About
My name is Ben Gillette
I’m a photographer and high school student living in Portland, Oregon. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, I got to be immersed in nature from a young age. As I’ve grown up, I’ve become deeply passionate about the physical sciences, engineering, and photography.
As early as I can remember, I’ve always loved to build things. Working with my hands was fun, and there was an accomplishment that came with making something yourself. I’ve gone from helping put together IKEA furniture with my dad at the age of 6 (maybe “helping” isn’t the right word), to using industry CAD software to design and manufacture 3D objects. I’ve created my own metal foundry powered by propane, machined aluminum and bronze components using computer-aided manufacturing, and worked with a team to build our own drone from the ground up. If you’re interested in seeing more, check out my projects page.
Aside from tinkering and the physical sciences, I have also developed a love for photography. Ever since I picked up my family’s DSLR in 8th grade, I’ve been hooked on capturing the beauty of the world. Starting out taking pictures of my dog, I’ve honed my skills and now run my own business doing sports and portrait photography. I center the human experience in my work, whether that is my brother hiking through the Columbia River Gorge, or a fellow student sprinting down the field for a touchdown. On my own time, enjoy taking pictures of the stars. I have spent countless nights sitting with my camera for up to 5 hours, trying to creating the perfect image. Whether its astrophotography or portraiture, I strive to capture the grandeur of the world, from the vast universe to the people living in it. Check out my portfolio here.
Today, I work at A Squared Bikes doing marketing photography and developing new storage technologies for our bikes using CAD. I also am a cycling instructor with Break the Norm Outdoors, leading cycling camps for youth and teaching them leadership/communication skills. In 2022, I won the second place in the National Forest Foundation photography competition. When it comes time for fun, you can find my on a hundred-mile bike ride, racing in a triathlon, camping with my friends, or skiing on Mt. Hood.
My picture that won in the National forest Foundation Photo contest