Beyond The Grid, Vol. 05 - Frames I Keep Coming Back To — Part 1

Over the years, I’ve shot a lot—for brands, for campaigns, for myself. Some of it was planned down to the minute. Some of it just happened. But every now and then, an image sticks with me.

This is the first in a new side series within Beyond the Grid—where once a month, I’ll share five of my favorite photos from the archives.
No theme, no timeline. Just the ones I keep coming back to—along with the backstory behind each one.

Carl Barron - NYC

Shot in Williamsburg back in 2016, this was part of a portrait series I did of Carl while we wandered the neighborhood.
I don’t know if it’s because I grew up watching his comedy or if it’s just something about his face—but I was in stitches the whole time.
His off-the-cuff commentary as we walked was so natural and sharp.
Still one of the funniest shoots I’ve ever been part of.

Georgia Fowler - NYC

We were filming a short video on the rooftop of The James Hotel in SoHo, and it was one of those perfect New York days.
Georgia’s incredibly self-aware—she knows exactly how to work the camera, and can turn it on in a split second.
This shot, snapped as she was getting out of the pool, felt effortless on her end.
All I really had to do was make sure the lens cap was off.

Here’s the video if you’re interested: CLICK HERE

Jessica Hart - NYC

This was taken in Jess’s (very fancy) New York apartment while she was getting ready for a film premiere.
She drew the heart on the mirror with her lipstick, and I shot her reflection just as she was putting the cap back on.
The lighting was awful—yellow and almost nonexistent—and I remember silently hoping my high ISO choice wasn’t going to ruin everything.
But somehow, it worked. Jess is the only thing in focus, and that pensive little moment makes the whole frame.

Liv Tyler - Abu Dhabi

I took this during one of the Etihad Airways Runway to Runway shoots. Liv was a guest at the event we were attending, and I was honestly just excited to meet her.
Turns out—she’s a total legend.
This was shot at night in the Louvre Abu Dhabi, with her lit by one of the architectural window lights you can see in the background.
I’ve never been big on event photography or using a flash, so having a clean light source like that was a gift.

Zoe Cross - Sydney Australia

I was shooting a video profile on Zoe and we stopped for food in Chinatown. On the walk back to the train, we spotted a few police cars lined up.
Zoe, wearing her “gas station, speed dealer” sunnies, looked hilariously suspicious—so we joked about it, and she jumped in front of the cars for a quick shot.
Like Georgia, Zoe’s self-awareness is next level. Even now, I’m still amazed at how many different looks and emotions can come from one face.

That’s it for this round.
I’ve got stacks more in the archive and I’m looking forward to sharing more soon—no real theme, just moments I’ve loved capturing over the years.
Thanks for following along.

Benny