The Role of Photography in Identity and Belonging
Photography isn’t just about capturing what we see—it’s about telling stories, evoking emotions, and, in some cases, if we’re lucky, sparking change. I had a conversation with Benjamin Rasmussen recently—a photographer whose work bridges editorial, commercial, and personal storytelling, shaped by his multicultural upbringing.
One of the most powerful insights from our discussion was how his personal journey influenced the way he tells stories through photography. Born to a Filipino-American mother and Faroese father, and raised in the Philippines before moving to the U.S., Ben grew up navigating different cultures, never fully belonging to just one. His search for identity became the foundation of his photographic work, pushing him to explore themes of home, displacement, and cultural narratives.
“So what”, I here you say? “I just want to take photos because I enjoy it, and I don’t care about all this or the ‘why’ behind it all…”
Well, here’s why this type of insight matters to us as photographers, and in fact all artists…
“I jumped into trying to tell the world about the world,
without ever trying to understand my own world and my own interior.”
We often think of storytelling in photography as something external—documenting people, places, or events. But what if our own experiences, backgrounds, and personal histories are just as crucial in shaping the images we create?
Ben initially pursued conflict photography, drawn to extreme and dramatic stories. But as he matured, he realized he was skipping an essential step: understanding his own place in the world. This led him to embark on a deeply personal project, Home, where he photographed the places that defined his childhood—the Faroe Islands, the Philippines, and the small Wyoming town where his wife grew up.
The result? A more nuanced, layered approach to photography—one that moves beyond surface-level documentation to something deeply introspective and universal.
Here are some key lessons for Photographers of any genre:
Your Personal Story Shapes Your Work
Whether you’re a street photographer, portrait artist, or commercial shooter, your life experiences affect the way you see and interpret the world.
Instead of chasing what’s trending, look at what genuinely moves you. What questions do you have about the world? What stories feel personal to you?
Belonging Is a Universal Theme
Ben’s quest to understand identity and belonging isn’t just about his own journey—it’s something nearly everyone can relate to.
“You fantasize about other people’s ability to belong… I remember thinking there was nothing cooler than to have a hometown.”
Find Depth in Your Photography, It’ll Be Worth It
The most compelling work often comes from a place of self-exploration.
Instead of simply documenting the external world, consider how your personal history, upbringing, and emotions influence your visual storytelling.
“If I want to photograph other people’s faces,
I need to understand what that experience is like.”
During our conversation, Ben reflected on how, as a young photographer, he was drawn to extremes—conflict zones, disasters, and dramatic events. But he eventually realized that he was chasing stories before understanding his own.
This shift in perspective led to a more intentional, meaningful approach to his work. For example, when he photographed Syrian refugee communities in Jordan, he deliberately avoided cliché images of suffering. Instead, he focused on moments of resilience and everyday life, capturing the in-between moments that truly tell a story.
This applies to all of us: photography isn’t just about what’s in front of the lens—it’s about what’s behind it, too. Our experiences, biases, and emotions all play a role in how we frame the world.
Photography is more than just a technical craft, whether you like it or not—it’s a reflection of who we are. And if you’ve ever felt stuck or uninspired, consider this: are you telling the stories that truly resonate with you? Are you exploring themes that connect with your personal experiences?
Ben’s journey reminds us that the most powerful work often starts from within.
Listen to my full conversation with Ben here - and tell me what your story is.
Happy Shooting,
