He also managed to finish editing the photographs very fast after the photo shoot. I am sad that I moved to another state, otherwise I would surely love to collaborate again. – Sasha Z
- Had a great experience having my headshots taken with KBR. I was pretty nervous going in as I have never felt comfortable in front of the camera. But Ben was super helpful and I think his most valuable skill was coaching me to bring out a nice countenance…I can’t say just nice smile because he worked on my eyes, body language, mouth among other things. Very highly recommend his service, I had my edited headshots within days and all for the most affordable price I found in the Portland area. – Josh B
- I was so nervous going to get my first set of head shots, but Ben made me feel comfortable. He is an awesome communicator, coaching me so that the photos he took showed me at my best. He has a real eye for capturing the essence of a person. By the end of the shoot, I felt beautiful and confident, and it shows in the results. – Gail K
- Ben made me feel super comfortable and at ease through the whole process! Great “bedside manner” even though we’re talking about photography not medicine – Rhett A
- Ben recently did our family photos in his studios and we could not be happier with his work. I’ve worked with Ben before on event photography, and he was awesome, always, but he really impressed me at the studio. He was amazing with our rambunctious 3 year old and captured her hilarity easily. The whole thing was fun. We were really impressed with the photos. His website made selection easy and his turnaround was scary quick. We got the photos in time to print, frame, and send to grandma in time for Xmas, and we couldn’t be happier. Thanks, Ben. – Thomas H








































