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<p><img alt="Image blog Momenteo" class="aligncenter size-full" src="http://blogmanagement.momenteo.com/Content/blog-img/20240124162935914Photo-Vincent-Labont%C3%A9.png" /></p> <p>Portrait of Freelancers - Meet inspiring individuals who have chosen to make a living as freelancers. Through a deeply human perspective, discover their stories and the unique character of their lifestyle.&nbsp;<em>This month, we meet Vincent Labont&eacute;, who is a photographer.</em></p> <p></p> <h3>1-Tell us about yourself</h3> <p>My name is Vincent Labont&eacute;, and I am a photographer located in Quebec City specializing in weddings, couples, families, and portraits.&nbsp;</p> <p></p> <h3>2-Where does your interest in photography come from?</h3> <p>Creativity has always been an important part of my life. Drawing, cinema, and many others have been my favorite hobbies since childhood. My interest in photography started while studying visual arts at the Cegep de Sainte-Foy. At this time, my study projects were oriented toward graphic design at university; however, since my first photography class, I immediately understood that it was how I wanted to bring my creativity alive.</p> <p></p> <h3>3-How did you become self-employed?</h3> <p>As a child, I often told my parents I wanted to be my own boss; however, this ambition was mitigated while studying. The perspective of being an employee seemed more realistic. At the end of my academic career, the world of wedding photography appeared to me. Often, new photographers must have a job the time to develop their portfolios and establish themselves. At this time, I worked as a salesman and technician at a photography store. I asked a colleague who was also a wedding photographer to accept me as an assistant for a few events to see if this path really interested me. Even today, I thank her for accepting my request.</p> <p>The primary investment a photographer must make is often the equipment, and I managed to get contracts while improving my material because of my job at the store. The wedding industry is pleasant because clients generally contact us about one year before their big day. It eases the estimation of annual revenues. Since the lifting of the COVID restrictions, I also noticed that I had enough contracts to commit fully to my business.</p> <p></p> <h3>4-What is the most challenging part of self-employment?</h3> <p>I believe that the most important challenge is the conflict between the necessity of having a rigorous discipline and the financial instability of being an entrepreneur. As a freelancer, taking some days off or reducing the work schedule is tempting, but it can lead to a revenue decrease. Indeed, in that field, the less we work, the less we earn.&nbsp;</p> <p></p> <h3>5-Which part of being self-employed do you like the most?</h3> <p>The absence of a strict schedule is what I enjoy the most. As my own boss, my only commitments are to my clients. I also enjoy the relationship with them that has evolved over the years.</p> <p></p> <h3>6-Tell us about your work routine.</h3> <p>I like to pretend that I work intensively for six months and the six remaining months are dedicated to holidays, but this is false. To understand this saying, it is necessary to know the specificities of the wedding industry. Most of my annual revenues come from the high season from mid-April to mid-November. During this period, weddings generally occur on weekends, which allows me to dedicate my week to photo processing and follow-ups with my clients for upcoming events. If the time allows it, I also accept a few shootings where I take photos of couples, families, portraits, or get corporate contracts.</p> <p>During the six following months, called the low season, I seize the opportunity to take a break after the last work intensive months. It is also the moment when I make an annual report and prepare my tax return documents while being more open to accepting more shootings.</p> <p></p> <h3>7-What are the online tools you could not live without?</h3> <p>Regarding photo processing, I use Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop. For the distribution of my photos, I chose PicTime. My website was built on Squarespace and I use Gmail for my emails. I use Notion and Cron to plan and manage my agenda; both are free. Regarding accounting, I use Momenteo&rsquo;s services and add Square to accept in-person card payments.</p> <p></p> <h3>8-How did you learn about Momenteo, and how long have you been using it?</h3> <p>Since 2021, I have been adding Momenteo to my administrative management. Tired of creating invoices with Excel, I discovered this tool because other photographers were using it. I particularly loved the fact that Momenteo was made in Quebec!</p> <p></p> <h3>9-What makes Momenteo different from other accounting tools?</h3> <p>The &lsquo;&rsquo;Made in Quebec&rsquo;&rsquo; aspect is a true added value. This app was conceived based on thinking primarily about the clientele from Quebec. When it comes to generating my tax report, I am in heaven because of Momenteo&rsquo;s simplicity, especially when we compared it with more international invoicing software I already tested.&nbsp;</p> <p></p> <h3>10-How did you find your first customers?</h3> <p>If I remember correctly, my first clients come from social media like Facebook and Instagram. It is very likely that they were friends of friends, which can also be qualified as word of mouth. Right now, my potential clients continue to discover my services on social media but I put more emphasis on search engines like Google to attract more customers.</p> <p></p> <h3>11-What are your tips for someone who would like to get into freelance?</h3> <p>As a freelancer, I recommend developing solid communication skills to be efficient when you want to sell your services and master your financial organization throughout the year. Also, do not hesitate to invest to get help with unfamiliar things. For example, hiring a great accountant who can answer all your questions is an excellent business expense.</p> <p></p> <h3>12-What are your tips for someone who would work with a professional photographer?</h3> <p>I suggest examining portfolios to choose the photographer that will meet your needs since photographers can have many different styles. Then, meeting the photographer in person allows you to feel a connection or a positive vibe. Do not hesitate to ask questions to clarify every detail. I like to remind my clients that I am always available to answer any questions, at any time.</p> <p></p> <h3>13-Why are you proud of being a freelancer?</h3> <p>The most rewarding satisfaction in my work is my clients&#39; reactions when they receive their photos. And when they print these moments, it adds more joy. From a more personal perspective, working for my own business, with my name, makes me proud.</p> <p></p> <h3>14-Do you have any big plans for 2024?</h3> <p>2024 seems promising! I have already booked a few beautiful weddings and continue to meet future enthusiast potential clients. Moreover, I am considering creating a new photography service oriented towards design and architecture. In addition, I dream of establishing a photography studio and office outside my home!</p> <p></p> <h3>15-How can we contact you?</h3> <p>At many places!</p> <p>On my website: <a href="http://www.vincentlabonte.com/" target="_blank">www.vincentlabonte.com</a></p> <p>By emai : info@vincentlabonte.com</p> <p>On Instagram: <a href="http://www.instagram.com/vincentlabontephoto/" target="_blank">www.instagram.com/vincentlabontephoto/</a></p> <p>On Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/vincentlabontephotographe" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/vincentlabontephotographe</a></p> <p></p>