Back!
November 26th, 2009
My blog is not dead, just, I recently made an important choice that I was asked time for reflection and adaptation: here I quit my job (in this beautiful time of crisis) and I got started as a freelance photographer full time!
Cool? This may seem a dream come true, the fact remains that the photo market is a sector hit by clogged and strong competition - including amateurs charging prices broken.
And there are still all the financial and administrative authority which is, of a rather boring, two of which takes a crazy time.
I can still see my head out of my first appointment with my accountant, who I was quickly disillusioned on the side "easy" independent status: as a professional photographer, we go out much longer to do everything except the photo of: monitoring the proposals and invoices, accounts, mail, prospecting, meetings, short, you get the idea. The "network" (customers, suppliers, partners, etc..) Is also a very important element in this area and the building takes time.
So why did you decide to leave a secure job to live solely in the photo?
I would say that firstly it has become for me the only solution to achieve a fairly healthy balance in my life over the past year, I cumulates the status of employee or self-complementary, which admittedly is quite comfortable financially , but I spent my time working: the day job, and the rest of the time, so basically the holidays, evenings and weekends on the project files, as soon as I could snatch a moment, leaving finally very little time to do other things and to step back and reflect.
Second reason, being able to live his passion, to be completely independent in its choice and solely responsible for the success or failure, and not having to play the political game of life in a company.
My portfolio and my website is now ready for marriage (at least from a structural point of view and text) I should add, however still a lot of images online and skim it off, but the outlines are drawn.
Small digression about the portfolio and the wedding site, I was shocked to discover in the two months plagiarists not very discrete, one who has taken all my pictures and my writing the letter, by passing for his own work, the other who copied my entire site by changing a few words.
After a few email exchanges with the two copiers, they deleted the sites in question.
I will be very cautious and much less tolerant of such practices in future.
Regarding my blog, I'll take it back and update it with various articles and videos in preparation, explaining different jobs done recently.
Why continue? First, I love sharing my work, it creates visits, exchanges, comments and am always interested in feedback! Furthermore, it increases his "notoriety" and therefore the links to my site on the web and potential proposals.
Well I realize that after rereading this post seems a bit fatalistic, a little "yes it's sad I will live what I like" and "yes there is a villain who has copied me" ... The rest come and will be cool!
November 26th, 2009 at 4:47
Good luck to you!
The site is beautiful, remains only to shoot!
November 26th, 2009 at 4:47
Long life to your business! May your customers feel the same sensitivity that I at the sight of your shots.
November 26th, 2009 at 4:51
Anyway tonight I will post an interesting post ...
November 26th, 2009 at 4:51
What can I say? Just a good job as usual
Beautiful portfolio and website ...
And congratulations on your decision to make your passion your profession.
November 26th, 2009 at 4:52
Congratulations for the big leap! There is no doubt of your success!
November 26th, 2009 at 5:00
no doubt that you'll come out the top goal! but I cross my fingers for you and wish you good luck, however success and bcp. and the very next revoyure, the fact (I get home for the holidays in brussels)
November 26th, 2009 at 5:11
Yes ... it takes over here! ...
I look forward to see more!
November 26th, 2009 at 5:16
super happy for you! and for me because I missed your articles!
good luck!
November 26th, 2009 at 5:17
Good luck,
That seems a good start nonetheless.
A welcome return in all cases.
November 26th, 2009 at 5:58
Hello
Actually it's courageous to leave a job especially with the crisis that made enormous social damage lately.
But I think the fairy photographs looked happy on your cradle. With the talent you willing, I think you will always be the freedom from want.
November 26th, 2009 at 6:13
I discovered your work on the forum and Pixelistes on your blog and I'm a fan
Congratulations on your launch and I will follow with great interest the articles coming.
November 26th, 2009 at 6:41
Great! Good luck and I'm sure it should go see your talent
November 26th, 2009 at 6:48
Since I discovered your wedding website, I suspected this change and waiting your post about it!
Good luck and good luck.
Hoping you will come to power your blog, so interesting
Ciao and I also look forward to see more
November 26th, 2009 at 6:58
Well, I must say I'm not worried a bit in terms of your backlog, you still manage the administrative aspect!
