Reflexion and backstage
October 22nd, 2008
Lately I just feel like going in circles photographically speaking, seem to be facing a wall.
I very much improved over my debut, I know my material, I qualitatively consistent in my work, my workflow is in place in well oiled, the technique is no longer a problem.
We will say that I crossed a "cap" and now it's time I pushed, I take risks, challenge me and what I expect from the picture in general.
The picture continues to have fun but I have less and less time to ask me, think and work on personal projects.
Of course I'm still learning all the time, but somewhere I feel get bogged down, do what people expect of me, everything is a balancing act between "orders" and work more personal and yet I realize the lack of real time and personal projects frustrates me.
I think for now a different "tracks", change the format, more meetings, attend training in the arts, coverage of other topics.
Monday I went to a hairdresser, to make some pictures and explore new ways, find new perspectives on the way I quickly realized that I have a little trapped in my images.
Technically the pictures are very good, probably one of my best stories, the material offers me many opportunities, I play better and better my light, but I am a little disappointed with my approach.
On the other hand I found a medium that I underestimated the technical and I learned a lot (photo out of context). The hairdresser star (the guy with the tattooed arm) Lee Stafford , a guy with boundless energy (he has several lounges and present a program on BBC) was quite impressive to see on stage even for a novice like me.
Technical picture, I worked mainly with a 50 mm manual expo, drawing a maximum advantage of available light (not flash).
As usual, have been imported as raw C1 to adjust the contrast and saturation
Two other things along the way, Frederic sent me the photo of the drawing (photo by Tom Barman performed during the festival Vert pop ) on canvas as his girlfriend gave him a Dotspot performed in Brussels, the draw of 60 × 80 is mounted on a wooden frame, it is quite expensive (35 euros 37 euros canvas and the frame) but the result is well.
And Julien kindly sent me my picture of the Isle of Skye published in the magazine image and nature.
October 22nd, 2008 at 8:45
Well!
This is a level of stagnation that I would like to achieve ...
If you find that photography becomes tasteless and what I saw on this site, you can actually try a different approach to physical and or more humanistic and less plastic work (excellent incidentally) to which you've used ...
What I note is that I had had this kind of questions when I am just beginning, when we try a little while ...
I'm not made and I am far, the rest to me I think ...
A simple last question on the canvas, you know what store it was taken?
Good luck anyway ...
October 22nd, 2008 at 8:46
Oops I take the last question, I'm not careful ...
(For a first comment on your site is missing!)
October 22nd, 2008 at 9:28
Hi,
Well we go through all phases of creative side. I insist always one week a month break, the history of recharging the batteries, take a step back to previous photos. If you got the impression of always the same and ultimately do nothing more than according to what you've asked (or expected personally).
When you start the photo, the gap is great to take to get pictures potanles and every day we discover new things. But a little later and automation appear and photos of the "masters that made us dream" become more critical, it feels too soft or over either. In short we lose qqchose. My best remedy? Think of a picture you like to do. The trick hard to do. Not necessarily technically, but rather the time being busted with light, the subject!
October 22nd, 2008 at 9:29
Second article in three days, we are spoiled
So the pictures already, you speak of 50 mm, we see a lot made 85mm, but what did you use zoom with (the first 4-5 are between 80 and 200, so I guess it's the 80 -200 or 70-200
At least for most of the manual, you have captured the moment a lot of interesting and dynamic frames (especially 2-3 pictures dealing with the hair of a mannequin and the projector light half hidden by the face the hairdresser)
Otherwise, the portraits always pleasant to see with these eyes always so clear (yes I know it haunts me ... but the look is so important in a portrait)
Photos 4137 and 4140, the vignetting is done in post processing or in the light / opening?
The 4431 (B & B, heel) is particularly interesting and the slight diagonal leg is vertical, it does
And the last 2 are very
By the way, do you crop your photos (except the ones you put in a format other than 2:3, then it's obvious) in general?
Side story, I will an explanation of what a "hair salon". They coiffent models live and after they march? where there is a subtlety?
