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

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.

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.

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.

"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.

Before his affinity for film began, Ben took photos with his phone — and he'd inevitably end up checking missed messages and social media notifications between snapping shots. (We get it.) With film, Ben's still able to "document life" but in a way that doesn't pull him out of the present moment. "All of my best memories have nothing to do with my phone and everything to do with my connection to [what's] around me," he says. Pictured: Erin and the Home Town camera crew.

While spending time with his two daughters, Ben noticed children aren't as concerned with time and urgency as adults are. "Many children already live in the moment," Ben says — an idea that inspired him and Erin to create their nonprofit organization Osprey. Their mission: Delay children's use of technology, specifically social media, to help kids enjoy their childhood for as long as possible. By intentionally using his phone less, Ben is not only talking the talk, but walking the walk. Pictured: Erin shows off her painting skills for the camera.

"I love the suspense and tangibility of film photography," says Ben. "We've [all] grown accustomed to getting things immediately." However, film takes weeks (sometimes months!) to be developed, printed and returned, and Ben likes it this way. "The lull in instant gratification is what makes film so rewarding," he says. "The excitement of opening envelopes of developed film in this modern world is the same as it was in 1994." Plus, he enjoys sifting through physical photos with his daughters and seeing that same excitement in their eyes. Pictured: Lunch time on set.