Saw your work that choice can be excellent! Good luck.
For us, in any case it is with happiness that we learn that you will take your blog in hand ...
November 26th, 2009 at 9:12
Hats off!
Article lucid and you have the guts to admit that this is not necessarily always rosy.
But as everyone tells you so ... I do not care for you
November 26th, 2009 at 9:13
Good luck in this new world or professional I know you're going to stand out very quickly
November 26th, 2009 at 9:28
Cool! Glad you link to your blog
Good luck to you because of the courage and talent you do not miss!
November 26th, 2009 at 11:07
it's nice to find good reading
Good luck. Com The site is very good. It makes you want to spin you taf.
November 26th, 2009 at 11:51
Great! This is a risky path but full of joy and surprises to me.
We may ask you what you did before?
November 26th, 2009 at 11:57
Welcome to this new adventure
. Not sacred, but your pictures stand out enough competition so that we do not worry too much about you. Finally it will not stop to wish you good luck anyway, just in case 
November 27th, 2009 at 1:00
Courage! being entrepreneur myself, I know the difficulties, but hang on! its worth it! especially not giving up the blog as the "network" is very important!
November 27th, 2009 at 2:42
Welcome back mate!
Wait to see what you're going to lay us in 2010
November 27th, 2009 at 7:49
Glad you're back!!
And especially good luck in this new adventure!
am very proud to have seen you start with your first SLR at Manpower photographing the cars in the Bois de la Cambre!! lol
November 27th, 2009 at 9:01
Finaly you are back Benjamin.
Wish you all the best
Mano
November 27th, 2009 at 9:34
Well, I expected to learn through the press that we lost your tracks while reporting in Uzbekistan or something like that by now. But no! And this is good news. I do not think anyone doubted that the franchirais you not a day when the other!
To reassure you, I just read your future in a mixture of photosites (sorry, my home is Canon!) Processor and dust ... and I see a Nikon 3Ds? And also a very high ranking in the "Hall of fame" of the WPA!
Short but good!
Good road and do not be too hard with your boss!
November 27th, 2009 at 10:12
Congratulations Ben! A great adventure begins
And glad you "raises" the blog!
November 27th, 2009 at 10:47
I knew he should not I throw this rss in a coma.
what a nice surprise this morning.
only say: good luck, congratulations, good luck.
does not hesitate to visit us faithful "Rss-ers" of your blog, we too have grown.
Regards,
November 27th, 2009 at 11:36
Since I am you, I was wondering when you were going to make the decision.
From the moment I left the school, I hear stuff like that, it's the crisis, the mouth is, it's hard ... And in all the areas I frequent.
And at the same time, I've always seen guys who were doing very well, and did not complain.
I remain convinced that when you want you can, it's just a question of sacrifice and compromise.
For someone like you, I do not make me too worried.
Good luck
November 27th, 2009 at 24:42
Congratulations Benjamin! So much for this decision only for the quality of your work. I've discovered on HFR and since I am your remarkable evolution.
Good luck for your future adventures!
Nicolas
November 27th, 2009 at 3:00
kudos to you for this new step!
!
mxxrde to you
November 27th, 2009 at 10:00
So good luck
Even if followed you on another site I know that you work not bad.
I try to do my job well, and it is anything but easy, I confirm with pleasure!
November 27th, 2009 at 10:52
For many years I am your business through your website. First time I post something. But I could not fail to congratulate you on your way pro!
Whether you will succeed: talent, energy, communication and down to earth ... I do not doubt your future.
Again, congratulations.
Jerome
November 28th, 2009 at 12:16
European Commission were you told ... euuhh
November 28th, 2009 at 7:58
Congratulations and good luck. Continue to mail promotions to your little adventure, it's always interesting.
November 28th, 2009 at 1:28
Hello,
Well I wish you luck. I always follow you because I love your site and your talent.
Provided us a max of detail I think not the only one like it.
Regards, Christophe de Nancy Lorraine
November 28th, 2009 at 2:55
Ouuuh, what good news! I thought you were already running as a pro for a little time, as many now say that, over time you'll spend, your talent will literally explode as this latest round in Bali.
