Be Brave Like Eve Arnold, Find Your True Creative Voice

[@jimphilpott902]

Preach brother, preach! Your gospel is true and freeing. If we all do what we love, we may one day learn to take pleasure in the process and the outcome.

[@neyfarias23]

Amen brother

[@greggorter]

This is such an important subject to talk about. In an age of saturated imagery and the dopamine social media hit, it’s important to remember WHY we are photographers and try to be seperate from the mass hype and “Insta-grat” that’s sucked us all in, particularly our kids !

[@ChrisDefalcoblues]

Thanks again, I go out and shoot all day. I do it because I love it. When I switched to black and white, I improved my composition skills and really started to enjoy photography more than ever before.

[@ihknilsen]

Thank you for sharing these ideas and so many more on your channel. I am so thankful I found you and draw much inspiration from your presentations!!

[@ThePhotographicEye]

Thank you.

[@raofna8054]

Thank you so much for the content, this type of content helps me to keep on taking photos and enjoy the journey.

[@ThePhotographicEye]

Thanks for watching

[@johnbragg]

Hey Alex, thanks for showing Eve Arnold's work. Her photo of Marlena Dietrich during an all night recording session is one of my all time favorites. Criticism can be very destructive and it shows how stoical her personality really was in the way she bounced back and turned it into a positive.

[@test40323]

Thanks, enjoyed your talk!

[@markko0313]

This is my absolute favourite photography channel on KZbin. A real artist showing us real art and how we can make our own!

[@ThePhotographicEye]

Awesome, thank you

[@jascott-tr9ek]

You are and always will be a great photographer. And a magnificent teacher. Don't you dare quit. Relentless! Do know the meaning of that word. I'll make you a deal. If you don't quit making your videos and teaching photography. I won't stop trying to become a great photographer. Like You!👍

[@ThePhotographicEye]

☺️ deal. Thanks for watching.

[@leirumf5476]

This video reminded me of a conversation I had a few days ago. I was showing some photos to someone and he said that they were good, that I could probably sell them and that I had to show them. Here's the thing, taking photos and showing photos are two entirely different activities. I adore taking photos, the thrill of getting a shot I like, the peace of mind that it brings. Showing photos tho, it scares me, and it's not something I'd like to diminish my enjoyment of photography due to that part. The guy understood it, but later that evening he approached my father twice to tell him that he thought I really should do something about sharing my stuff. I do share them, I have a kind of blog where I share my feelings or what was going on through my mind when I took the photo, but it's pretty contained to the friends I've shared a link to, and I wouldn't want it any other way.

[@manueldinisphotography]

“Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.” Albert Einstein. Thank you for your videos.

[@anne-mariejane4595]

Thank you. So true about being authentic in the pursuit of your photography style and to not follow the masses, and to not be afraid to create your own unique perspective.

[@PatriciaSPM1]

Dear Alex, I met your vidéos À few months ago. I have seen them all, almost. I can’t imagine my photograph life without your rich and inspiring talks. You really make a change. Thank you so very much.

[@ThePhotographicEye]

Wow, thank you for watching.

[@ThePhotographicEye]

Wow, thank you for being here.

[@johannortner4193]

Thanks!

[@edmccall390]

Some years ago I became very experienced with film 35MM SLR cameras. I worked on exposure, composition, depth of field, and all of the technical aspects of photography using those cameras. I felt my photographs were good. Perhaps not professional level, but good. I started taking photography classes at University, hoping to expand my skills and knowledge of photography, but was told by my professor that every photo I took was garbage. He even told me to drop the course because he was going to fail me because he did not like my work. I did not drop the class, and managed to pass with an OK grade because the written final exam was all about camera settings and techniques. His remarks cut me so deeply that I nearly stopped taking photos, until I had two successful, professional photographers tell me that they liked my work and said that I had a great eye for photos. Were it not for their remarks, I would have never picked up a camera again after what that professor told me. Thanks for all of your encouragement in your videos!

[@ThePhotographicEye]

Thank you for watching

[@bobmitchel664]

I love this story! Thanks for bringing this, and the images, to our attention.

[@ThePhotographicEye]

Thanks for watching

[@samohyesss]

Amazing video, Alex! Really enjoyed hearing Eve Arnold's story. I would like to add that the opposite is also true. Compliments can send us to a place of hurt if we are not vigilant. So many people enjoy photos I capture, even the ones I do not regard as good, but I make sure I don't let the compliments mislead me. It is possible for one to chase after certain images to keep pleasing those who compliment them for the sake of winning compliments instead of pursuing one's own creative voice.

