Handling Critics

I had the 'pleasure' of hearing from my very first negative critic about five years ago. This person wrote the following:

        "You are by FAR THE CRAPPIEST PHOTOGRAPHER I'VE EVER SEEN IN MY WHOLE LIFE!!! You have some nerve charging people FOR what you do because you obviously need more practice!! I sincerly hope this is not your only source of income because your probably starving!!!"

Now, at first I was quite upset about the email. I know that at the time I was not the best photographer, and I may not have even become a good one yet. This was the time I was just starting out as a freelance photographer. And while I am still working on and improving my craft, I doubt I will ever become the best photographer in the world. Will I become really good at what I do? Sure! I'd like to think I do a pretty decent job now.

So, how did I react? I never replied to the email. Cowardly? Perhaps. I don't think there is anything I could have said to change her opinion, and what would emailing prove or change? I didn't let the email bother me too much, but took it as a challenge. I wanted to prove that I was better than she thought.

 My parents had two reactions. First, they were upset that someone was that rude to me, and second, they laughed at it. What was this person trying to prove? 

I've kept this email in the back of my inbox. Why? Sometimes it provides motivation, and sometimes it gives me a good laugh. I mean seriously, I cannot take this person 100% seriously with spelling and grammatical errors and the use of "shouty capitals". 

This is not the only time I've received negative feedback. There is always someone who loves to come in and tell my I'm too expensive, but that is for another day and blog.

I guess the point of all this is: don't let other people's comments drag you down and discourage you. Take it for what it is - their opinion. They are entitled to it as much as you are to yours. This person can think whatever they want and I can keep doing what I love to do.

Everyone once in a while I think about 'if she could see me now", but then, I really don't care that much anymore. By the way, I'm not starving...just in case there was concern. ;)

Keep your chins up, everyone! And until next time, keep on clickin'!