Nagoya, Japan-based photographer Ben Weller has lived in East Asia for 15 years. Ben’s work is striking in his distinct passion for sharing the beauty and cultures within this dynamic region. He recently traveled to the southern island region of Kyushu for return client National Geographic Traveller (UK). For this assignment, Ben documented the Sugar Road, a historic trade route in Kyushu that became famous for importing its sweet namesake throughout Japan. Today, the Sugar Road exists not only as a living part of Japan’s history, but also as a destination celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, unique cuisine, and onsen villages.
Ben’s connection with National Geographic Traveller dates back to 2019, with several assignments across Asia under his belt. When approached for the Sugar Road project, Ben was thrilled despite the short notice. Collaborating with the editor, Ben quickly crafted a shot list and reached out to the local tourism bureau for assistance.
The writer had worked with a local tourism bureau, so I got in touch with them and they performed a minor miracle by preparing an itinerary for me in just a couple of days, including free stays at some of the places mentioned in the story. I really can’t thank them enough. I’ve done this kind of planning on my own before, but they were able to contact a dozen or so places to let them know I was coming and arrange some unique experiences. Some of these shots were only possible with their help.
Starting from Fukuoka in northern Kyushu, Ben embarked on a four-day journey southward to Nagasaki. Along the way, he encountered diverse locales, from traditional shrines to bustling restaurants, each offering a glimpse into Kyushu’s rich culture.
I flew into Fukuoka, a city in northern Kyushu, and spent four days following the Sugar Road south toward Nagasaki. The whole area is beautiful. I was driving through rice fields, along rivers, up mountain roads, and stopping at shrines, restaurants, and shops along the way. I stayed in some unique places. One night, I lodged with a local family in their farmhouse, and the next night, I was staying in a luxury hot spring resort.
Ben largely traveled solo, relishing the freedom to explore at his own pace. Throughout his journey, he found himself immersed in unforgettable experiences.
This is my favorite kind of assignment: me, my gear, a car, and the people and places I encounter along the way. I could work pretty much at my own pace and play my music loud.
Ben traveled this storied path that tells a fascinating tale of Japan’s trade history, interactions, and shared influences with other nations. It also provided rural landscapes that one can only find in Japan.
Ben’s preparations were thorough, carrying specialized equipment for various shots. His dedication paid off, particularly when capturing the Matsuo family working in their strawberry field, a scene that set the tone for the story.
There were a lot of different locales and different shots I wanted to get, so I traveled a bit heavy in terms of gear. I had a small lighting setup for food shots, and my drone for possible landscapes. I ended up using the drone in Minamishimabara to capture a top-down shot of the Matsuo family working in their strawberry field, which served as the opener for the story.
Shooting for a publication as esteemed as National Geographic Traveller is a dream for many photographers, but also, perhaps, a daunting reality. Ben’s history with the editorial client, however, has given him insight into what the editors are looking for.
The most important thing is consistently producing images that meet their style and quality standards. I’ve worked on several assignments with NGT over the past few years, so I have a good idea of what the editors are looking for. I’m always looking for authentic moments of people interacting with each other and with their environment. I want the audience to understand what it feels like to be there, hopefully at a deeper level than just being a tourist.
Ben’s distinctive approach not only reveals the unique qualities that make his images stand out but also provides insight into his artistic journey. It celebrates one of the undeniable factors that make traveling such a rewarding experience: the people. For Ben, the true essence of travel photography lies in connecting with people and their stories. He approaches each encounter with curiosity and respect, striving to capture candid moments that convey the essence of a place.
I try to do plenty of research beforehand so that when I interact with the people I’m photographing, they can see my interest in their lives. I ask them to show me what they’re doing, for example, or to explain the history of the place to me. In the process, I’m looking for unique, telling, unguarded moments to capture with my camera.
The Sugar Road has a rich history of sweet and savory delights. Centuries ago, even battle-ready shogun were unable to resist the strange, delicious desserts brought over from other cultures. Since then, the richly unique cross-cultural influences continue to persist in many aspects of this beautiful region’s cuisine and celebrations. What would complete an assignment like this better than enjoying some of them firsthand?
Eating grilled venison and wild boar on a deck overlooking terraced rice fields with the Kawachi family was an unforgettable experience. And the room, dinner, and hot spring at Kai Unzen were a great way to unwind a bit at the end of the trip. The great thing about this kind of assignment is you really have to immerse yourself in the surroundings to make the pictures.
See more of Ben’s work on his website.
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