[@ThePhotographicEye]

Thanks for sharing!

[@danjandl]

This was a great reminder for me today! Thanks for all of your amazing content. I found your channel last spring and it has been a huge inspiration while trying to get back to finding joy in my photography again. 👍

[@ThePhotographicEye]

I'm so glad! Thanks for watching

[@karenwilliams3160]

Thank you so much for putting these words of encouragement out here!!! The tears streamed down my face when you told your personal story of being criticized. I really enjoy your videos!!

[@ThePhotographicEye]

You are so welcome

[@RAEchelRunning]

BOOMMM!!! Shero!!!!! Alexy Brodavich!!!! they do not make art directors like that anymore!!!! I got tears for the process of following our eyes and heart - so tender - so spot on!!!

[@jdnwritingmachine]

Thank you. I needed this today.

[@ThePhotographicEye]

Thanks for watching

[@andychandler3992]

One of the best pieces of advice I received was "never take criticism from someone you would never take advice from." There are a ton of people out there who want to be negative and cut down others. Photography community is full of them. I've found that finding critics who have your interest at heart... but are willing to call out your bs, to be worth their weight in gold.

[@wk1810]

"Never take criticism from someone you would never take advice from" thank you so very much for this!

[@andychandler3992]

@@wk1810 haha! Question: how many photographers does it take to change a lightbulb? A: 10. 1 to change the bulb. 9 to tell the one how they messed up

[@GARY1951A]

Alex, to me, this may be the best inspirational video you have made that is speaking directly to me!!! Thanks so much for creating this on and all the others you have created!

[@ThePhotographicEye]

Wow, thanks for watching.

[@davidtaranzaphotography3324]

Alex, thank you for bringing this to attention. I admire your ability to talk so clearly about your feelings after the theatre headshots. Such thing must hurt even now, years later. And I love the "you are someone's favorite photographer" point of view! I'm in photography for almost 20 years now and it took me quite a time to figure out that I gotta shoot for myself and not for anyone else. Signal&noise. Shooting to please yourself - signal. Shooting to please others - that's noise. Look for the signal in your life.

[@el0blaino]

Lovely video, Alex. Personally I have long let fear of disappointing others and being unable to respond or redress the reasons for their negative opinion hold me back from creating and sharing work, it has been so debilitating and demoralizing. Telling stories of artists who took the blows, suffered and doubted, yet rose up again and again and kept at it, climbing up the long, hard road, is so inspiring. The samples you selected here, as ever, show an expert “photographic eye” and I am glad to see you featuring your work among the rest. Cheers -

[@ThePhotographicEye]

Thank you

[@Giles29]

I like Eve's work. And I get you being afraid to put yourself out there. I had an experience not unlike yours, hearing people talk about me behind my back, though not involving photography. That was pretty eviscerating.

[@debbiehenderson1947]

I can’t express how much this video encouraged me. Thank you so very much all of your work, I’ve leaned heaps and have been greatly inspired xo

[@ThePhotographicEye]

That’s awesome.

[@yippyskippy2066]

This is one of most needed and beneficial posts that I've ever watched. Thank you!!! I try to employ what I call the 3 P's, persistence, perspective, and patience when I photograph. Listen to ones inner voice and not other's.

[@ThePhotographicEye]

Thanks for watching.

[@jlmtrout]

Well done Alex!

[@lifeinwideangle3506]

So appreciative for your content. A lot of my favorite photographers I found from you!

[@ThePhotographicEye]

Awesome. Thanks for watching

[@mrjohnbaseley]

The really nice part of this upload is to see you have increased your subscription base over 50% in less than 6 months. I remember when you had a livestream waiting to hit 100k.

[@copperblue7]

I can't tell you how much your talks help me! This one especially as I can certainly relate to what you went through. I've hardly shared any photos for some time now, but I'll get there.

[@ThePhotographicEye]

Thank you for watching

[@Amy-tt2se]

Thank you for this video and the reminder to shoot what you like. When I see different styles that are popular, I sometimes say to myself that I should be doing that too or at least try to lean that way. Then I go take pictures that I like and notice the huge smile I have on my face on the way home!