Finally, regarding your questioning, I can just tell you that as a "spectator" of your work, you actually "stagnant" ... but it must be that to strengthen the technical mastery. You've got to find time to explore new ideas in photo, may be further subject (landscape, urban) see trying other techniques or go 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 is no shortage of time?
October 22nd, 2008 at 10:13
Disappointed in your approach? I can not imagine what you could have another approach to this kind of event. Maybe look at the work of other photo-reporters to see how they approach these things, especially what are the differences with you.
I understand what you mean by the fact that you "stagnant". Kifkif here ... the lack of temsp not helping!
May be trying more personal issues about things that touch you more. Now that you thoroughly metrizable technique you can try another field. sports (football not extreme)? fashion? the social (gender story that is chialler)? kids (good luck!)?
Perhaps by changing the field, rendering, and the emotions will follow as
Good luck buddy!
Here in NZ, there's a assos national pro photographers, I was one of the meeting was local, it's cool you meet all the top names in the city (the basic picture may refer to super guy Get great catalog of sport), you get some friends, you observe what others are doing, it opens horizons, discover things that would not have thought of.
@ Plouche!
October 22nd, 2008 at 10:19
Aaah, yes, I forget, this series just rips! Did fuck your existential crisis of the thirties
It tears, and I like your approach, ultimately it is not just an approach, it's a style.
It would have been cool to see a little more candid pics and see a good overview but it is excellent. And the customer is happy even though you surely you're not.
Do not be so hard on yourself ... Note that's how we advance!
October 22nd, 2008 at 11:18
I fully understand your frustration Ben, but we must recognize that we offer you in this series are simply stunning, one of your best series in my opinion!
October 23rd, 2008 at 1:06
Your photos are very successful but it's true that they are similar (low CDP, against the light). Should maybe you change your approach in trying to think of what you want to express through your picture without thinking you've mastered the technique. Sometimes simplicity delivers amazing results and allows to focus on the fundamentals.
October 23rd, 2008 at 1:39
I think that making a lot of reporting, the picture shows its limits.
It is therefore perhaps ignore the codes of this type of scenario and daring things.
You've got the technique to you to free yourself from it
October 23rd, 2008 at 8:31
Well, I fully understand your "mood" ...
It's been a long time since I follow you through your blog and confirm that you are in the best of the best!
I imagine that at the beginning when you're recognized for his talent like you, it's wonderful to meet demand. To be guided by commands.
And then you feel probably locked.
I may be wrong but this is my perception.
Let us be clear. I admire your "work" photo, your technique, your accomplishments and your ideas ...
But recently, I have a feeling of "déjà vu". As I said quietly in my last comment on your last marriage.
Yeah, the stories are wonderful wedding (this would make me want to divorce just to be able to remarry as your stories are great).
But hey, it's always a bit the same clichés. Sense in the context, we are cramped for creativity.
I think all the artists of your level have been there. But at least you, you have the intelligence to admit you. And that, I say hat master!
Anyway, I am and remain a fan of Benjamin BROLET
October 23rd, 2008 at 8:49
As I have already had occasion to tell you, this series is superb. you really managed to transmit the atmosphere of a salon hairdressing.
It's true that this kind of event is not known to the general public, but it is a very interesting subject, and more to find the beautiful model is much more dynamic than just a parade fashion, in living rooms of this type, it's always impressive to see live hair stylists, the total improv because you have to adapt to the hair and the cut of the model line, pure creation.
In addition, there's always room for POS fun playing with the mirror as you did on some photos.
Level photo, as usual, you get to play with light to keep the whole atmosphere of the event. Of great art.
Concerning 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 not try your hand in sports photo (like extreme sports: skiing, skating, ...)
Good continuation
Reynald
October 23rd, 2008 at 9:37
Superb 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 metier 
Moreover intends format change for you?
For what it is your reflection, I can perceive what you mean. As readers probably bcp, I would like to have these commandes.D 'elsewhere on this series we tell you I went to the living room: it is as simple as that or you had contact? It would be super chic
Now, technically and especially reading light you are truly gifted. Manage the ratio in natural light this is really something else with flashes.
