Thinking and backstage
October 22nd, 2008
Lately I just feel around in circles photographically speaking, the feeling of being in front of a wall.
I made great progress compared to my debut, I know my material, qualitatively I am constant in my work, my workflow is in place well oiled, the technique is not a real problem.
Let's say that I have taken a "cap" and that now it is high time for me shakes, I take risks, challenge myself and know what I want the picture in general.
The picture continues to have fun but I have less time to ask me, thinking and working on personal projects.
Of course I'm still learning all the time, but I feel bogged down somewhere, to do what people expect from me, everything is a question of balance between "control" and work more personal and yet I realize the lack of real time and personal projects frustrates me.
I think for the moment different "tracks", change the format, more meetings, attend artistic training, cover other topics.
Monday I went to a hairdresser to make some pictures and explore new paths, find new prospects, returning I quickly realized that I have a little trapped in my images.
Technically the images are very good, probably one of my best features, materials gives me a lot of opportunities, I play better and better my light, but I am a little disappointed with my approach.
On the other hand I found an environment in which I felt the technical and I learned a lot (excluding photographic context). The star stylist (the guy with the tattooed arm) Lee Stafford , a guy with boundless energy (he has several lounges and a broadcast to the BBC) was quite impressive to see on stage even for a novice like me.
Technical level photo, I worked primarily with a 50 mm manual expo, taking maximum advantage of the available light (ie no flash).
As usual, were imported as raw C1 to adjust the contrast and saturation
Two other things to pass, Frederic sent me a photo of the drawing (photo by Tom Barman performed during the festival green pop ) on canvas his girlfriend offered him Dotspot was performed in Brussels, drawing 60 × 80 is mounted on a wooden frame, it is quite expensive (35 euros and 37 euros canvas frame) but the result is well.
And Julien kindly sent me my image of the island of Skye in the published image and Nature magazine.
October 22nd, 2008 at 8:45
He well!
This is a level of stagnation I'd reach ...
If you find that photography is tasteless and what I saw on the site, you can actually try a different hardware approach or more humanistic and less plastic work (excellent incidentally) which you are used to you ...
What I notice is that I had this kind of questions when I was just beginning, when we try a bit of everything ...
I did not realize and I am far away, my rest I think ...
A simple last question on the web, you know what store it was shot?
Good luck anyway ...
October 22nd, 2008 at 8:46
Oops, I take the last question, I am very attentive ...
(For a first comment on your site, he missed!)
October 22nd, 2008 at 9:28
Hi,
Well, we all go through phases creative side. I always needed a week of break per month, history recharge the batteries, take a step back to previous pictures. If you've always seem to do the same and ultimately do nothing but according to what you have asked (or expected personnaly).
When you start the photo, the gap is large for a cross out pictures potanles and everyday we discover new things. But a little later or automatic appear and the pictures of "masters that we were reversible" become more questionable, it feels too soft or on either. In short we lose qqchose. My best remedy? A think a picture that would make. The difficult thing to do. Not necessarily technically, but rather THE MOMENT THE caught with a light, THE topic!
October 22nd, 2008 at 9:29
Second item in 3 days, it is spoiled
So the pictures already, you mean the 50 mm, it is hard not to do 85mm, but what did you use zoom with (the first 4-5 are between 80 and 200, so I guess it's 80 70-200 or -200
In any case most of the manual, you have captured the moment a lot of interesting and dynamic frames (especially 2-3 pictures with the hairdresser holding a model and the light projector half hidden by the face the hairdresser)
Otherwise, portraits always nice to see with these eyes still net (it haunts me yes I know ... but look at so important in a portrait)
The 4137 and 4140 photos, vignetting is done in post processing or in the light / open?
The 4431 (B & W, stiletto heel) is particularly interesting and slightly diagonal puts leg upright, it does
And the last 2 are very
By the way, you cropped your photos (except the ones you put in a format other than 2:3, then it is obvious) in general?
Side story, I want a good explanation of what a "hairdresser". They coiffent mannequins and live after they scroll? oR there is a subtlety?