[@ThePhotographicEye]

Thanks for watching

[@Darewrecks415]

I feel this. I was a professional street dancer and I remember people looking at me and straight saying to my face "you're garbage!" And they didn't even see me dance yet. They judged me on my looks and style. Popping is part of hip hop culture and I didn't dress or look the part, but everyone who judged me before seeing me get down all humbly apologized after they saw me dance. Even after I was professional and getting paid for dancing, I've had people come up to me and say "Wow! You are the best dancer I have ever seen" all the way to "You suck! Quit!" And I had these comments said to me even after I was "real good." Unless someone telling me I suck could back up reasons why, or give me some tips, I ignored them. Those who told me I wasnt good and gave me tips, depending on their knowledge, I took it in. At the end of the day, regardless of your skill level, people are going to love you and hate you. Some people prefer other styles over others. I learned at a young age not to take the negativity to heart. Now in my older age, I got into photography and well, i could care less what people say about my work. I dont get paid, im self taught, I could care less if you love my work or hate it. But what I do like is when someone honestly looks at my work and tell me why they like or dislike my work.

[@judeemclaughlin7394]

Several years back I was constantly being told that my photography was wrong. Not bad, but wrong. That no one wants to see pictures in my style. After hearing this so much I quit for over three years. Then one day I saw someone who had a similar view of the world who is successful. I then saw more people with a style that is similar but still different from mine. I started shooting again and sharing again. I can take constructive criticism all day. But telling me what I am seeing is wrong, that gets to me. I have to remind myself that it wasn't my photography that was wrong (although it still may be bad) it was in front of the wrong people.

[@stephenmatthews5437]

Well said

[@carolwatts944]

@@stephenmatthews5437So true, so true.

[@TheAbennett72]

Thank you for the encouragement!

[@robertmeyerson1618]

Great thoughts, Alex. Saving this video to watch again.

[@ThePhotographicEye]

Thank you

[@Rob.1340]

Thank you. All the best. 👍📷😎

[@EveArnoldPhotographer]

Thank you for creating this wonderful video. Yes it's true that Eve learned from Brodovitch's critque instread of being disheartened by it. When she put her mind to something, nothing would stop her! And yes she used the accident of the flash not working in Harlem to develop her own style of naturally lit portraits. This went on to become a signature style of hers. As the saying goes, "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade!" Michael Arnold, Eve Arnold Estate.

[@LivingCarefree50]

My favorite video to date! I've been down that dark rabbit hole all too often. My best work has always come from a personal 'who gives a sh!t' attitude. I've been cut too by well-meaning critiques. I try most times to say - that's your opinion and take a small piece of what they said to try better, whether it's composition/lighting.. etc.... When I went to school for photography I was always the 'oddity' in my style of shooting. I'm sure I frustrated my instructor, yet he repeated I had a quality of style that could not be taught.

[@LWD-Hidden-Links]

thanks for the video, magical story. As a landscape / nature guy I've recently learned that for my critics, my dabble into portraits blows 12 years of it away. Close ones love them "because these portraits have impact". That my landscapes don't is... hurting? Bit embarrassed. I'm not even being torn down, just seeing how differently they react, how much more interested and animated they are seeing the portrait stuff is enough! Trying to see through emotions and think what I can do with the situation. I wasn't seeking a video on helping me work this out so this was a lucky breakfast video indeed!

[@ThePhotographicEye]

Awesome, thank you for watching

[@ghiekorg]

Really nice video. Really inspiring. We need more people like you.

[@ThePhotographicEye]

Thank you.

[@davidmilisock5200]

Great advice. All my life I've been lucky I've earned a living in graphics and professional image editing, enjoying doing things my way, now that I'm semi-retired I've taken up photography FOR ME! I've never cared what others thought and I've had the client base that financially supported my work to the level of my lifestyle. I've completely rejected showing my images for anyone but me.

[@marcusoutdoors4999]

Thanks for an uplifting talk. What you said applies to so many things in life.

[@edgregory8763]

great honesty

[@Black_Jesus3005]

Thanks Alex. It’s easy to get up in trying to please others.

[@Twoeggsq]

9:54 you've featured this one a few times, u love it. Fir real, it's heat 🔥

[@kc1464a]

Your videos inspire me to continue photography even as a struggle with it

[@SimonWillig]

Thank you so much for all your honest stories and the lessons that lye in them. I love your channel!

[@ThePhotographicEye]

Thank you

[@colinosullivan]

Enjoyed this mate. Cheers from Ireland.

[@ThePhotographicEye]

Thanks for watching

[@LMSutras]

Thank you Alex for being... 🙏🏽

[@ThePhotographicEye]

Thank you for watching

[@ridderus]

Yet again a very usefull video :) Thanks!!!

