Ben Van Hook is an american photographer and director who sees the
world with a certain purity and honesty that always permeates his work.
He consistently inspires others through his creativity and sense of
humor. With 25 years experience as a photographer and director
Ben brings to bear a unique skill set that lets him navigate seamlessly
between the worlds of print, broadcast, and online content creation.
Born and raised in Kentucky, Ben started his career at The Louisville
Courier-Journal, where he shared in The Pulitzer Prize and was a Finalist
for The Pulitzer Prize in photography. He won numerous awards while in
Louisville including Photographer of the Year at the Atlanta Seminar on
Photojournalism. Relocating to Florida in 1990 he started working for
Sports Illustrated, The New York Times Magazine, Fortune, and a host
of other national publications. In 1999 Ben was awarded the
prestigious Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Award in International
Photojournalism for a LIFE magazine story. He delved into advertising
work in the late 1990’s and has since traveled the world creating
campaigns for Johnson & Johnson, Philips, MTV, Nemours Children’s
Hospital, and Golf Digest. He has also created numerous exclusive
digital stock libraries for many health care agencies and clients.
In 2001 he established his own production company and co-directed
his first feature length documentary which was acquired by SHOWTIME.
His film credits include Lifetime TV, FOX, and National Geographic Explorer.
In 2004 Ben directed his first 35mm short film starring Erik Per Sullivan
(Cider House Rules, Unfaithful) and Skye McCole Bartusiak (The Patriot,
Don’t Say A Word, Boogeyman). The film has won 12 awards, including
best short and best director, at film festivals around the U.S. In addition, his
commercial film work has been recognized with numerous Addy
awards. Currently he is in development on his first independent
feature film.