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Ben Napier's Secret Tool to Slowing Down and Staying Present

The Home Town star has taken up film photography — and now he's opening up about his journey with HGTV.

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Photo: Brock Zych

Slow Living, a Lifestyle

Master woodworker Ben Napier, loving husband to Erin Napier and co-host of HGTV's Home Town, has been on a physical health journey for the past few years — but his new lifestyle shift has extended far beyond diet and exercise. Ben is also focusing on "slowing down and being present." Now the Napiers are creatives at heart, so it's no surprise Ben's secret to slowing down involves the arts. His newest hobby? Film photography. Ahead, Ben opens up about slowing down, reveals how he stays grounded and shares his never-before-seen film photos. Pictured: Erin and Ben pose on the set of Gilmore Girls during a Warner Bros. Studios tour.

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How It Began

In 2018, Ben stumbled across Erin's digital camera from the early 2000s and began taking photos to capture exciting moments of parenthood with their first child, Helen. Ben also attributes his hobby to HGTV video producer Brock Zych, who inspired him to take film more seriously. "Brock would post film photos he'd take while on-set and they looked so much better than other pictures," Ben says. "Everyone looks happier and healthier on film." Pictured: Ben and Erin relax in the car.

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Photo: Ben Napier. From: Home Town.

More Than a Preference

While Ben prefers the aesthetic of photos taken on film, photography for him isn't just about appearance. Film photography, Ben reveals, has helped him stay more present day-to-day. Namely, photography has helped him stay off his phone. Pictured: Fun on the set of Home Town — documented by Ben.

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Disconnecting to Reconnect

"Though phones can be incredible tools, they tend to steal joy and become distracting," Ben says. In fact, Ben's phone is often what keeps him from going to the gym, playing with his daughters or enjoying an evening with Erin. "The more experiences we can create offline, the better," Ben says.

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