Back!
November 26th, 2009
My blog is not dead, just, I made an important choice recently asked me time for reflection and adaptation: this, I quit my job (in this beautiful time of crisis) and I got started as a freelance photographer full time!
Super cool? This may seem a dream come true, the fact remains that the photo market is a sector hard hit by clogged and competition - including amateur practitioner rates broken.
And there are still all the financial and administrative that is, a rather boring, which takes a two-time crazy.
I can still see my head out of my first visit to my accountant, who has quickly become disillusioned on the side "easy" of self-employment: as a professional photographer, it finally passes a lot more time to do all except the photo: follow up the proposals and invoices, accounts, mail, prospecting, meetings, short, you get the idea. The "network" (customers, suppliers, partners, etc..) Is also very important in this area and the building takes time.
So why did you decided to leave a secure job to live only in the photo?
I would say that first it has become for me the only way to achieve a balance healthy enough in my life over the past year, I earn 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 scrounge a moment, leaving finally very little time to do other things and to step back and reflect.
The second reason is the ability 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 wedding site is now ready (at least from a perspective structure and text) I must add, however, still a lot of images online and skim it off, but the outlines are drawn.
Little aside about the portfolio and the wedding site, I was shocked to see in the two months plagiarists not very discrete, one who has taken all my pictures and my text to the letter, by passing for his own work, the other who copied my site by changing a few words.
After a few email exchanges with the two copiers, they removed the sites.
I will be very cautious and much less tolerant of such practices in future.
With regard to my blog, I'll take it back and updated with articles and videos in preparation, explaining different jobs done recently.
Why continue? First, I share my work, it creates visits, exchanges, comments, and I am always interested in feedback! In addition, it increases its "reputation" and then links to my site on the web and potential proposals.
Well I realize after rereading this post seems a bit fatalistic and just "yes it's sad I will live what I like" and "yes there is a villain who copied me" ... and the rest comes will be cool!
November 26th, 2009 at 4:47
Good luck to you!
The site is beautiful, has left shooter!
November 26th, 2009 at 4:47
Long life to your business! Your customers can experience the same sensitivity than me at the sight of your shots.
November 26th, 2009 at 4:51
Anyway tonight I post an interesting post ...
November 26th, 2009 at 4:51
What can I say? Just a good job as usual
Beautiful portfolio and site ...
And congratulations on your decision to make your passion your profession.
November 26th, 2009 at 4:52
Congratulations on the big jump! We have no doubt of your success!
November 26th, 2009 at 5:00
no doubt you're going to get out of it above the goal! but I cross my fingers for you and wish you good luck and still bcp of success. and the very next revoyure, by the way (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 any case.
November 26th, 2009 at 5:58
Hello
Indeed it is courageous to leave a job especially with the crisis that made enormous social damage lately.
But I think the fairy picture looked happy on your cradle. With the talent you have, I think you will always be safe from want.
November 26th, 2009 at 6:13
I discovered your work on the forum Pixels and your blog and I am a fan
Congratulations on your launch and I will follow with great interest the articles to come.
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 site, I suspected this change, and expecting your post about it!
Good luck and good luck.
Hoping that 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 that I do not care a bit in terms of your backlog, you still manage the administrative side!
Saw your work that choice can not be excellent! The best.
For us, in any case it is with pleasure 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 may not always rosy.
But like everyone else you said ... I do not care for you
November 26th, 2009 at 9:13
Good luck in this new world of work or I know you're going to stand out very quickly
November 26th, 2009 at 9:28
Cool! Glad you link 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 site is very good. It makes you want to you spinning taf.
November 26th, 2009 at 11:51
Great! It's 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! Contractor being myself, I know the difficulties, but hang you! its worth it! especially do not give up the blog as the "network" is very important!
November 27th, 2009 at 2:42
Welcome back mate!
Looking forward 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 reflex at Manpower photographing the cars in the Bois de la Cambre!! lol
November 27th, 2009 at 9:01
FINALLY 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 had lost trace of you in a report in Uzbekistan or something like that by now. But no! And that's good news. I do not think anyone doubted that you take the plunge on a day when the other!
To reassure you, I just read your future in a mixture of photosites (sorry, my house is Canon!) Processor and dust ... and I see a Nikon 3Ds? And also a 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! An adventure that starts
And glad you "raises" the blog!
November 27th, 2009 at 10:47
I knew that it was not I throw this rss in a coma.
what a nice surprise this morning.
only say: good luck, congratulations, good luck.
not hesitate to come see us faithful "Rss-ers" of your blog, we too have grown.
friendly,
November 27th, 2009 at 11:36
Since I follow you, I was wondering when you were going to make the decision.
From the moment I left the school, I hear stuff like that is the crisis, the sector is mouth ... And it's hard in all areas that 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 we can when we want, it's just a matter of sacrifice and compromise.
For someone like you, I do not make me too worried.
Good luck
November 27th, 2009 at 24:42
Benjamin Bravo! So much for that decision that the quality of your work. I have discovered on HFR and I have been your remarkable evolution.
Good luck for your future adventures!
Nicolas
November 27th, 2009 at 3:00
Congratulations 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 is anything but easy, I confirm again!
November 27th, 2009 at 10:52
Several years that I am your business via your website. First time I post something. But I could not fail to congratulate you on your way pro!
Whether you're going to succeed: talent, energy, communication and down to earth ... I do not doubt your future.
Congratulations.
