Thursday, January 17, 2013

My Anniversary

About a year and two weeks ago, I started Ben's Soldiers. Embarrassingly, I didn't know what I was getting into: I had no idea what a follower does, or even how to post a picture on a forum. Now I'm a moderator on a miniature forum, and have almost fifty followers!

I thought it would be interesting to compare my first posted figures and kits, to some of my recent work. Please understand that this is not meant to brag. After all, I owe most of my improvements to the tips and techniques I have picked up from my new friends. I have seen very slow improvement in my work over the previous years, and am amazed at the things I have learned in such a comparatively short time.


I also figured it would be a good idea to focus more on improving my photography "skills" in this new year. I've been convinced lately by many of your websites, that photography is something almost everyone has improved in except me! Also, since this is the only way my work is shared with people outside my family, and wargamers at all, it is time to work on it a bit. So yesterday, I splurged a 35-cent sheet of white posterboard. Despite being so inexpensive, I think it does help the pictures look better.
These figures in the photo are my latest project. I'm redoing my US Army platoon. These are complete with more accurate camo, and better conversions including those dreaded SAW gunners, and a few AT4s.


Anyway, I offer a huge thank you to my friends all over the world. If I could not interact with you guys, my skills would be in sad shape, and morale would be low!
I hope you can continue to enjoy this blog in the coming year.
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20 comments:

  1. Uncle BrianJanuary 17, 2013 at 3:35 PM

    Hi Ben! Although I don't comment that often, I always enjoy you posts and can assure you that I have gained inspiration for my own modeling and painting from you - Thank you for starting your blog and sharing your work with the world!

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    1. Ben B.January 17, 2013 at 3:38 PM

      Thank you sir! I feel the same about you site as well. I've somehow gotten out of the habit of commenting, but I still love to lurk! Thank you, you are one of the "Old Guard" :D

      Delete
  2. melvinJanuary 17, 2013 at 3:42 PM

    so... Happy birthday, little blog !

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    1. Ben B.January 17, 2013 at 9:02 PM

      Thanks Melvin! It is good to have you in the "blogosphere," I look forward to hearing more from your projects in the future.

      Delete
  3. AnonymousJanuary 17, 2013 at 4:19 PM

    Well done Ben, and don't talk yourself down. We all do things differently and we all progress differently at different things. I always thought (and still think) your work and photography is of a high standard. congrats on 1 year and 2 weeks!

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    1. Ben B.January 17, 2013 at 9:04 PM

      Well thanks Mr Eastern Funker. You are very kind. Whether I lack confidence or not, I hope to improve. Encouragement, and criticism from people like you is what makes me a better hobbyist, plus it helps me enjoy the hobby more. Glad to have you here.

      Delete
  4. Daisy Gowan DitchburnJanuary 17, 2013 at 5:01 PM

    happy blogday.

    its surprising to go past that one year aniverasry isn't it it's so strange to see how far we can come... just look at my first works they were unprimed, poorly painted and in some areas the plastic showed through. Now look! the blogger comunity is the best thing that happened to moddeling in a long while. your work has always amazed me and its always with great pleasure I look at your latest works.

    here's to anothergreat year of improvement and excellent creations.

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    1. Ben B.January 17, 2013 at 9:09 PM

      Thanks Gowan! Your work has improved greatly. I love to see updates from your site as well, especially with all the new "Napoleonic" era guys taking a turn!
      Sadly I missed the beginning of your blog by a month or two, but it has been fun to watch your projects and to have your encouragement.
      I look forward to the new year as well!

      Delete
  5. Disgruntled FusilierJanuary 17, 2013 at 7:13 PM

    Ben,
    Congrats on a great year. Can't wait to see where we go from here!

    By the way - where are you a forum moderator?? I have to go there!

    Steve

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    1. Ben B.January 17, 2013 at 9:12 PM

      Thanks Steven, you are another of my first followers, and more than that, a great encouragement, especially with the modern guys.
      Feel free to check out the website:
      http://postwarminiatures.myfreeforum.org/index.php
      There are only twenty members so I haven't had to do any actual "moderating" yet! It would be awesome if you could post some of your modern figures there.

      Delete
  6. PaulJanuary 17, 2013 at 8:20 PM

    Well done Ben! Your work has improved as you have gone along which says lots for your focus and drive.

    Always good to read your post mate, and long may you blog on!

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    1. Ben B.January 17, 2013 at 9:15 PM

      Thanks Paul! It means a lot coming from a hobby veteran like yourself.
      I'm glad you enjoy seeing my little guys. I know I always enjoy your humorous and kind comments!

      Delete
  7. Stefan (aka. Monty)January 18, 2013 at 3:54 AM

    Congratulations Ben!

    It's always nice to visit you here. Keep it up!

    Cheers
    Monty

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    1. Ben B.January 18, 2013 at 8:52 PM

      Thank you Monty! Nice things on your site as well.

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  8. JonathanJanuary 18, 2013 at 8:05 AM

    Congrats! As Uncle Brian says I don't always comment, but I follow your work. It is good to hear that you've learned so much in such a short time, your models really look good! :) Keep posting!
    //J

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    1. Ben B.January 18, 2013 at 8:53 PM

      Thanks Jonathan, its always good to have you here. I doubt that that learning rate will continue so steeply: I can still hope though!

      Delete
  9. PhilJanuary 18, 2013 at 8:13 AM

    Happy birthday, and congrats for your blog, very nice minis!
    Phil.

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    1. Ben B.January 18, 2013 at 8:53 PM

      Thank you Phil! Its always good to hear from France :D

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  10. michel 3dJanuary 18, 2013 at 9:19 AM

    bravo et merci pour ta sympathie et félicitation pour le contenu et la qualité des figurines et des véhicules présentés sur ton blog . amicalement ;) Michel

    Bravo and thank you for your sympathy and congratulation for the contents and the quality of figurines and vehicles presented on your blog. Friendly;) Michel

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    1. Ben B.January 18, 2013 at 8:55 PM

      Thank you Michel! It is exciting to see the work on your blog as well. Thanks for following my miniature projects!

      Delete

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