‘The real Cincinnati’ | He takes photos of strangers to try to understand our city better
Aug 24, 2026
Ben Wright doesnt tell people how to pose. He doesnt want you to think too much. In Findlay Market, someone asks if hes an influencer.Im a photographer, Wright said.But he does record himself.You get a lot of nos, Wright said.WA
TCH: See how a local photographer documents people of Cincinnati' The real Cincinnati | He takes photos of strangers to try to understand our city betterA Tri-State native, Wright has been taking pictures for a decade. He started with bridges and buildings and ballparks. Sometimes hundreds of feet in the air.Theres only so many pictures you can take of Cincinnati, Wright said. I think I more just wanted to show the real Cincinnati.To him, that's the people who live here. Especially people who don't usually get their pictures taken.I'm just trying to shed light on humanity," Wright said. Everyone is human." Were at Findlay Market when Wright shows a man the picture he took of him."Damn, how do I get that?"Then, he asks for another photo. One woman stops Wright as he's trying to escape the rain.She gives him a hug.It shows the actual people, said Helen Dahms. The goodness of people in our community.Wright tells me he didnt set out to break stereotypes in Cincinnati, it just kind of happened.And people seem to like them, Wright said.In a convenience store, he takes out his phone and shows some of his work. After hes done, he leans on the counter.Would you like to get a photo?See his picturesTo see more of Wright's work, you can follow him on Instagram by clicking this link.
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