Jerome
November 28th, 2009 at 12:16
European Commission told you that ... euuhh
November 28th, 2009 at 7:58
Congratulations and good luck. We continue to post promotions of your little adventure, it's always interesting.
November 28th, 2009 at 1:28
Hi,
Well I wish you good 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.
Sincerely, 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 while, all that now, over time you'll spend, your talent will literally explode like this latest round in Bali.
If I may say a few tips:
- Do not worry for those who break the price, quality is not guaranteed and customers would soon bite the fingers. Does not commit the mistake of lowering your prices, prices just keep reassuring customers ... I guess you have already an idea of price competition pro. remains in the range of 10% -15% off max.
- Flee those who talk to you low prices for "a long-term collaboration" three years later, they will try again t'entuber.
- Conversely, pampers the right customers and honest people, the elevator comes down.
- All independent cheat, except those who do not like me and the possibility that ultimately are intubated by the state. So no scruples, but remains quiet and reasonable.
- Spends only 40% of what you earn after expenses, the rest of the side dishes you get the pump will do in taxes, some 3 years later. Or changes country.
- Continue to share your blog
- Work with your creative people from other backgrounds, bringing you some ca 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.
Currently still further and social comfort with my first job, it is a fact that leaving a job on a vocation is not comparable case of courage. Congratulations to you. I will try to follow your example.
Qd the disadvantages of 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 as Mark said Gyver: 'No problem, Dalton. " I understand.
Jer.
November 29th, 2009 at 12:07
I understand you, I also 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 good luck, but I do not care for you, your work is great. Good luck.
November 29th, 2009 at 1:03
Hi Ben,
But I have to repay investment sniff of my studies. If I had known.
Finally back from your trip
It is obvious that you will succeed in this new life pro. I wish I were in your place
In 2010 I will send you a file on a charity project that I want to develop. I think it would please you.
Glad to see that the two copiers kidnapped "their" site.
November 29th, 2009 at 11:29
hello BenB,
Bravo young man for this new adventure ... for which I wish you success ...
otherwise, with plagieurs, no quarter, should sack the lot and do not hesitate to overcharge (cf. JMS and others on chassimages)
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 a day to manage everything. Pracequ'un freelance photographer or wants to operate as such, 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, personal one believes me or you do not believe me, even doing a good job, customers sometimes you turn your back for a reason that can sometimes be 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 can not be compared not the cheap wine ...
Parcontre (from my own experience) I am always scared to see how some, if not to say 75% of firms contacted are reluctant to accepeter prices for original photos at relatively low prices, given the time production and expanded use rights ... It is not enough, is all for nothing !!!!!! This spring he would sink There's a sacred research behind, 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 by all shared expenses (phone, connection, movement), and that side (communication), do not be learned in a school of photography even while the 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 price associated with it, as if they forgot that a photographer must also live and pay charges as they ... And on the latter point I make often painful experience, but ultimately we love and I assure you the reasons boats are often ...
Personally I do not spend even more time to put a site up to date (lack of time), now I produce little, and favors the appearance comunciation other projects in amount, taking new strategies, and believe me this is difficult, in fact today it is almost obliged, I specialized in one area, whereas before I was playing on multiple tables and even then I run out of time, investisment loursd are short, we must bcp give the person ...
The only advice I can give, do not run as a freelance photographer full-time head down, and especially not avoid certain structures that appear attractive, in Belgium it does absolutely nothing for the self in contrast to France, which launches in exepmple contractor status of self to achieve interesting ceilings, Belgium is the archaic prehistory, the Neolithic 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:
Twan: 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'm working but
sylvieaa: This is clearly a certain utopia to live his passion!
M2/OLi: Thanks for the great feedback!
100% agree with you, this job for me it is very far from being limited to making good images, the aspect of "carpet salesman" is very important, I fully agree with the rest of your observations are very accurate
November 30th, 2009 at 9:49
For your billing simple, direct and practical friends of freelance and good humor book
I suggest this.
http://invoicemachine.com/home
I am very happy.
bat
Jer.
November 30th, 2009 at 11:06
Jerome: It smells very clean thing, I feel that I will do some tests
December 1st, 2009 at 10:35
Bravo! It's something I always dream of doing so.
You have made photography courses / manipulation of phase 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, hook you 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 provide details of the prepayment.
But it's interesting when selling abroad.
December 2nd, 2009 at 2:19
Very happy 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 again alive.
This is great news to see that you have taken the plunge.
While some will be complicated, you know now to whom and for what you are working and that, that is priceless.
I am convinced that in times of crisis that customers are looking for motivated people, to be effective on 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.
You have very good luck
December 28th, 2009 at 10:24
Good luck to you ... but I have no doubt about the success of your project!
In my case, you're the photographer, never seen such a thing, an undeniable "style" BROLET I like more than anything.
Thank you for the pleasure felt every time to view your compositions.
February 4th, 2010 at 6:09
Bravo,
Good luck. Your return on the net pleasure. your blog is a treat.
February 5th, 2010 at 1:29
Superb!
I just discovered your site, and I keep watch all your articles: great photos, comments joint hyper interesting, it does not fall into the classic debate of the pro forums cons of this thing, and there is a source of inspiration for me amateur photographer, who would like one of his four take the plunge as you bravely do.
Congratulations then to your photos, your courage and long life to your website.
Sincerely,
February 23rd, 2010 at 1:00
Hi Benjamin,
I try to follow your blog regularly and I can only congratulate you that thou cast into the water.
it's something I want to do for a long time, but I do not have 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 reputation acquired through 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 success in this art. Congratulations!