[@ThePhotographicEye]

Thanks for watching

[@cyrilstheone]

Spot on, sir. The process of making images so fantastic and a right buzz like you say. I used to rush home get in the PC and edit like a wild man. But then, looking at the images thought hang on these weren't what I was after. But then, for some reason, I hadn't edited the next time I went out for a good few days. But like those edits. I think I was still caught up in the moment of catching the images. Then when editing they were not what I was after. Now it could be weeks or even mths before I take a look at them. But then I like what I come up with. I've lately even tried out not looking at the image at all when I shoot it. Sort of like the old days. Has in you have no idea if the images are going to be any good. Some are not but its a nice surprise when it works out.

[@MohammedAli-xv6es]

I love this channel. It's inspired me to try and relay a lifetime's worth of info in easy to digest form, so that a person can learn the essence of a topic in minutes or in hours; the rest is their own knowledge and experience they bring or add. What an achievement, to push forward, to add to progress in a manner exponential. What an awesome experience this channel has been :D

[@robyn_roamz]

Thank you.

[@KristineErdmanePhotographer]

Thank you for inspiring people ❤

[@ThePhotographicEye]

My pleasure thank you for watching

[@alexshabotenko7228]

Alex, thank you very much for your videos. What you say is 100% true, although I found it works in a somewhat paradoxic way: soon after I started making photos the way *I myself* like them to be, many more people began to like them too. And a week ago I was invited to present some of my works for a rather high-profile local exhibition.

[@ThePhotographicEye]

That’s awesome.

[@ddsdss256]

Thanks--great stuff! We all see the world in our unique way and if I see something that interests me, I try to create an image that evokes whatever I felt at the time (or perhaps inspires a different approach). Although my intent is to produce images that reflect my vision and I never consciously try to produce images I think will "sell" (literally or figuratively), it's obviously nice when others appreciate (and buy) your work. "If it appeals to (me), then it's appealing to someone else as well" has been my running assumption and I think that philosophy should drive all artistic endeavors. We're all unique, but only to a certain point, as the blank slate we're all born with develops based on our reaction to a lot of the same stimuli, so it's inevitable that many people will share a vision similar to our own. One of the few actual upsides to social media is that it's never been easier to share your vision with others and ideally find kindred spirits. The only problem is that there's just so much noise out there, it can be hard to stand out!

[@otavioleitefotografia]

Great!

[@jonesnax]

It's a hard thing to do. To believe in yourself. Every creative has to be the bravest. Thank you

[@ThePhotographicEye]

Thanks for watching

[@dantes9811]

I like you Alex and you help me a lot, when I am down, to take my camera and try once more to find my best shot

[@ThePhotographicEye]

Thank you

[@johncharlton]

Thank You!

[@danielmedley3486]

I'm a firm believer in the notion that one of the worst things a photographer can do is ask for or seek out the aesthetic opinions of other photographers. It opens up a rabbit hole of attempting to accommodate the tastes of others; usually in an echo chamber. Inevitably, if you've managed to achieve some sort of consensus among those in the echo chamber, you've only managed to please the narrow aesthetic of the echo chamber, but not create anything with a unique vision. At the end of the day, make the photos you love and don't worry what other photographers think.

[@angelamaloney4871]

Such an excellent video! I have definitely had some people rip into my photos. I still once in a while get people whose only comment is “this is just terrible!” I’m certainly no Eve Arnold. But it didn’t take long after I stopped posting my photos for critique by such people that editors and art galleries started knocking on my door. Not everyone is going to like what I do. And I’ve started to see that as a plus, just as you discuss here.

[@ThePhotographicEye]

That’s awesome. Thank you for watching

[@igorcicala7]

amazing video, thank you very much 👍

[@ThePhotographicEye]

Thanks for watching

[@valala2987]

Awesome video as always! I find your work always so motivational and inspirational. Also, while you were already talking about criticism and what makes good criticism, I think it would do us all good to always remember the criticism sandwich. Start with something you liked and explain why you liked it then continue with something you didn't like or you think could be improved and explain that as well and then at the end give advice on how you think they could improve in that area in the future. I think every artist should have at least one person who will actually give good advice so why not be that person ourselves. By the way, this is also a good way to criticise your own work. Instead of beating yourself to the ground, as so many artists tend to do, try to always pick out something positive (there always is if you look long enough and are kind to yourself) and then don't just focus on the negatives but try to actively find ways to improve the parts you didn't like. Honestly I think that is so important when you are trying to improve. Be kind to yourself, be honest and try to find solutions.

