Constructive criticism

It sounds like a nice job shooting your pregnant friend. -

"I mean, that made me feel so happy to have done that for her."

I would say that was a paid gig, not in money but in pride and satisfaction.

I have to be honest, some of honest comments had really scared me and had quite a negative effect on my confidence. I didn't log back onto photo.net for a while and didn't realise i'd gotten so much more critique and advice until a couple of people have messaged me on FB to respond. I had put so much pressure on myself to 'make it work', i stopped enjoying just taking photos. I'd put my camera down for a little while and then a friend of mine fell pregnant and I offered to take some maternity photos of her and that was the first time i picked up my camera in along while. I really enjoyed the time capturing this special time for her and she cried when she saw the photos, her message to me was 'i have never seen myself like this before, its been so empowering.' I mean, that made me feel so happy to have done that for her. But for now, i am going to keep it as a hobby and just enjoy taking photos again.

Debra, you need to keep in mind that many PN members are expert photographers, whether amateur or pro. When I first signed up, I quickly learned that sink or swim often was the guiding principle. PN is not a kiddie pool. So please don't be discouraged by some of the comments you've already received. They are honest and well intended.

A few comments -

 

Firstly it is important to remember that when asking for Comment and Critique the responses will often be varied in tone and content: for example my C&C was premised with >1500 weddings under my belt - that's not mentioned to blow my own horn, but rather to explain that in no way was I considering your emotional reaction to what I wrote I was simply critiquing the images in a Wedding Photographer's Portfolio.

 

"Confidence" can be an elusive component: I think it best not to mix it up with the passion for always wanting feedback. The thing about feedback is once you own it the YOU can choose what to do with it. If you think the bag of feedback is irrelevant or worthless then you can choose to chuck it away . . . its a matter of how you look at life, generally

 

Don't worry too much about that some responses might have display anger. Those responses indeed might have been written in anger - but more likely frustration was the root cause: there are many thousands of years of experience residing in this forum's membership and there are many one hit wonders - people who post one question, get may thoughtful responses and the OP never returns... soem members get frustrated at that cycle.

 

Don't stress about putting your "professional" camera down for a while or even for ever if that hat doesn't fit you: my opinion is enjoy what you do is the first criterion.

 

WW

Thank you

Thank you, hopefully I will find a good balance to enjoy both.

For a full-time business.

The problem is in a start-up, you have to put in a LOT of time and effort to get the business 'off the ground' and profitable.

Once you have your name out there, know how the wedding business works, are part of the bridal fairs, and importantly are able to keep your client pipeline filled, things get easier. But you cannot let up too much, or you will start to loose business.

A part-time business requires similar, but the need to fill and keep the client pipeline full is less, because you have your day job to 'pay the rent.'