Bennie Julian Gay is an award-winning photographer and visual artist based in Houston, Texas. He is best known for his vibrant and colorful images that capture the beauty of everyday life.
Born in Houston, Texas, Bennie Julian Gay was raised by his mother and grandmother. From a young age, he was exposed to the arts through his mother’s passion for photography. This early exposure to photography sparked a lifelong interest in the medium.
Bennie attended the University of Houston where he studied photography and visual arts. After graduating, he began working as a freelance photographer and quickly gained recognition for his unique style of capturing everyday moments with vibrant colors and light. His work has been featured in numerous publications including The New York Times, The Washington Post, National Geographic, and TIME Magazine.
In addition to his commercial work, Bennie has also created several personal projects that explore themes such as identity, family dynamics, and social justice issues. His work has been exhibited at galleries around the world including the Museum of Fine Arts Houston and the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C.
Bennie’s work has earned him numerous awards including a Pulitzer Prize nomination for his series on Hurricane Harvey’s impact on Houston’s Third Ward neighborhood. He is also a recipient of the prestigious International Center of Photography Infinity Award for Documentary Photography.
Today Bennie continues to create powerful images that capture life’s beauty while exploring important social issues through his artistry.