Yesterday Tim Kirkwood of Kirkwood Photography sent me a Direct Message on Twitter after I posted a link to a photograph I took of Diamond Earrings. His message stated:
“Hope we are good enough friends for me to say…That photo is not your best. If you had not said they were diamonds, I wouldn’t have known. Not being mean :0) Just saying …. Hope thats OK”
This got my thinking about how people take criticism in the art industry. It’s interesting how some people get so defensive about their work and can’t take the heat. One of the most important things I learned in college was the ability to take comments about my work that I know I won’t like. A photographer, painter, designer, or any type of artist must learn to take any comments that comes there way and learn from it.
My response to Tim was:
“I know it’s not my best. i did a job for jewelers.. after I did the product shots I did some artsy ones for myself. thats where it came from. I appreciate criticism by the way. so thank you”
I understand where Tim is coming from with not knowing it’s diamonds. I explained why I took the photo so he has a better understanding of it.
Thank you to everyone who has ever given me compliments and criticisms as you all help me grow as a photographer.
Thank you Tim for inspiring me to write this post and thanks for reading!
Scott
Check out Tim’s blog at http://www.timkirkwood.com
Portfolio http://www.kirkwoodphotography.com/
on Twitter http://twitter.com/KirkwoodPhoto
So true – completely agree about being able to take the criticism! I tire of the typical "nice shot" comments on flickr – I'd much rather read about why someone felt compelled to comment at all.
You will never please everyone and the people you don't please will always be more vocal that the people you do please.
All that said, the link to the original diamond shot is broken.
Keep shooting and smiling,
-Joe
Good post! It can be hard getting criticism when you are just starting out, but I’ve definitely learned a lot more from people’s criticisms than their compliments.
Good post! It can be hard getting criticism when you are just starting out, but I’ve definitely learned a lot more from people’s criticisms than their compliments.
Thomas,
It definitely is hard, but it is surely a HUGE part of the learning process. Thanks for the comment!
Scott
Thomas,
It definitely is hard, but it is surely a HUGE part of the learning process. Thanks for the comment!
Scott
Glad I could inspire both, a desire to improve and a good blog post :0) In my early days I too had a hard time taking the criticism, but soon came to learn that its how we grow. It helps you strive to do better and prove that you can do it. I have had to put my photo work on the back burner for now. Divorce and being laid off from my job has changed my priorities. Keep up the good work Scott, and others.
Glad I could inspire both, a desire to improve and a good blog post :0) In my early days I too had a hard time taking the criticism, but soon came to learn that its how we grow. It helps you strive to do better and prove that you can do it. I have had to put my photo work on the back burner for now. Divorce and being laid off from my job has changed my priorities. Keep up the good work Scott, and others.
Fixed the link! Sorry, I made NJPhotographer.net my Zenfolio account so I guess the links got a little screwy.
Scott
Fixed the link! Sorry, I made NJPhotographer.net my Zenfolio account so I guess the links got a little screwy.
Scott
So true – completely agree about being able to take the criticism! I tire of the typical "nice shot" comments on flickr – I'd much rather read about why someone felt compelled to comment at all.
You will never please everyone and the people you don't please will always be more vocal that the people you do please.
All that said, the link to the original diamond shot is broken.
Keep shooting and smiling,
-Joe
I agree with your point. Feedback is essential for improvement. If you’re unable to take criticism in any form, than you limit your ability to achieve your potential.
I agree with your point. Feedback is essential for improvement. If you're unable to take criticism in any form, than you limit your ability to achieve your potential.