Finally, regarding your questioning, I can just tell you that as a "spectator" of your work, you actually "stagnated" ... but it must be that to strengthen the technical skills. You've got to find time to explore new ideas photo, may be new topic (landscapes, urban) see other techniques or try out with a film to change the D3. In short, there's plenty to do ... your only concern will manifest over time. But .. What photographer does not lack of time?
October 22nd, 2008 at 10:13
Disappointed with your approach? I find it hard to imagine any other approach you could have taken this kind of event. Maybe look at the work of another photo-reporters to see the ways in which they approach these things, and especially what are the differences with you.
I understand what you mean by the fact that you "stagnated". Kifkif here ... lack of temsp not helping!
Tent can be more personal topics on things that touch you more. Now you métrises thoroughly technique you can try another field. sports (football not extreme)? fashion? social (gender report which chialler)? kids (good luck!)?
Perhaps by changing field rendering and emotions will follow as
Good luck buddy!
Here in NZ, there's a national assos pro photographers, I was in one of the local meeting, it's cool you meet all the top names in the city (rotten portrait basic super refer to the guy who made great catalog of sport), you worry buddies, you observe what others are doing, it opens the horizons, discover auquelles of things would not have thought.
@ Plouche!
October 22nd, 2008 at 10:19
Aaah, yes, I forgot, this series breaks it! Did fuck your existential crisis thirty
It rips, and I like your approach, ultimately it's not just an approach, it is a style.
AC would have been nice to see a little more candid photos and see a good overview but it is excellent. And the customer is surely delighted even if thou art not.
Do not be so hard on yourself ... note this is how we advance!
October 22nd, 2008 at 11:18
I understand your frustration Ben, but it must be recognized that we offer you in this series are simply superb, one of your best series in my opinion!
October 23rd, 2008 at 1:06
Your photos are very successful but it is true that they are similar (low CDP, against light). Should maybe you change your approach in trying to think about what you want to express through your photo without thinking that you've mastered the technique. Sometimes simplicity delivers surprising results and allows to focus on the fundamentals.
October 23rd, 2008 at 1:39
I think that doing a lot of story, the photo shows its limits.
It is therefore perhaps ignore the codes of this kind of scenario and daring things.
You got the technique for you to set you free from it
October 23rd, 2008 at 8:31
Well I completely understand your "mood" ...
It's been a long time that I'm with you through your blog and confirm that you are the best of the best!
I imagine that at the beginning when you're recognized for his talent as you, it's wonderful to meet demand. Be guided by the commands.
And then you feel you probably locked.
Maybe I'm wrong but this is my perception.
Let us be clear. I admire your "work" photo, your technique, your accomplishments and your ideas ...
But lately, I have a feeling of "déjà vu". As I quietly said in my last comment on your last marriage.
Yeah, the wedding reports are wonderful (it would want me to divorce just to be able to marry me as your stories are superb).
But hey, it's always pretty much the same clichés. Sense in the context, it is cramped for creativity.
I think all the artists of your level have been there. But at least you, you intelligence you admit. And that, I say hat master!
Anyway, I am and will remain a fan of Benjamin Brolet
October 23rd, 2008 at 8:49
As I have already had the opportunity to tell you, this series is superb. you really managed to transmit the atmosphere of a hairdressing salon.
It is true that this kind of event is not very known to the public, but it is a very interesting topic, plus find splendid model is much more dynamic than just a parade Fashion in fairs such, it is always impressive to see live hair stylists, total improvisation because you have to adapt to the hair and cut the live model, pure creation.
In addition, there's always a way to make nice POV playing with the mirror as you did in some photos.
Photo level, as usual, you get to play with the light to keep the whole atmosphere of the event. Great art.
About your existential questions, I understand, we all have doubts and we tosu going around in circles at one time or another. As you already noted in a previous com, why do not you try it in the sports photo (like extreme sports: skiing, rollerblading, ...)
Good continuation
Reynald
October 23rd, 2008 at 9:37
Great series with a + + for the last square format.
give us a little history of pipes, steps to find the human material for us not communicating OCCUPATION 
Moreover qu'entends you by changing format?