Finally, in reporting on a particular evenemnet your photos are in the service of others and the image of some of your opinion or your creativity you on the merits.
Your reflection on the fact of being also an author on the bottom I think is saving for your inspiration, without personal approach you can quickly lock you t'assecher and even on the form.
If you have the opportunity why do not you travel alone (far or not) for a report without personal landscapes with planned or theme that will emerge spontaneously?
Finally, the shape, I like your distances POS, in contact, but why not change them back for more?
Here is my humble opinion and thank you again for what you show us and teach.
October 23rd, 2008 at 10:22
these are necessary steps in the next step right?
when I look at your work as a whole I do see a flawless technique and perfect images in terms of sharpness light etc ... is precisely what you should not think about breaking this stuff?
daring framings more surprising, more play on the senior executive, leaving the grain back into your files, make images a bit more rough 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, having said that I ask myself the same questions as you except that I'm part of the precept contrary to yours, with no technical and did not like that ... I explored how to take pictures anyway and it worked ... but now I'm at the point a little technical help me to advance without doubt!
October 23rd, 2008 at 11:16
this series is wonderful, there are portraits magnigiques, super angles, etc. etc.. you do all this great, it's clear and demonstrated a long time. but if you could choose, 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 the photos, sth that you care about, you love, then find a way to cover the subject by walking your imagination. I personally do not think you should be getting yourself in the photo of sport, it's going to be very technical in my opinion. or to read you can feel the urge to try something else. Why not blur? of interpretation? the point of view very subjective or very objective? the size square?
good luck!
October 23rd, 2008 at 7:47
hello ben,
bin and it definitely goes through all these phases difficult, what to do and what else, how to renew itself, how surprising himself ... finally. (A friend recently told me he had the feeling of being reached the end of the picture ... in the way and the subjects he has chosen ...)
in another subject, you were already clearly state the fact that you live, the memory I think you said this in substance: "Technically, no problem, but on the side of creativity, I do think a little bit more the same "....
we're all at the same point, and telling you that I am aware that I do not help, but it's not what you expect (I guess) ... ..
it is also true that when one is requested from all sides because one is more production, look interesting, it is, despite itself, sucked into a spiral which does not control the course ... and we do what we are asked, for which we paid, and then comes the question "and I, what do I do what I want?"
I'd say hang back, try to give time, give up some applications (not easy, because it could offend more than one ...)
ask what you love, what we want to do ....
delve into everything that exists, not to do the same, not to copy (no interest) but be inspired .... You know the classic 21's slogan "no future without a past ..." is a bit of the same process, no new features 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 challenge, this state of frustration in which you can find you, this wall before which you are asking your in what way you were going to climb ...
a good thing, as it slowly matures in you, and the spark will soon point to revive it all ....
that's all the harm I wish you.
October 23rd, 2008 at 7:52
I will add what 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 move towards more creativity ... (I press the open by saying this, but I read that too few forums on this and other blogs ... ..)
October 24th, 2008 at 24:37
The secret, in my opinion, it's not too much to take seriously
October 24th, 2008 at 2:41
And what about videos that you planned to turn?
There are plenty of English-speaking photographers who post the "tutorials" practice in the use of their material conditions of use.
You share many of your experience here in your notes. A video would be transposed into a more real nowhere seen so far yet to my knowledge of French sites.
It's an idea ... it is what it is and this will allow you to do anything other than the photo, the time to ask the right questions, and we hope to answer them all ...
In any case, I wish you a very good continuation.
October 24th, 2008 at 2:50
(... And what I expect from the picture in general)
The existential questions are unnecessary. Know why we made the picture can meet lots of other questions and avoided a lot of errors and waste of time. After that should not be complicated to know what to do and it 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 numerous contributions, comments, criticisms
I will try to answer each in order:
le_zla: I do not think that photography is tasteless, I think it's just time for me to push me
Alex: I'll join you, her last time I had too little time to reflect and ask me, 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 lengths such as the D3 viewfinder this force has a consistent shooting
Next story, they coiffent backstage and on stage to explain their technique, the end models parade
delphine: I am far from mastering a background, I still have plenty of things to learn, but in my present state, I need to broaden my horizon, to parralèle in other images.
