Ori Bengal from Obscure Reality Photographer Hits the Road for Adventures in Couch Surfing Written by Elias Stimac

If you have an empty couch for him to crash on, photographer Ori Bengal from Obscure Reality may be able to hook you up with an exciting photo shoot. That’s because he is traveling across the country (and abroad as well) for the next year or two, and will be relying on the kindness of strangers to help him on his journey in exchange for his artistic services.

The Florida resident (originally from Israel) was inspired to go on his Couch Surfing Tour for several reasons. “I was looking for a way to travel more often, and more cost-effectively. I was living on Ft. Lauderdale Beach, and my lease was going to expire. My folks wanted me to buy a place, but I wasn't sure that I was in love with South Florida, so thought I'd travel around some and see what's out there. Then it just snowballed into this giant adventure!”

While Ori will be traveling all over the globe, one destination he is truly excited about is New York City.  “ New York has a vast collection of industrial backgrounds to shoot against, as well as the scenic skyline views. I have networked with many NYC photographers and models in the past. And of course, the restaurants are phenomenal.  While Miami has embraced the ‘ New York style’ clubs, there is no comparing to the real deal in New York.” The couch surfer will be going up the East Coast starting in April, and should be hitting New York in early May.

Response to Ori’s ambitious plan has been, in his own words, “simply amazing! I could not have dreamt that it would go so well! I've already been offered couches all over the USA, Israel, and even in Australia (including flight, food, etc...). People love the idea, and they seem to like my photos, so it works out really well. I've gotten offers (which I'm taking!) to ride along in a multi-state race of some very high-end vehicles... I'll be riding in a Ferrari Enzo, a Lamborghini Limousine, and a custom racing BMW. I am also being taken skydiving, drifting, flying lessons, snowboarding... I like adventure, so I attract the crazy stuff. There are a lot of normal sane people I'll be staying with as well!”

He hopes to accomplish quite a lot on the tour. “I will get to see the USA -- and hopefully the world. I will bring further awareness to who I am and what I do. I will teach many people about photography. Also, I will throw interesting parties, live life to the fullest, inspire people, take amazing photographs of amazing things/people/places, have fun, meet many new friends, and help people where I can.”

Ori’s unique style of photography is definitely eye-catching. “I would describe my style as vibrant, hyper, colorful, and sometimes surreal. And my images just about always display a sense of humor.” In addition to a profile on OneModelPlace.com (look him up under Member #68600), Ori has a personal website, www.ObscureReality.com. “A personal website adds credibility. I enjoy the flexibility of being able to upload files to my server, being able to remove them at will, and also establish my brand. I am Obscure Reality on the web, on OMP, and on MySpace. Now I can also be seen at www.CouchSurfingOri.com and www.myspace.com/CouchSurfingOri.”

His recent credits include several magazine assignments and fashion shows.  Photography is his “number one addiction,” but Ori does have other interests. “I enjoy exercising (it used to be going to the gym, but now I'm big on running six miles a day, a few times a week). I like to draw -- though often on the computer. I love music, and am considering buying a guitar for my trip, so that I'll have some time to practice and get decent. I thrive on telling bad jokes.”

As far as goals go, Ori admits that it's hard to plan that far out. “I'm expecting this journey to take a few years. After that, I think I will open a studio/ad agency and partner up with some people for a marketing/PR/party-throwing company. I worked my behind off to create a couch-surfing launch party I just had.... and I can see that growing into a huge business. I think I may also try to make it on television... but... let's get on the road first, right?”

As he prepares to head off across the United States in hopes of making an impact on whomever he meets, Ori reiterates his New Year’s resolutions: “To travel more. To take more photos. To make more friends. To change the world.”