For what it's your reflection, I can perceive what you mean. As readers probably bcp, I would like to have these commandes.D elsewhere on this series you tell us I went to the living room: it's so simple as that, or you had a contact? It would be super chic
Now, technical and especially light reading you're really good. Manage the ratio of natural light is really something other than flashes.
Finally report on a particular evenemnet your photos are in the service of others and the image of some of your opinion or you your creativity on the bottom.
Your reflection on the fact to be as author on the merits in my opinion saving for your inspiration, without personal gait you can quickly dry up and lock you up even on the form you.
If you've the opportunity why not go on a trip alone (far or not) for a personal story without landscapes with a theme that emerges planned or spontaneous?
Finally, the shape, I like your distances pdv, the touch, but why not change back for more?
Here is my humble opinion and thank you again for what you watch and we learn.
October 23rd, 2008 at 10:22
they are necessary for the following phases not step?
When I look at your work as a whole I do see a flawless technique and perfect in terms of dive light pictures etc. ... is precisely what you should not think about breaking this stuff?
dare more surprising framing, more play on the senior executive to leave the grain back into your photos, do a little more raw image stripping, break your perfection what?
I do not know if you know what I mean and what do you think? but that's my feeling, however I ask myself the same questions as you except that I am part of the precept opposite to yours, with no technical and not liking it ... I explored how to still pictures and it worked ... but now I'm at the point a little technical help me probably move!
October 23rd, 2008 at 11:16
this series is amazing, there are magnigiques portraits, great angles, etc etc. all this you do really well, it is clear and demonstrated long. but if you had to pick, would you have chosen to take pictures around this? or do you rather take this theme as an opportunity?
my advice: choose a topic without thinking about photos, sth that you would like to heart, you love, then find a way to cover the subject by running your imagination. I personally do not think you should pick you in sports photography, it'll be very technical in my opinion. or to read you can feel the urge to try something else. why not blur? of interpretation? the very subjective point of view or on the contrary very objective? square format?
good luck!
October 23rd, 2008 at 7:47
hi ben,
ben and definitely all we go through these difficult phases, and how to do otherwise, how to renew, how to surprise yourself finally .... (A friend told me recently that he had the feeling of having arrived at the end of the picture ... in the way and the subjects he has chosen ...)
in another subject, you already did clearly state the fact that you live memory I think you said this in substance: "technically, no problem, but on the side of creativity, I think still make a little more the same "....
it is all the same point, and telling you that I am aware that I do not help you, but it's not what you expect (I guess) .....
it is also true that when one is requested from all sides, because more than one is the production, interesting look, it is, despite itself sucked into a spiral which we do not control the course ... and we do what that asks us why we are paid, and then comes the question, "and I, what do I do what I want?"
I would say hang back, trying to give himself time to give some applications (not easy, because it could offend more than one ...)
wonder what we love, what we want to do ....
delve into what already exists, not to do the same, not to copy (no interest) but be inspired .... You know the slogan of classic 21 "no future without a past ..." is a bit of the same process, no new without relying on what already exists .....
level subjects, perhaps to focus on a few, not to disperse more ....
That said, on the other thread, another subject, I told you that in itself was a good thing that your questioning this state of frustration in which you can find you, this wall where you're asking you by which way you were going to climb ...
a good thing, as it gradually matures in you, and the spark will soon point to restart it all ....
this is all wrong I wish you.
October 23rd, 2008 at 7:52
I would add that you know since it is the subject of this page, the technique is not an end in itself, but just a tool on which to base move towards greater creativity ... (I press the open by saying this, but I read that too little on this forums and other blogs .....)
October 24th, 2008 at 24:37
The secret, in my opinion, is to not take itself too seriously
October 24th, 2008 at 2:41
And what about videos that you was planning to turn?
There are plenty of English photographers that online "tutorials" practical use of their equipment in real conditions of use.
You share a lot of your experience here in your notes. Transposed into a real video would be seen before anywhere yet to my knowledge on French sites.