I am not in a crisis of the thirties
I think it's natural to question it allows me to evolve 
Shooter: Thanks!
Thierry: Yes it is clear
Gam: clear!
Bertrand: I am recognized by some visitors, I am still far from achieving what I want
I just think I have a little think and ask me what I want to move 
Reynald: Thank you!
lomoseb: For change of format, work with different hardware format as a way to break my habits. This is a track as others.
For the report, I had a contact through a friend
dine: yes, you're right, the technique is just a means and not an end in and so far I am much does the opposite
jean-luc: thank you for your comment that I agree completely
pixel: Absolutely, but that does not reflect from time to time
Fifteen: the videos, it's more to explain and share information related to the photo, not an end in itself, I prepared a post for the next
Manunu: Yep, just did!
Olivier: thank you!
October 24th, 2008 at 8:06
Shortly, I have not read any one time. I see your taff advanced for several months and it's always a pleasure to read you and see the time you spend with us with your work ... that's one of your greatest strengths. That I found important was your evolution and your new eyes you bring to each of your subjects. It's true that lately I found that you t'enlisais your level a little in a technical routine clean, and oh so desirable. And then boom! you question yourself and you will move forward. Hat.
In any case I tape this series, the black and white are beautiful (like the previous series), the capture of the lacquer in full hair and yum this: http://www.photob.be/series / redken/BEN_4495.jpg
I love
Good luck to you and good growth.
October 24th, 2008 at 11:26
Ben since the time I know thy works, 2005 or 2006 I have always found that you're doing well and progressing well, follow orders and the desire is there to photograph ...
Personally I think what you're doing is interesting, and I understand your desire to go further, it is not always easy to find, be photographically, perhaps by trying several approaches sometimes it comes back that we love, where it feels best and does best ...
I think you have tural communication possibilities, and in the field is important, you look, I could be wrong, to have a certain ease in the ignition, a natural ease, which serves you and 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, portraits of, really ... You're going to the people ...
The latest photos, on the whole are quite successful, especially some very good portraits, which remind me inevitably to fashion photography. Honestly I see you well change in this area, photos of fashion and was in a sense it There's already some leg. This flap is large enough to be really personal photos, it is refined over time, and will continue to be refined without really knowing or is this limit, as it continues to be refined ...
your pictures stand out among other bcp drawing ATTENION while simply because it is enjoyable to watch, There are many sites that leave people using a device, or by the photographers, whose images are of a distressing banality, and do not want to be watched ...
Here it looks like they have something ...
I do not know if you look back and takes stock of your career, I guess so, but since you post your pictures on the net, There are still a sacred changes in your photos, then imagine what this will in a few years, you're in the right surra and as you say, is to find the way, ways that suit you ...
A + + + friend
October 25th, 2008 at 12:31
No, but the picture is cyclical eh ...
It's obvious that we should not remain a single lane on pain of frustration.
In the soft shots like that should do things radically different.
If you want to change the format - and a change of scenery - you take such a dual-purpose silver and leaves scratch, leaning on your achievements in management of light you'll have fun and find a second wind. Even over a short period it will do you take too soon to consider new things.
I do not know how it goes in Belgium but in France as a photographer author, we advise you also for your creativity, So maybe for you to impose your ideas and bring the orders of your desires. Be selective.
It is clear that the story is not the means of expression par excellence ...
Tchuss
October 25th, 2008 at 5:25
Hey, I messing around to the crisis of the thirties
Just wanted to say that the show was excellent!
All these people who advise you and s'inqiuète, fun anyway!
Good luck for all choices
October 26th, 2008 at 12:31
I want to get bogged down like you!
Another quality work, beautiful light, give off some pictures really something, a great energy!
The fact that you 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 only do the best
I agree that said Olivier above 100% I knew your work when I started in 2005, you were very good and you have changed dramatically!
