I read about Yechiel Orgel in an online publication a few weeks ago, and instantly knew I wanted to meet him and get an interview for Lighting Essentials. This is the interview I read, and please go over for a complete view of how hard and long Yechiel worked at his dream, perfecting and experimenting and developing a strong body of work along the way.
“Taking the jump was HUGE and it took me a good 8 months until I was actually able to say “I’m leaving” to B&H. I was missing days regularly at work, taking on photography jobs during the day. I’ve got to hand it to B&H: they were wonderful and extremely patient with me. They knew this was my long term goal and as long as my job wasn’t suffering, they pretty much gave me a lot of leeway.
That is, until the day they told me I have to choose what I want. I couldn’t have both anymore. I was pretty much only a part time worker at this point and they couldn’t hold onto me much longer.
When that happened, things escalated from scary to terrifying… I knew I had to make the jump and I had to make it fast. This step I imagine is really hard for anyone. Leaving a day job and a secure paycheck is never easy.”
We tried a few different times to get together for the interview. Once we simply missed the time, then I was stuck in the most remote part of Southern Utah I had ever seen. No internet, no service – no nothing.
We finally got together for this webinar-interview last week and I am very excited to share it with you.
Three takeaways from this interview:
- Yechiel worked two jobs to make this dream a reality. This took precious time from his family but he kept his eye on the prize. Work/Life balance is a myth to entrepreneurs who are driven to succeed.
- He is a very savvy business person. He knows the value of his work, and demands his clients meet that value with compensation that is commensurate.
- He shoots for his book at every opportunity, and at least once per week. Yechiel knows that the portfolio IS the marketing tool that gets you assignments. His commitment to keeping the portfolio strong is one of the reasons he is as successful as he is,
In addition to great talent, Yechiel is one heck of a nice guy. I feel I made a friend in that hour, one that I will chat with again. He generously offered to speak with the Project 52 and FPCN students and we will set that up for after my Alaska trip.
Some images from Yechiel’s portfolio.
Thanks so much, Yechiel.
