In this episode of *Open Shutter*, I’m joined by Ben Carmichael, owner of the media agency Shot By Ben. We dive into the transition from shooting photos for fun to working with clients, exploring the balance between passion and profession. Ben's journey started unexpectedly—while studying to become an athletic therapist, he taught himself sports photography by capturing college basketball games. After offering his work to the athletic department, his career began to take off, leading him to collaborate with larger clients and brands.We also discuss the importance of stepping away to avoid burnout. Recently, Ben took a break to reset out West, prioritizing personal growth and creative freedom. He shares how he's now focused on expanding his skills as a photographer, videographer, and artist, while steering clear of being confined to one niche. This episode offers great insights for creatives striving to turn their passion into a sustainable career without losing the joy along the way.A big thank you to Ben for chatting, you can see his work belowhttps://www.instagram.com/shot_byben/https://www.shotbyben.ca/linksFollow Open Shutter for future show announcements!https://www.instagram.com/openshutteryoutube/