The web 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 precision and the constant of your work are, in fact it often seems to see the same photos.
Just feel that you have become, with all its orders, a picture very "corporate".
I mean pictures that would go well on the banks of images so they are controlled.
Nevertheless, I admire as I say.
But shoving could indeed be interesting.
Why not try you sincerely in the studio. something more "artificial" type fashion photography for example.
Or actually try your hand at other technique more underground.
In any case it is clear that you lack of projects. You do more that works almost on command.
Looks like you're on the border with this challenge, service as a photographer and photo artist.
Good luck and Good shot in the back do anyway
October 27th, 2008 at 3:07
There are many things that can bring more and change. Work poses slowly re-design of the frame and dynamically change the format (why not also work with a square silver) vary subjects, change lenses such as a Lensbaby etc ...
It's not lack of choice
October 28th, 2008 at 9:13
Hi
First of all this is plusieus days I surf your site and the links. I am a professional photographer for 12 years and I want to congratulate you for your generosity. Because you do not expose your work, there are many gifts tutorial in pictures with the EXIF, ties. For the quality of your work is different. I am amazed by the result of the quality of light on the faces. And through contact with the people photographed. But I think you're a bit by your framing or eaten by a certain idea of what to do, stuff what. And I think back to what I was told one of my teachers at CFPJ, Jane Atwood: "You've polluted the eyes with your work order!" And it must be the netoyer regularly. Why it is best to find a subject hard, close to home, spend at least one day per week or one week per month for one year or one month in the year and let go all, forget the technique, the effects , tips, tricks but working, turn around, amazed, frightened, Overexertion, live! Ultimately you will have not only a beautiful story but it will feed the rest of your work. Yours fellow light ephemeral.
October 28th, 2008 at 11:33
Superb series, you should offer your tofs Lee Stafford, the pictures you make of it at work can only please him, I find it more successful than he has on his site.
Regarding your thoughts that have brought about constructive feedback, encouraging and motivating, I fully agree: the questioning advances. Like others, I am your photographic progress for a long time and you have reached an impressive level of quality; your mastery of the technique, light, framing is stirring.
You excel particularly in the portrait, why not explore this area? Through all your series capture the looks, the talent you have to enter expressions stand out every time.
Technically, IMHO, you have nothing to prove, why not explore the images with other light sources that natural light, as this mini-studio that you had been at a wedding?
And why not medium format? It is not given, but the portrait that can open horizons. You made fun of as panos with Autopano.
We all go through stages of questioning is any benefit if it does not turn to the headlock. For the photo, at all levels: you have turned the corner on the achievements of technical mastery, personally I'm still trying to master the expo and manual spot metering on the D200
Lack of time as it is frustrating, if 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, to find your way and be able to realize your expectations. You have changed the picture dramatically, you have a real personal touch, it will continue with a vengeance and you can still spoil us with images that "pootrent".
Thank you again for sharing your experience! The best.
November 1st, 2008 at 4:16
I love the 3 photos 6-7-8!
November 2nd, 2008 at 10:46
Hi
Can you tell me what use you as a translator?
Not bad even if qq words goes out the window (that can change these?)
Thank you
November 2nd, 2008 at 10:50
@ Lomoseb
This is the Wordpress Global Translator plugin:
http://www.nothing2hide.net/wp-plugins/wordpress-global-translator-plugin/
For English is more or less valid, but for other languages, it is "fun" I would say.
November 3rd, 2008 at 6:16
Hello
beautiful series yet!