If I can use some tips:
- Do not worry for those who are undercutting prices, the quality is not assured and clients in quickly bite the fingers. Do not make the mistake of lowering your prices, keep rates just reassures customers ... I guess you're already a good idea of price competition pro. stays within a range of 10% -15% off max.
- Flee those who speak to you low prices for "a long-term collaboration" three years later, they will try again entuber you.
- Conversely, pampers the right customers and honest people, the elevator comes down.
- All independent cheat, except those who do not have the opportunity like me and who ultimately are entuber by the State. So no scruples, but remains discreet and reasonable.
- Do not spend that 40% of what you earn after expenses, the rest of the side dishes you'll do pump in taxes, some 3 years later. Or moving to another country.
- Continue to share on your blog
- Works with your creative people from other backgrounds, ca sometimes brings you 2 times more than being confined to one area.
Here, in fact you probably already know all this ...
Good luck, you'll go far!
November 28th, 2009 at 10:10
Same fight in the same boat. Totally agree with "pixels" at the same time.
Complementary and currently still in social comfort with my first job, it is a fact that leaving a job on a vocation can not be compared if courage. Kudos to you. I will try to follow your example.
Qd the disadvantages of the back office, the organization will be your best asset. But on this, I am sure there will be no problem for you.
"That the Force be with you"
Or to quote MacGyver: 'No problem Dalton ". I understand.
Jer.
November 29th, 2009 at 12:07
I understand you, I too have changed beyond all sides career and I do not regret much that it seems to work more at first but then found his rhythm. It's so wonderful to live his passion, he must take the risk. I wish you luck, but I do not care for you, your work is awesome. Good luck.
November 29th, 2009 at 1:03
Hi Ben,
But I have to repay the investment of my studies sniff. If I had known.
Finally back from your trip
Obviously you will succeed in this new life pro. I would be in your shoes
In 2010 I will send you a folder on a charity project that I want to put on feet. I think that you might like.
Glad to see that both copiers kidnapped "their" site.
November 29th, 2009 at 11:29
hello BenB,
Bravo young man for this new adventure ... for which I wish you great success ...
otherwise, with plagieurs, no quarter, must saquer in the job and do not hesitate to overcharge (cf. JMS and others on chassimages)
that the best go with you in your projects.
jean-luc
November 29th, 2009 at 11:12
I would add that even being fully invested, should be well 48 hours in a day to manage everything. Pracequ'un freelance photographer or wants to operate as such, it is primarily a buisnesman ...
Ability to manage a showcase site that actually is: seller, to date, attracting traffic, which brings in potential orders, see the same beautiful commands ...
In addition to the production side, the photographer must be a good communicator, I believe personal or you do not believe me, even doing a good job, customers sometimes you turn your back for a reason that can be sometimes totally other than the qualitative images, simple feeling, or otherwise, or without really knowing why, do not be introvert in this business ...
Personally I do not think that is an amateur competitor, because it is still necessary that the level has to do, which offers what and how is it is like a fine wine, it does not compare not the cheap ...
Parcontre, (from my own experience) I'm always stunned to see how some, if not to say 75% of entreprisses contacted accepeter balk at prices for original photos, at relatively low prices, considering the time of production and uses extensive rights ... It is not yet sufficient, be all for nothing!! This would flow from a source that there's research behind sacred, but not for her, as if it fell from heaven, so in addition to being a good producer, the photographer must know argue, be a great commercial / communicator taking into account all shared expenses (téléphonnes, connection, movement), and that side (communication), did not learn in a photography school is the same in melleurs photographers, sometimes doing less is better and more beautiful of gab ...
Bcp companies react in relation to productions that directly affect them, and block systhématiquement on prices associated with them, as if they forgot that a photographer must also live and pay charges as they ... And on the latter much I am often the cruel experience, but ultimately we like and I assure you the reasons boats are often ...
Personally I do not even devoting more time to put a site up to date (lack of time), currently, I produce little, and favors the appearance comunciation amount in other projects, taking new strategies, and believe me this is difficult, in fact at the time actuele is almost obliged, I specialized in one area whereas before I was playing on several table and even then I run out of time, investisment loursd are short, we must bcp give of himself ...
