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Back!

November 26th, 2009

http://www.photob.be/images/2009/back

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.

http://www.photob.be/images/2009/site1.jpg
http://www.photob.be/images/2009/site2.jpg
http://www.photob.be/images/2009/site3.jpg

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!

57 Responses to "Back!"

  1. Toma Says:

    Good luck to you!
    The site is beautiful, remains only to shoot!

  2. Guyhom Says:

    Long life to your business! May your customers feel the same sensitivity that I at the sight of your shots.

  3. Ben | photob Says:

    Anyway tonight I will post an interesting post ... : Mrgreen:

  4. Sophie Says:

    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.

  5. Emilie Says:

    Congratulations for the big leap! There is no doubt of your success! :)

  6. Yannig Says:

    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)

  7. Michael Says:

    Yes ... it takes over here! ...

    I look forward to see more! : Wink:

  8. Andy Says:

    super happy for you! and for me because I missed your articles!
    good luck! : Smile:

  9. Cedric Says:

    Good luck,

    That seems a good start nonetheless.

    A welcome return in all cases.

  10. Rene Pierre Alméras Says:

    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.

  11. Triet Says:

    I discovered your work on the forum and Pixelistes on your blog and I'm a fan : Smile:
    Congratulations on your launch and I will follow with great interest the articles coming.

  12. Greg Says:

    Great! Good luck and I'm sure it should go see your talent :)

  13. Arnaud Says:

    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 : Idea:

    Ciao and I also look forward to see more : Wink:

  14. The Zla Says:

    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 ...

  15. Bertrand Says:

    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 ;-)

  16. Nikolas Says:

    Good luck in this new world or professional I know you're going to stand out very quickly : Wink:

  17. Fifteen Says:

    Cool! Glad you link to your blog ;) Good luck to you because of the courage and talent you do not miss!

  18. DavidGuinehut Says:

    it's nice to find good reading ;)
    Good luck. Com The site is very good. It makes you want to spin you taf.

  19. TOTOOR Says:

    Great! This is a risky path but full of joy and surprises to me.
    We may ask you what you did before?

  20. krysalia Says:

    Welcome to this new adventure : Grin: . 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 : Grin:

  21. Dexter971 Says:

    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!

  22. Delphine Says:

    Welcome back mate!
    Wait to see what you're going to lay us in 2010 :)

  23. Harvengt Fred Says:

    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

  24. Mano Says:

    Finaly you are back Benjamin.
    Wish you all the best

    Mano

  25. Twane Says:

    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! : Lol:

  26. Queuemi Says:

    Congratulations Ben! A great adventure begins :)

    And glad you "raises" the blog!

  27. GLENSCOLAN Says:

    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,

  28. Dorol Julien Says:

    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
    ;-)

  29. Nicolas Says:

    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

  30. mko Says:

    kudos to you for this new step!
    mxxrde to you : Mrgreen: !

  31. Mr Eddy Says:

    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!

  32. Jerome Says:

    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

  33. Dati Says:

    European Commission were you told ... euuhh : Shock:
    : Wink:

  34. Damien Says:

    Congratulations and good luck. Continue to mail promotions to your little adventure, it's always interesting.

  35. Christopher Says:

    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

  36. Pixel Says:

    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!

  37. Jerome Says:

    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.

  38. sylvieaa Says:

    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.

  39. Masden Says:

    Hi Ben,
    Finally back from your trip ;-)
    Obviously you will succeed in this new life pro. I would be in your shoes ;-) But I have to repay the investment of my studies sniff. If I had known.

    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.

  40. jean-luc Says:

    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

  41. M2/OLi Says:

    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, :)

  42. Ben | photob Says:

    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

  43. Jerome Says:

    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.

  44. Ben | photob Says:

    Jerome: It smells very clean thing, I feel I'll do some tests :)

  45. Dom Says:

    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!

  46. Dom Says:

    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!).

  47. Sby Says:

    You've finally taken the plunge : Grin: !
    Your talent is undeniable, hang on with the paperwork!

  48. Mr Eddy Says:

    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.

  49. lip21 Says:

    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!

  50. Chris Says:

    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!

  51. nawack Says:

    congratulations for this courageous and innitiative delighted to be able to hear and follow your new job.

    very good continuation has you

  52. Renaud Says:

    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.

  53. Haristobald Says:

    Bravo,

    Good luck. Your back on the web a pleasure. your blog is a treat.

  54. salem Says:

    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,

  55. Olivier Says:

    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.

  56. meert patrick Says:

    I love what you do. I wish I could do the same.
    Patrick

  57. Benjamin Says:

    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!

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