Perhaps you should you specialize in something you love. c est sure que c est sympa de faire pleins de photos différentes pour explorer mais la je pense que maintenant, tu dois bien avoir un domaine qui te plait le plus et que tu pourrais explorer plus.
essaye de ne pas rester enfermer dans des commandes, je sais pas, les mariages c est sympa mais bon, est-ce que c est ca qui te botterait?
essaye de faire du reportage pres de chez toi, je suis sure qu il ya plein de choses a faire (va dans une banlieue a charleroi (je ne sais pas comment l orthographier) pour prendre de la tof humaniste, dans une maison de retraite, je sais pas, voyage !
bosse sur un projet d exposition, de livre, de documentaire, ca aussi c est d autres pistes a explorer. Fais toi un vrai site pour ton portfolio (bien que j adore ce blog, si tu veux montrer ton job, je pense que c est mieux un site uniquement pro pour ca)…
novembre 3rd, 2008 at 6:21
je rajouterai que je faisait de la zic, et avec mon groupe, on a eu les mêmes passages… le probleme, c est qu on faisait pas mal de concerts sans pouvoir créer de nouveaux morceaux… quand on allait en repete, c était en vue d un concert… on a arrêté les concerts un moment pour se refaire de morceaux et se faire a nouveau plaisir, un petit break aussi nous a fait du bien… jy vois un parallèle avec la tof, peut être arrête un peu les commandes et bosses sur des trucs plus persos sans devoir assurer (comme en mariage, assurer les signatures, la remise des alliances, le bouquet etc.)…
bye
ben
novembre 13th, 2008 at 8:19
olivier et arcadis ont bien résumé…tu as une force et elle te permet d'envisager beaucoup de projets…c'est ton regard sur les gens…ça ne trompe pas…tu pourrais donc te permettre de travailler sur une série propre avec ta sensibilité qi rentre en jeu, à fond…
mais il faut du temps et se dépolluer comme le cite ARCARDIS…beaucoup de photographes , même les plus grands avouent se ressourcer en allant voir le travail de leur collègue…aller voir de la peinture , des films , des dvd etc… je trouve qqles idées dans ces médias…mais ça ne reste que des idées (souvent lol) mais ce n'est pas grave car cela fait travailler ton imagination, ta créativité et tu en ressortiras meilleur.
see you soon
benoit
novembre 25th, 2008 at 7:15
bonjour Benb,
juste un petit message pour te dire que j'ai hâte de voir de nouvelles photos.
J'espère que ta reflexion a enfin pu aboutir.
@ Soon
novembre 27th, 2008 at 9:36
[...] Je commence a avoir un peu de mal a introduire mes articles, généralement cela commence par “machin ma demandé de” ou “Machin m'a contacté” Pour cet article je vais d'abord remercier, tous ceux qui ont laissés des commentaires sur l'article précédent. [...]
décembre 24th, 2008 at 4:39
hello Ben,
en revisitant ton site je me dis que tu as un vrai potentiel à exploiter dans le milieu de la musique. Tes photos de concert sont vraiment marquées d'une touche personnelle et la technique est irréprochable. De plus, tu as un vrai sens communicatif au travers de tes portraits.
Alors, pourquoi ne pas t'investir à fond dans le monde de la musique, je suis sûr que tu pourrais y faire ta place, et même devenir un “nom”.
travailler sur des jaquettes d'album, de dvd, suivre un artiste sur une tournée, créer un univers visuel sur de la musique, et que sais-je…
voilà, c'était juste une petite réflexion que je me suis faite au passage.
@+++
décembre 24th, 2008 at 4:42
et au passage: JOYEUX NOËL !!!
janvier 2nd, 2009 at 6:29
Tout d'abord un grand bravo pour tout ton travail.. Je lis ton site depuis des mois mais c'est la première fois que je poste ici. Juste pour dire que la photo de Tom tirée sur une toile donne vraiment bien. It is superb!
Bonne continuation…
et bonne année
janvier 28th, 2009 at 4:21
Alors moi c'est une problématique inverse…
Je ne suis pas photographe mais graphiste, je fais des images de toutes sortes. Je ne me sens pas du tout à court d'inspiration – puisque c'est de cela qu'il s'agit – mais à court de connaissances techniques !
Autrement dit je me sens prêt à tout tenter en photo… mais je mélange un peu les pinceaux avec les boutons… même si parfois cela provoque d'heureux accidents…
Bon on pourrait échanger ! En attendant je m'équipe avec du matos plus sérieux, encore plus de tech-soucis…
Jacques (complètement fan de ton travail et de l'œil qui va avec)