The only advice I can give, do not start as a freelance photographer full-time head down, and especially not avoid certain structures that appear attractive, in Belgium they do absolutely nothing for the self-unlike France which throws by exepmple statutes self contractor to achieve interesting ceilings, in Belgium it is the archaism, prehistory, the Neolithic of entreprenaria ...
Glad to see you return to your blog Ben
Oli,
November 30th, 2009 at 6:53
Wow! Thank you for your many returns!
I answer a few questions:
Twane: No hardware upgrade for the D3 and D700 give me what I need!
GLENSCOLAN: You're absolutely right! ps: your blog very nice
Pixel: It is quite in agreement on all points
Masden: Balance
Jerome: Well if I work there but
sylvieaa: This is clearly some Utopia living his passion!
M2/OLi: Thanks for the great feedback!
100% agree with you, this job for me this is very far from being limited to making good images, the aspect of "carpet salesman" is very important, I quite agree with the rest of your observations are very accurate
November 30th, 2009 at 9:49
Billings for your simple, straightforward and practical freelance friends and cheerful book
I suggest this.
http://invoicemachine.com/home
I am very happy.
beats
Jer.
November 30th, 2009 at 11:06
Jerome: It smells very clean thing, I feel I'll do some tests
December 1st, 2009 at 10:35
Bravo! This is something that I always dream to make too.
You have made photography courses / manipulation on stage one / photoshop etc ...
Good source of income!
December 1st, 2009 at 10:44
Or videos over like Joey L and Dave Hobby!
There is perhaps a walk to the Francophone community as well (I do not sui member!).
December 1st, 2009 at 2:43
You've finally taken the plunge
!
Your talent is undeniable, hang on with the paperwork!
December 2nd, 2009 at 6:38
Jerome> Sounds a lot, unfortunately, impossible to detail the "tax", you can just put 2. So when is the précomtpe AGESSA (for France), not practical to give the detail of the prepayment.
But it's interesting when selling abroad.
December 2nd, 2009 at 2:19
Very glad to see you!
Good luck following your career but I do not worry, talent does not expect the number of years.
Dear customers, get out your checkbooks!
December 11th, 2009 at 11:01
Glad to see this site alive again.
This is great news to see that you have taken the plunge.
Although sometimes will be complicated, you know now to whom and for what you are working and that, it does not have a price.
I remain persuaded that it is in times of crisis that customers are looking for motivated people, to be effective on that their money is well spent. They can not take the risk of crashing.
You did well. Good luck!
December 22nd, 2009 at 2:04
congratulations for this courageous and innitiative delighted to be able to hear and follow your new job.
very good continuation has you
December 28th, 2009 at 10:24
Good luck to you ... but I have no doubt on the success of your project!
In my case, you're THE photographer; never seen such a thing, an undeniable "style" BROLET I enjoy more than anything.
Thank you for the pleasure felt every time to watch your compositions.
February 4th, 2010 at 6:09
Bravo,
Good luck. Your back on the web a pleasure. your blog is a treat.
February 5th, 2010 at 1:29
Superb!
I just discovered your site, and I do not stop to watch all your items: beautiful photos, super interesting comments attached, it does not fall into the traditional forums of debates pro cons of this gizmo, and it is a source of inspiration for me amateur photographer, who would like one of his four take the plunge as you bravely do.
Then congratulations for your pictures, your courage and long life to your site.
Sincerely,
February 23rd, 2010 at 1:00
Hello Benjamin,
I try to follow your blog regularly, and I can only congratulate you that thou cast into the water.
this is something I would do for a long time, but I have neither your talent or your courage (not to mention the financial aspect of such a conversion).
Anyway, I wanted to applaud your approach, I wish you success in your new career, it is so rare in our time to live his passion.
With your talent and your notoriety gained from this blog, I hope with all my heart that you will meet with the success you deserve.
And about copiers, just tell yourself that only the best are copied somewhere it's a small victory. But I can not advise you to be much less fair play next time, because now it's your professional work. And all work deserves payment.
Anyway ... My best wishes for success.
April 6th, 2010 at 9:04
I love what you do. I wish I could do the same.
Patrick
May 28th, 2010 at 2:05
Hello, I just discovered your work and I am absolutely a fan!
Your decision to do your job is excellent and I wish you much success in this art. Congratulations!