# Strange Surrealist Photography The Distinctively Peculiar Work of Ben Goossens By Armida Ascano | Published 2010-09-25 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ben-goossens References: [recave](http://www.recave.com/2010/09/surreal-photography-by-ben-goossens/) & [photo.net](http://photo.net/photos/ben.goossens) Ben Goossens is a former advertising art director and an extreme [surrealist photographer](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jeffrey-deitch-art-gallery). His acquired skill with photo editing has given him the ability to add [fantastical elements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/canva-spotlights) to real photos that he takes himself. Armed with a massive imagination, Ben Goossens creates inventive works that spark curiosity. His portfolio ranges from portraiture to product shots to the peculiar and breathtaking photographs featured here. **Implications** - Dream ads are compelling to consumers because they stand out from the pack. By considering experiences that are detached for the quotidian, companies can leverage an opportunity for a deeper connection with their customers. Companies might also use [futuristic ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/a-moment-of-me-time) to serve the same purpose. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.6/10 - Popularity: 96% | Activity: 93% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Dream Advertising:** Creating compelling ads that stand out by incorporating surreal and fantastical elements. - **Deeper Customer Connection:** Leveraging opportunities for a deeper connection with customers through unique and unconventional experiences. - **Futuristic Advertising:** Utilizing futuristic ads to captivate and engage customers. ### Where This Applies - **Advertising:** Exploring new ways to create captivating and surreal advertising campaigns. - **Photography:** Incorporating surreal and fantastical elements into photography to create unique and curious works. - **Art:** Encouraging artists to embrace surrealism and create distinctive and thought-provoking pieces. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Surrealist Pop-Up Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surrealist-popup.md) - [Surrealist Beauty Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toiletpaper-magazine.md) - [AI-Generated Real-World Transformations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-generated-world.md) - [Artsy Surrealist Tableware](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gohar-world.md) - [AI-Generated Retrofuturistic Objects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retrofuturistic-objects.md) - [Painting-Immersive Photo Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-ground-exhibition.md) - [Celebratory Odd Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ridiculous-design.md) - [Marketer-Targeted Cereal Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/out-of-home-campaign.md) - [Digital Archetype Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/christian-rex-van-minnen-1.md)