[@webbphoto2]

Another awesome video! I did my best shot so far today, I'm what it was but I nailed it. Must be listening to all your videos, it's helping I think.

[@ThePhotographicEye]

☺️ thanks for watching

[@heinzhagenbucher4714]

Hello Alex Again a very good video. Thank you. I know these kind of thoughts, and criticism too. But I also don't really trust when I get praise, because I don't feel my images are so great. Also when the praise comes from friends or people who aren't into photography. What broke me recently, was the second place in a competition. First the digital images were judged. And did well. Then the professional prints were judged again by another jury, and they didn't do well. So I've lost faith in these competitions. Also on social media is a bad thing. You don't know, if an image worth looking at it, since you don't know if it's the image itself which is not meaningful, or if the algorithm kicked you out. 😁 Anyway, I make now the images for me, and for the joy of making them. Looking forward to your next video about photography Kind regards Heinz

[@ThePhotographicEye]

Thank you for your comments and watching the channel.

[@acraftman2823]

Tbh, I slacked off on watching your videos "because" you never showed any of your work and that left something missing,I was like well he's really good talking about other peoples work but you can sit out in the garage all day that doesn't make you a car. I finally clicked on a recent video you did, where you showed a number of your studio portraits, maybe somebody might not care for them but my respect factor really went up, you have the chops! You know from whereof you speak.

[@alangardner8596]

About 12 years ago I had not much idea how to use the camera and some lights I had just bought and I did a shoot at a morel's home. After the shoot we had words about something unrelated and she informed me that my photos were crap. I was proud of the photos it was an early nude shoot and I found her words very cutting and it depressed me for weeks. I had forgotten about the photos but recently I had an occasion to see them again on the computer. She was correct, the photos were crap.

[@johnclay7644]

Eve Arnold Great female photographer (1961 The misfits) bit of photography psychology good selection of Eve's images. Critism is a whole area in itself.

[@innercynic2784]

What you find, more today than yesterday, is that there are more voices "telling" you who and what you are. Best to ignore them.

[@Andrew.J.R.Simpson]

A good story and thought to have. One thing about the keep plugging almost do it for yourself attitude many mention but don't go deeper on is why just do it for yourself? That was a natural thing to do for those who shot film but as someone who took up photography in this digital age, the natural thing to do is share them and it seems strange to think you should keep everything hidden in effect. I'm waffling.

[@LePetitMondedeMichel]

This is another great video! Is very hard to stand to criticisen so many time he destroy our passion and willingness. Some time ours photo suck very hard. And it's ok. And the biggest mistakes that we are hall guilty of doing is trying to please our audience with pictures that are everything except ourselves. Many years ago I had to make contact sheets of old negative. None of who haved take this pictures was famous or great. But each and every one was a treasure by Imself.

[@ThePhotographicEye]

Thanks for watching.

[@shelwee]

thank you

[@derkarhu5079]

funny, the comment about "chasing"...in my days shooting, trying to shoot, for TSW, i had an editor with whom my work "worked", and who prompted and guided me, then, a new-to-me editor, who loved other styles, styles that, to me, were violent, an assault to the senses, and i simply had to forgo "success", by not adding yet more ugliness to the world. I'm not an "Eve", but your comment resonated with that experience...

[@sourdoughhome2571]

Your comment about giving some actors head shots for their portfolios and having them kvetch reminds me of a mentor, Norm Champagne. Norm was a wedding photographer in New York City, he taught at the New York Institute of Photography in the late 1960's and also gave small seminars for students who wanted to in that direction. Norm was a great photographer, teacher and person. He told us that the ONLY time he ever had anyone complain about his work was when he gave it away. After shooting a friend's wedding for them as his wedding gift to them, he received endless criticism. After that, if he wanted to give such a present to friends, he told them, "My work is my gift to you, but you will need to pay for processing and printing." No further complaints. As Thomas Paine said, in another context, "That which we obtain too cheaply, we esteem too lightly."

[@tanyadeleeuw]

isn't it sad that we humans are so ... odd? take me, for example, for all the times someone has been complimentary about my work, the comments that i really tend to take to heart, and allow to tear my confidence down, are the negative ones, even if they're from someone whose opinion really doesn't/shouldn't matter. that said, someone whose opinion matters to me paid me a huge compliment out of nowhere today ... i'm still on the dopamine high! and this video couldn't have been better timed ... i've had an idea for a project swirling in my head for a couple of weeks ... now my feet are firmly on that path! thanks, Alex!

