They shout from the proverbial sidelines, which usually means they’re tucked behind the glow of their computer screens. Oh, you know, who I’m referring to when I write they. They with too much time on their hands, they will the endless opinions. You know when these people are present because they criticize when a photographer asks for a critique, highlight what’s wrong instead of explaining how to make it better.
As any creative can attest, developing a craft is hard, time consuming and frustrating, so when the time comes to put your work online, you hold your breath and hope for positive feedback. I hate to break it to you, but chances are you’ll receive more criticism than anything else. Why? The answer changes, but it boils down to the negative climate between two types of creatives: those who do and those who merely think about doing.
Those who THINK about doing insist they could do it better, would have done it differently, might have used off-camera flash, would have left room for cropping, might have photoshopped the sunset in the sky. Could’ve, would’ve, might’ve. But they didn’t.
Those who DO make mistakes, they trip, overexpose, underexpose, they fall flat on their faces, clip highlights, crop out toes, blow out the sky… but they embrace their missteps and learn from the past. Basically, they get better.
For those of you who are doing, be great. Stand strong as you navigate the choppy waters of negativity and criticism. Trust that your mistakes are stepping stones to becoming the photographer you aspire to be. Continue to learn from the past and extend grace to yourself when you realize you have a long way to go.
Those who DO will confidently move forward in the direction of their dreams, and leave the naysayers in the dust of their empty aspirations.
- j* | Jasmine Star Photography
Our “What I Have to Say” Wednesday series features established photographers and artists with messages they just can’t keep inside. Authentically and honestly, our writers share words of wisdom to challenge, encourage, and inspire.