At Gamut, we believe in celebrating creativity in all its forms. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce Mosaic, a newsletter for filmmakers, designers, indie hackers, and those carving their own unique paths. More than just a regular email, Mosaic is a space where you’ll find inspiring interviews, industry insights, and creative inspiration.
In our latest issue, we’re excited to share an exclusive interview with Benj Haisch, a true pioneer in wedding photography and now a creative force on YouTube. Benj’s 17-year career is a masterclass in evolving with the times, blending his love for both photography and video. Dive into the conversation as we explore his journey, his gear obsession, and how he balances the demands of both mediums.
Stay tuned, and welcome to Mosaic!
Read the Full Interview
Steven Schultz (Mosaic):
Hey everyone, welcome to Mosaic. It’s a newsletter powered by Gamut, featuring a wide range of topics in and adjacent to the creative industry. The whole point of the newsletter is to be something you actually look forward to, not just an email you delete when it hits your inbox. To make it something worth your time, we wanted to add another layer, including interviews with both friends and industry titans.
Speaking of, our first guest is Benj Haisch. Industry Titan feels right, with a 17-year career in the wedding industry, pioneering on the elopement side as well. Recently, you’ve branched out a lot, especially in the past five years with the hybrid nature of your career expanding into video, YouTube, and gear reviews. So, welcome to Mosaic, Benj. Thanks for being here.
Benj Haisch:
Thanks for having me. It’s funny, I didn’t even know what this was called until you said it right there—Mosaic, that’s a cool concept. I love it.
Steven Schultz (Mosaic):
Thanks! We’re really excited to dig into a few things today. Primarily, as I mentioned, how the bridging of both photography and video has become a major part of your career and presence online in the last five years. How has that looked on YouTube, and how do you balance your time between photography and YouTube now?
Benj Haisch:
This is year 17 of me doing weddings, which is crazy. It’s the only real job I’ve ever had. If you count it as a real job—some people still don’t. I started in college and have been going ever since. Not many people know that in my first few weddings, my brother and I worked together; he did video, and I did photos. We’d book the jobs together. I eventually stuck with photos because, sorry for video people, I realized I could make more money in less time with photography. But I filmed a few weddings in those early years.
At the same time, I was working at a church, doing music and making videos. I had a decent background in video, so when I decided to start a YouTube channel, I wasn’t starting from scratch. I downloaded Premiere, and it felt familiar, like old Final Cut. One of the first things that popped off was a video I made when Kodak released Ektachrome again. That video has a couple hundred thousand views now, and that was a turning point.
Around that time, I was only shooting with Leica cameras, and there weren’t many helpful reviews. A lot of them were just people taking photos of flowers in their backyards. I figured I could offer something better, so I started doing videos about gear I already owned. As my audience grew, companies started reaching out for reviews, and it’s just grown from there.
The split between photography and YouTube depends on the time of year. Wedding season winds down in the Pacific Northwest by mid-October because it starts raining. So, my YouTube output ramps up when the wedding season slows down. I’d say it’s 60/40 photography to YouTube overall, but that flips depending on the season.
Steven Schultz (Mosaic):
It’s really impressive that even during peak wedding season, you’re still consistently putting out videos. How do you manage that?
Benj Haisch:
I backlog videos. I try to put out a video a week, but during wedding season, it’s not always possible. Sometimes, I record a couple of videos in a week and stash them for later. Some videos sit in the queue for months until I need to post something.
Also, I tweak my setup often. Sometimes, people notice and ask why a video posted in July has me wearing a beanie and coat—well, I filmed it in March! The goal is to make evergreen content that’s still relevant years from now. Sure, it’s nice to release videos when a new camera drops, but I’m more interested in creating content that will hold up for people looking for gear reviews in the long term.
Steven Schultz (Mosaic):
It’s fascinating how unpredictable YouTube can be. A video can take off months or years after posting. Speaking of your journey into YouTube, it sounds like photography heavily informed how you started creating on YouTube. Has being on YouTube in turn influenced how you approach photography?