It is an idea ... it is what it is and it'll let you do anything other than the photo, the time to ask the right questions, and we hope to answer all ...
In any case, I wish you a good continuation.
October 24th, 2008 at 2:50
(... And what I expect from the picture in general)
The existential questions are not useless. Why we made the photo can answer many other questions and to avoid a lot of errors and loss of time. After that it should not be difficult to know what to do and they way to go.
October 24th, 2008 at 2:58
The last four are very pretty
October 24th, 2008 at 6:04
Thank you all for your many, contributions, comments, criticisms
I will try to respond to each in order:
le_zla: I do not think the photograph becomes tasteless, I just find that it is time for me shakes
Alex: I'll join you, his last time I had too little time to sit down and think, it's time to think more in terms of projects
Eddy: I am the principal at 50mm, some at 85 and some photos of the podium in 80/200 (the 85 was too short). I do not reframe my images, work with a fixed focal viewfinder like the D3 that force fit well in shooting
Side story, they will tie backstage and onstage to explain their technique, in late models parade
Delphine: I am far from mastering a background, I have many things to learn, but in my current state, I need to broaden my horizons, to make parralèle other images.
I'm not a crisis of the thirties
I think it is natural to question it allows me to evolve 
Shooter: Thank you!
Thierry: Yes, it is clear
Gam clear!
Bertrand: I am known by some visitors, I am still very far from what I want to achieve
I just think I have a little sit down and think about what I want to move 
Reynald: Thank you!
lomoseb: By changing the format, work with different hardware as a good way to break my usual size. It is a track as others.
For the story, I had a contact through a friend
dine: yes, you're right, the technique is just a means and not an end in and until now am I really doing the opposite
jean-luc: thank you for your comment I completely agree
pixel: quite, but it does not reflect prevents occasionally
Fifteen: the videos is more to explain and share information relating to the photo, not an end in itself, I prepare one for the next post
Manunu: Yep, quite!
Olivier: thank you!
October 24th, 2008 at 8:06
Shortly, I have not read anything for once. I see your advanced taff for several months and it is always a pleasure to read you and see the time you spend to introduce your work ... this is one of your greatest strengths. That I found important was your evolution and your new look that you brought to each of your subjects. It is true that lately I found that your level you get a little bogged down in an enviable own technical routine, and oh. And then boom! you question yourself and you're done. Hat.
In any case this series sellotape me, the black and white photos are beautiful (like the previous series), capturing the full yum hair lacquer and this: http://www.photob.be/series / redken/BEN_4495.jpg
I love
Good luck to you and good progress.
October 24th, 2008 at 11:26
Ben from the time I know thy works, in 2005 or 2006 I have always found that you're doing well and progressing well, orders following and want to photograph is ...
Personally I think what you do is interesting, and I understand your desire to go further, it's not always easy to find, to find photographically, perhaps by trying several approaches we sometimes returns that you love, or where it feels best and is the best ...
I think you tural possibilities of communication, and in the field is important, as the air, I could be wrong, to have some comfort in touch, a natural ease that serves you and you you will find new orders for more personal photographic projects.
Since I look at your work, I've often said that you do well people, it feels in your work, lots of concerts, parties, portaits of ... You people really going to ...
Latest photos in the set are pretty Successful, especially some very good portaits, which reminds me inevitably to the photo mode. Honestly I'll see much change in this area, fashion photography and was, in a sense it already there's some leg. This leg is large enough to have pictures really personal, it is refined over time and will continue to be refined without really knowing or is this limit, as it continues to refine ...
your images stand out from other bcp drawing attenion simply parcequ'elles are fun to watch, There are many websites that leave people using a device or photographers whose images are of a distressing banality, and give not want to be watched ...
Here it looks like they have some thing ...
I do not know if you look back and update on your career, I guess so, but since you post your pictures on the Net, There are still a sacred evolution in your photos, then imagine what give it a few years, you're in the right surrement and as you say, is to find the way, the way that suit you ...
A + friend
October 25th, 2008 at 12:31
No, but the picture is cyclical eh ...
