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08/29/2002 04:51:11 PM · #1 |
in the context of a lot of threads we've read recently, I had been wanting to write a post for some time that said something about how I'm seeing all these exceptionally, enviably talented photographers on this site, one after another, questioning themselves, and their abilities because they try, yet do not win at the challenges.
This makes me sad. Some of the people that have expressed self-doubt are very talented people who's photos are all or often impressive. I wish they wouldn't take it personally. This site is only representative of a very specific demographic. I'm not sure exactly how I would characterize it, but I think it's very mainstream and very novice on the whole to photography.
I'm pretty sure that the people who post in the forums are maybe 10% of the whole constituency.
When you're doubting yourself because of this site, I would suggest the following: focus on your photography and what you do it for *outside* of this site. Think about the joy and satsifaction and rewards that it brings you in general, and just remember that submitting to this particular contest is only one small part of the vast world of photography :). |
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08/29/2002 06:18:38 PM · #2 |
I would like to echo that sentiment, mag. If you like a picture, that is a good indication that you are growing. If your friends and family members like it, that is another good sign. If you still want more input, enter your picture in dpc, AND photosig or something like that. I am not saying that photosig is the end all be all, but it offers another opinion, which is all it boils down to anyway -- opinions.
If you really want to know if you're good, try selling some!!!!!!!!!!
:-)
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08/29/2002 06:20:15 PM · #3 |
Originally posted by magnetic9999:
in the context of a lot of threads we've read recently, I had been wanting to write a post for some time that said something about how I'm seeing all these exceptionally, enviably talented photographers on this site, one after another, questioning themselves, and their abilities because they try, yet do not win at the challenges.
This makes me sad. Some of the people that have expressed self-doubt are very talented people who's photos are all or often impressive. I wish they wouldn't take it personally. This site is only representative of a very specific demographic. I'm not sure exactly how I would characterize it, but I think it's very mainstream and very novice on the whole to photography.
I'm pretty sure that the people who post in the forums are maybe 10% of the whole constituency.
When you're doubting yourself because of this site, I would suggest the following: focus on your photography and what you do it for *outside* of this site. Think about the joy and satsifaction and rewards that it brings you in general, and just remember that submitting to this particular contest is only one small part of the vast world of photography :).
As a person who has expressed this self-doubt in the past, I can say that I'm not letting it get to me on the whole. Self-doubt is just part of what makes me better in the various arts in which I endevour. When I doubt myself and humble myself is when I can get into the right mindframe to create my best work.
Whatever floats your boat, I guess. heh.
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08/29/2002 06:25:02 PM · #4 |
| thanks for that mag! you are right, although i do agree with mci that self doubt often urges you to try harder. i have seen a lot of talented people come through here and most of the pictures in my favorites list have never won--some don't even place that well! but that doen't mean they aren't incredible photos. |
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08/29/2002 06:53:27 PM · #5 |
Artistry and creativity are sacred and personal. Public approval (or peer approval, or family approval), or the lack of it, in an ideal world ought not change our own perceptions of what we do.
Having said that, let's acknowledge that we're not in an ideal world. We all have various and sundry preconceived notions, fears, sore spots, sources of weakness, sources of strength. And we all have self-doubt.
Let's each get out of this site what we can, but by all means, let's not let self-doubt get in the way. Easier said than done, of course, but ultimately worth the effort.
sjgleah
* This message has been edited by the author on 8/29/2002 11:06:10 PM. |
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08/29/2002 11:26:42 PM · #6 |
It sounds like someone told you what I've been going through, Mag. LOL Of course, that doesn't mean I consider myself one of the exceptionally talented ones on here, but I have similar frustrations.
I haven't been satisfied with my scores here and I've gotten very frustrated over the scores and comments. Frankly, I think a couple of my pictures have been better than some that were ranked higher than mine. Of course, a couple other shots of mine were pretty stinky.
Last week I decided that I'm not a bad photographer after all. The fact is, I'm not interested in creating art (whatever that may be) but I want to take better photographs. The subjects I'm more interested in are nature - scenic shots, animals, etc. Most of the highly ranked pics on here are either artsy fartsy or actually are better than mine. I can handle that. I don't appreciate the so-called artistic ones as much as some of you, but that's ok. The things I'm learning by participating here are helping me to improve my photographic skills. For the subjects I'm the most interested in photographing, I can take some pretty decent pictures, and I'm getting better. So... the frustration is gone... for now. ;)
Mark
* This message has been edited by the author on 8/29/2002 11:26:09 PM. |
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08/29/2002 11:29:31 PM · #7 |
Well said, Iggy.
sjgleah
Originally posted by iggy386:
It sounds like someone told you what I've been going through, Mag. LOL Of course, that doesn't mean I consider myself one of the exceptionally talented ones on here, but I have similar frustrations.
I haven't been satisfied with my scores here and I've gotten very frustrated over the scores and comments. Frankly, I think a couple of my pictures have been better than some that were ranked higher than mine. Of course, a couple other shots of mine were pretty stinky.
Last week I decided that I'm not a bad photographer after all. The fact is, I'm not interested in creating art (whatever that may be) but I want to take better photographs. The subjects I'm more interested in are nature - scenic shots, animals, etc. Most of the highly ranked pics on here are either artsy fartsy or actually are better than mine. I can handle that. I don't appreciate the so-called artistic ones as much as some of you, but that's ok. The things I'm learning by participating here are helping me to improve my photographic skills. For the subjects I'm the most interested in photographing, I can take some pretty decent pictures, and I'm getting better. So... the frustration is gone... for now. ;)
Mar
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08/30/2002 12:28:49 AM · #8 |
| Mag, this is one of the best things I've read in the forums :). |
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