Eric Bennett
This episode of On Landscape features a wide-ranging conversation between Tim Parkin and landscape photographer Eric Bennett. Eric reflects on how a background in skate videography and film led him toward photography, and how travel initially opened his eyes to the power of landscape as a subject. Over time, his work evolved from exploratory travel images into a more thoughtful, local practice rooted in Utah’s desert and mountain environments.
Tim and Eric discuss the changing culture around landscape photography, including the shift away from chasing iconic locations and toward making more personal, nuanced work. Eric explains his reactive approach: paying attention to light, noticing what naturally stands out, and then deciding whether a subject deserves a photograph. The episode also explores the ethics of workshops, the challenges of photographing fragile locations, and the importance of choosing places that can handle foot traffic responsibly.
A major thread throughout the conversation is conservation. Eric shares how he uses photography to express the value of wild places, support organizations connected to land protection, and pair images with scientific writing when needed. The episode closes with reflections on creative longevity, family life, minimalist gear choices, and why curiosity about nature keeps his work moving forward.