[@ThePhotographicEye]

That’s awesome. Thanks for watching

[@gregh2322]

The way I see it if I don't get many likes or positive feedback, it gives me more creative freedom. I'm the best judge as to whether I'm making progress in my photography.

[@Schrsmnymkr]

I wish I could have been around to see the reaction my last photo that made an exhibition had on a larger group of people.

[@ralphvandergeest]

And it all goes to show that words matter. People should keep that a little more in mind before they open their mouths and the world will become at least a little better.

[@_Diggler]

Take photos as if no one will ever see them. Just take photos. Refine your process. Then after a while, share them. Give no F’s and keep at it.

[@MunchyToy]

The presentation is consistently good but I definitely prefer the non yellow coffee cup videos. Actually, I liked the waistcoat too but hey ho...

[@Martin_Siegel]

The worst comments are "Learn about the Rule of Thirds" (before you ask our precious opinions about your lousy pics) This does not help anyone but a small person's ego. Thanks for an almost philosophical quarter of an hour!

[@Martin_Siegel]

@@naturesoundsnz I am very much for knowing compositional rules. Picasso is said to have said: You have to master the rules like a pro to break them like an artist! But I'm wandering off, sorry.

[@Martin_Siegel]

@@naturesoundsnz Yes, when you can achieve what you want it's perfectly fine. But you have to have a plan first, an artistic vision. In my photography I am far from that, I admit. But I have fun and I'm working on it. But I am also guilty of just clicking away, TBH.

[@WheelnutzAMG]

I have a hoodie that says, " I Take Photos Because I Like It, Not Because I Am Good At It". Having said that, as I practice my 'craft' (hobby), I hope that I am getting better.

[@filmic1]

At 8:57, many times!

[@TimberGeek]

My number one fan pushes back when I bring up printing otherwise I get technically good but boring and my keeper rate continues to drop. 🤷‍♂

[@alanwainwright79]

Great counsel Alex. Easier said than done, but we do this for ourselves, our enjoyment, our satisfaction and our creativity. Sharing one's work is never easy as we really, really want people to like our work. However if we don't share it we will never know :). A conundrum would you say?

[@ThePhotographicEye]

Absolutely!

[@wk1810]

I would think that studying these iconic photographers would have a negative influence upon your creativity, in the sense that their style would unconsciously slip into yours. I wrote a play for a theater company. After the production, a newspaper interviewed me. The journalist assumed I had read alot of books (I still don't know why she'd assumed that, or what her point was). "No" was my reply. No author influenced me. There is no other voice in my writing but my own. No other creativity but from my own imagination.

[@philrmcknight]

The "critics" can all go buggering back to Suckville. It's fair game when they start running their mouths, my attitude as always, "Don't like my photos? Let us see yours and I will show you why you suck worse than I do." I can be the nastiest critic, but, as in martial arts, I only counter-punch and would never tear someone down that didn't deserve it. What the "critics" praise very often should be printed on perforated rolls.

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

Imposter syndrome is real. I've had people tell me they didn't like a photo. That's great if they can tell me why. But then, I take that comment with a grain of salt. I'm my own harshest critic anyway. OTOH I have had a couple of people tell me that I am, in fact, their favorite photographer. That really picks me up, but then I think, "Really? I'm not nearly as good as so-and-so". I guess for me, likes are great but self-likes are better.

[@DynastyUK]

It's the same as food. I eat WHAT I LIKE!!! I don't force myself to eat indian food or spicy thai food JUST because whole nations may eat it. I like being weird and mixing marmite and cheese sandwiches with Super noodles. That's MY taste and it pleases me, In fact I made a friend BECAUSE I eat that weird crap i love because funny enough they liked it too. I even converted someone with the Putting black pepper on your peanut butter toast! OMG try it! Experiment, be lucky enough to have "haters" .

[@jsr8884]

I like my images. My wife likes my images. That’s my whole world. Anybody says anything ….is from Mars. Don’t care!

[@Mtbunker]

Why do/did you care so much about what others thought of your photography? Let the market decide. If ou are a professional - you should be able to make a living from it. If you don't make a living from it - you need to 'get better' or try something else. Nothing to 'feel badly' about.

[@DeeB1345]

No one cares enough about my pictures to even tell me they are bad! Must be pretty uninspiring then

[@kodithebear]

Great advice. Please stop with the cheesy stock video clips though 😂

[@jeremyfielding2333]

Don't post on social media the whole time, it''s toxic. Enjoy the picture for yourself then post once in a while just for a laugh.

[@luckyman1953]

Thank you!