It is obvious that we should not stay in a single lane under penalty of frustration.
In soft shots like that must be radically different.
If you want to change the format - and a change of scenery - you take for example a silver bi-objective and starting from scratch, supporting you on your achievements in light management you will explode and you get a second wind. Even for a short period it will take you back enough to look at new things.
I do not know how it happens in Belgium, but in France as a photographer author, you are also committed to your creativity, so maybe also you impose your ideas and bring your desires orders. Is selective.
It is clear that the story is not the best means of expression ...
Tchuss
October 25th, 2008 at 5:25
Hey, I kidding to the crisis of thirty
I just wanted to say that the series was excellent!
All those people who inqiuète and advise you, nice anyway!
Good luck to all the choices to be
October 26th, 2008 at 12:31
I would like to get bogged down like you!
Another quality work, beautiful light, some pictures actually emit something, great energy!
The fact that you put in question to think about all that, I think it's a good thing it proves that you do not stay on your achievements, you will make only the best
I agree with what Olivier said above 100% I knew your work when I started in 2005, you were already very good and you have changed dramatically!
The canvas at your friend makes really good
October 27th, 2008 at 5:43
Try the studio with a woman surrounded by example ...
No but seriously I'm still a fan of your work, but the discipline and constant in your work are in fact often seems to be seeing the same pictures.
Just feel like you're getting with all its controls, a very "corporate" photo.
I mean there photos that would go well on image banks so they are controlled.
I nevertheless admiring as I say.
But shoving could indeed be interesting.
Why do not you try sincerely in the studio. something more "artificial" photo mode typical example.
Or downright you try other more underground technique.
in any case it is clear that you lack of projects. You do more work almost to order.
Looks like you're at the border, with this challenge, the service photographer and photographic artist.
Good luck and good shot in the back do anyway
October 27th, 2008 at 3:07
There are plenty of things that can bring more and change. Work slow shutter, review its design framing and dynamic format change (why not bosser also with a square silver) varied subjects, change lenses such as a LensBaby etc ...
It is not lack of choice
October 28th, 2008 at 9:13
Hi
Firstly it makes plusieus days I surf your site and on the links. I am a pro photographer for 12 years and I want to congratulate you for your generosity. Because you do not exposing your work, there are many gifts tutorial, pictures with exif, links. For the quality of your work is different. I am amazed by the result of the quality of the light on their faces. And contact with the people photographed. But I think you're a little eaten by your frames or some idea of what to do, what stuff. And I think back to what I was told one of my teachers at CFPJ Jane Atwood: "You've polluted eyes work with your order!" And it must be the netoyer regularly. For this, it is best to find a strong subject, near home, spend at least 1 day per week or one week a month for a year or a month in the year and releases everything, forget the technique, the effects the stuff, but the tips work, turn around, marvel, be afraid, Overexertion, live! Ultimately you will have not only a beautiful story but it will feed the rest of your work. Sincerely yours fellow ephemeral light.
October 28th, 2008 at 11:33
Superb set, you should offer your tofs Lee Stafford, photos that you have made it at work can only please him, I find it more successful than he has on his site.
Your thoughts on who raised constructive feedback, encouraging and motivating, I fully agree: questioning advances. Like others, I am your photographic development for a long time and you have reached an impressive level of quality: your technical mastery of light, framing is bluffing.
You excel particularly in the portrait: why not pursue this field? Through all your series capture the looks, the talent that you have to enter expressions emerge every time.
Technically, imho, you do not have to prove anything, why not explore the photos with other light sources as natural light, as this mini-studio that you had done at a wedding?
And why not the average size? It is not given, but the portrait that can open horizons. You made fun panos also with Autopano.
We all through stages of questioning go, it's all good if it does not turn to the headlock. For the photo, at all levels: you passed the acquis technical mastery, personally I'm still trying to master the manual expo and spot metering on the D200
Lack of time as it is frustrating, though the days lasted 48 hours and we could resourcer with 3 hours of sleep instead of 7 ...
