Ben Watts: How to Build a World-Class Creative Career

Legendary fashion and celebrity photographer Ben Watts joins Process for a conversation about longevity, instinct, and building a career in one of the most competitive creative industries in the world.

From photographing icons like Heath Ledger to navigating the shift from film to digital, Ben opens up about the mindset that has sustained his decades-long career. Why being a great photographer starts with being a good people person, how to develop a recognisable style, and what it really takes to earn trust with world-famous talent.

Host Arielle Thomas and Ben dive into the realities of hustling early on, the impact of social media on modern creatives, and why dignity, curiosity, and enjoyment remain at the core of meaningful work.

It’s an honest, insightful look at how to stay creatively fulfilled while operating at the highest level.

• Why being a people person is as important as technical skill

• How Ben built trust with A-list talent

• The difference between chasing trends and developing a signature style

• What the transition from film to digital changed forever

• How social media reshaped the photography industry

• The role of hustle and adaptability in long creative careers

• Why dignity and professionalism still set people apart

• Staying authentic in a competitive field

• Finding joy in the process—not just the outcomes

• Becoming the person people want to hire again and again

Find Ben on Instagram here.

Find Ben's extensive portfolio of work on Art Dept.

Find Process the Podcast for the visuals of Ben's work and this episode here.

Find your host, Arielle Thomas on Instagram here.