Benj Haisch:
Yes, definitely. In the early Instagram days, around 2012-2015, I started shooting more vertically because of the platform. YouTube became an outlet when I got burned out on Instagram, where I was posting at least a photo a day. It was taxing. YouTube’s more sustainable because I don’t have to post daily. I can spend a couple of days making a video, and it continues to generate views and comments for years.
As I got deeper into YouTube, I learned more about video. I’ve even started bringing my Sony FX3 to weddings I’m photographing, capturing little video clips for couples. I made a highlight video for one couple that way. I’ve found it fun to integrate video into my work because I have access to the gear and the skills to use it.
Recently, I booked a wedding where I did video only. It’s been years since I’ve done that. I showed the couple a highlight video I made while shooting photos and said, “Imagine this, but with more intentional video work.” They trusted me, and I’m really proud of how it turned out.
Steven Schultz (Mosaic):
That’s such a cool surprise for clients, adding value without them expecting it. You also mentioned your creative curiosity. Tell me more about your FX3 rig. I love how you turned it into a modern version of a Super 8 camera.
Benj Haisch:
That came from experimenting during the off-season. The FX3 is a small cinema camera, and I saw a video where a friend added a cheap viewfinder to the back. When I flipped it sideways, it felt like a Super 8 camera. So, I mounted it vertically, added the rule of thirds bars for a low-res effect, and made it work like a Super 8.
I started by filming my kids on the weekends, and then I thought, “I’ve always wanted to shoot Super 8 at a wedding, but it’s too much work.” So, I made a stripped-down version of the rig and used it at a wedding. I wasn’t going for a cinematic look—more of a candid, hipster vibe. It worked perfectly for the feel of that wedding.
Steven Schultz (Mosaic):
I love that—combining modern tools with a nostalgic aesthetic. It’s a perfect fit for your style. Do you think your curiosity and approach to video have changed the way you look for images in photography?
Benj Haisch:
Yes. Knowing film techniques, like the 180-degree shutter rule, influences how I approach photography, especially with motion blur trends in wedding photography. I can replicate cinematic motion blur by setting my shutter speed to 1/50th of a second and moving with the subject.
Filming also forces me to think differently about composition. Sometimes, I wish I could flip the camera vertically when shooting video, but I’m stuck in a horizontal frame. It’s a creative challenge to adjust my brain to fit the format.
Also, working with videographers has helped me understand their needs. I’ve memorized the lenses they use so I know where I can or can’t be to stay out of their shot. Years ago, I started volunteering for other roles at weddings—florals, catering, officiating, even video—so I could better understand everyone’s job. It’s made me a better creative partner and helps the whole day run smoother.
Steven Schultz (Mosaic):
That’s such a rare level of empathy and dedication to understanding the whole picture. I applaud you for that. Before we wrap up, let’s talk about your YouTube channel. You recently hit 70,000 subscribers—congratulations! What are your hopes for the channel moving forward?
Benj Haisch:
Thank you! Honestly, I thought it would grow faster, so hitting 70,000 feels a little like a slog. But it’s been steady, which I’m grateful for. My focus is on making content I enjoy, and hopefully, that resonates with my audience.
I’m exploring more partnerships, which are exciting because they allow me to invest more time and production into videos. I’d love to dive into cinema lenses, anamorphic shooting, and more niche gear, but it’s hard to balance with everything else—family, photography, and life. I wish I had two of me!
For now, I’m sticking to what I enjoy, playing with new gear, and hoping to keep steady growth. I’m grateful that YouTube gives me the flexibility to stay home more with my family instead of traveling constantly for weddings. Maybe in the future, YouTube will become a bigger part of my income, but for now, I love the balance I have.
Steven Schultz (Mosaic):
It sounds like you’ve found a great rhythm—steady growth, creativity, and a balance with family. That’s a win in my book. Benj, thank you again for being our first guest on the Mosaic newsletter. We’re excited to keep sharing more conversations like this!
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