I hope you find answers to your questions, find your way and be able to realize your expectations. You changed the picture dramatically, you have a real personal touch, it will go more beautiful and you can still spoil us with images that "pootrent".
Thank you again for sharing your experience! Good luck.
November 1st, 2008 at 4:16
I love all 3 photos 6-7-8!
November 2nd, 2008 at 10:46
Hi
Can you tell me what you use as a translator?
It's not bad even if qq passwords to the door (it is possible to change these?)
Thank you
November 2nd, 2008 at 10:50
@ Lomoseb
This is the Global Translator Plugin Wordpress:
http://www.nothing2hide.net/wp-plugins/wordpress-global-translator-plugin/
For English is more or less valid, but for other languages, it's "fun" I say.
November 3rd, 2008 at 6:16
Hello
beautiful series yet!
you should maybe you specialize in something you love. c c that is sure is nice to be full of different photos to explore but I think now you have to have an area that you like the most and you could explore.
try not to stay locked in orders, I do not know, weddings c is nice but hey, is what it is ca who'd kick?
trying to close the report from you, I'm sure that there are plenty of things to do (going in a suburban charleroi (I do not know how to spell) to take the humanist tof in a nursing home, I do not know, trip!
bump on a project exhibition, book, documentary, ca c is also of other avenues to explore. Make yourself a real site for your portfolio (although I adore this blog, if you want to show your job, I think it is better for a pro only ca website) ...
November 3rd, 2008 at 6:21
I would add that I was the zic, and my group, we had the same passages ... the problem, c is that we did a lot of gigs without being able to create new pieces ... when we went to repeat, was to c a concert ... the concert was stopped for a moment to remake pieces and make a new pleasure, a little break also makes us feel good ... jy see a parallel with the tof may be a little off the controls and bumps characters on more stuff without having to perform (as in marriage, ensure signatures, handing alliances, bouquet etc..) ...
bye
ben
November 13th, 2008 at 8:19
Olive and ARCADIS have summed ... you strength and it allows you to consider many projects ... it's your look at the people ... it's not wrong ... you could then allow you to work on a series with your own sensitivity qi comes into play at background ...
but it takes time and clean up as quoted ARCARDIS ... many photographers, even the largest admit relax by going to see the work of their colleague ... to see the painting, movies, DVDs etc ... I find qqles ideas in the media ... but that are only ideas (often lol) but it does not matter because it does work on your imagination, your creativity and you will best ressortiras.
see you soon
benoit
November 25th, 2008 at 7:15
hello Benb,
just a little message to tell you that I can not wait to see new pictures.
I hope your reflection could finally succeed.
@ Soon
November 27th, 2008 at 9:36
[...] I began to have some difficulty in introducing my articles, it usually starts with "thing I was asked to" or "Machin contacted me" For this article I'm going to thank all those who left comments on the previous article. [...]
December 24th, 2008 at 4:39
hi Ben,
revisiting your website I think you have a real potential to operate in the world of music. Your concert photos are really marked a personal touch and technique is flawless. In addition, you have a true communicative meaning through your portraits.
So why not invest fully in the world of music to you, I'm sure you could make it your place, and even become a "name".
work on album covers, dvd, follow an artist on tour, creating a visual world of music, and I know ...
Here, it was just a small reflection that I made along the way.
@ + + +
December 24th, 2008 at 4:42
and in passing: MERRY CHRISTMAS!
January 2nd, 2009 at 6:29
Firstly a big congratulations for all your work .. I read your website for months but this is the first time I post here. Just to say that the photo of Tom drawn on a canvas gives really good. It is superb!
Good luck ...
and Happy New Year
January 28th, 2009 at 4:21
Then I is an inverse problem ...
I'm not a photographer but designer, I make images of all kinds. I do not feel at all short of inspiration - because that is what it is - but short of technical knowledge!
In other words I feel ready to try a picture ... but I just mix a little brushes with the buttons ... even if sometimes it causes happy accidents ...
Well we could share! Meanwhile I team with more serious stuff, even more technical problems ...
Jacques (completely fan of your work and look that goes with it)