Beauty is in the eyes...
I had a huge post typed out about this, but it was too long-winded. Basically, it comes down to this: I'm tired of other photographers demanding my opinion on their photos, then berating me when it isn't what they want to hear. I don't feel like its right for me to say "yeah, great" if that isn't what I think. We all have different opinions regarding what we like to see in our art forms, and just because I personally don't like something doesn't mean it's bad.
The most important thing to me is making sure the client or subject is happy with the images - if other photographers like them then that is great, but I don't feel the need to have my work validated by others before I like it myself. Personal attacks on my images won't get people very far, as I simply put it down to difference of opinion. I'm not going to beat myself up because a photographer I've never met doesn't like some of my methods.
It's not that I mind people asking for an opinion or some advice, and I rarely feel in a position to be advising anyone as I still consider myself to be a novice. It just bothers me when other photographers expect me to look through their entire photostream and give a glowing opinion of each image. I just don't have the time for that!
The worst question I encounter is "how can I make this image better in Photoshop?". When I start to give an in-depth explination, I'm met with "yeah but can you tell me the quick way?". I get the impression that some people don't realise that semi-decent retouching involves more than slapping filters on everything and blurring it a bit...
Anyway, moving on!
I'm lookiing for opinions on something. For the last while, I've been considering making more of an effort with my appearance. I feel that if I dressed a little smarter and generally put in a bit more effort, it would make me more approachable. Wandering around and randomly bumping into potential clients would probably have more of a positive outcome if I didn't dress like a cross between a student and a homeless person! I've never been a high-maintenance girl with the fake tan and long nails stuff going on, but perhaps looking a little neater around the edges on a day-to-day would work out better. Do you think I should change a little and wear smarter clothes, put a little make-up on each day and actually style my hair? Or do you think that it doesn't count when making a decision about a person and whether you are looking to use their services?
I keep meaning to get my teeth fixed properly once and for all but I'm too scared of the dentist.
The most important thing to me is making sure the client or subject is happy with the images - if other photographers like them then that is great, but I don't feel the need to have my work validated by others before I like it myself. Personal attacks on my images won't get people very far, as I simply put it down to difference of opinion. I'm not going to beat myself up because a photographer I've never met doesn't like some of my methods.
It's not that I mind people asking for an opinion or some advice, and I rarely feel in a position to be advising anyone as I still consider myself to be a novice. It just bothers me when other photographers expect me to look through their entire photostream and give a glowing opinion of each image. I just don't have the time for that!
The worst question I encounter is "how can I make this image better in Photoshop?". When I start to give an in-depth explination, I'm met with "yeah but can you tell me the quick way?". I get the impression that some people don't realise that semi-decent retouching involves more than slapping filters on everything and blurring it a bit...
Anyway, moving on!
I'm lookiing for opinions on something. For the last while, I've been considering making more of an effort with my appearance. I feel that if I dressed a little smarter and generally put in a bit more effort, it would make me more approachable. Wandering around and randomly bumping into potential clients would probably have more of a positive outcome if I didn't dress like a cross between a student and a homeless person! I've never been a high-maintenance girl with the fake tan and long nails stuff going on, but perhaps looking a little neater around the edges on a day-to-day would work out better. Do you think I should change a little and wear smarter clothes, put a little make-up on each day and actually style my hair? Or do you think that it doesn't count when making a decision about a person and whether you are looking to use their services?
I keep meaning to get my teeth fixed properly once and for all but I'm too scared of the dentist.