Beauty Is In The Eye Of The Beholder…

So I was reading a blog that was posted by john101477 on December 17th, and it intrigued me to write about what others see in your work. The timing couldn’t have been better. These last three weeks I’ve been working with a local gallery in getting my work displayed. This is my first encounter with the gallery world in displaying my work. The gallery theme changes every three months, which I think is pretty cool. This month is “winter theme”. So I spent several days working on the photos I wanted to include. Fortunately, I ran the photos past the gallery before having them printed. The gallery responded in a way that I was not expecting. They wanted me to change the photo process. Make the photos more “organic”. They wanted me to alter the photos to match what style they liked. Now to me, that doesn’t seem right. I’m selling my art, so therefore I want my work to represent me and my style. Needles to say, I did not continue on with the process. I know it may sound like I’m arrogant about my work… I’m not, really. I just don’t like the idea of someone else telling me how to do my work!

I recently had another experience with a “royalty free” stock photo website. I sell my stuff through them all the time, but the last submission of photos I had them deny quite a few of the photos do to lack of composition. Lack of composition??? What are they talking about??? It was interesting to me because the photos I liked the best were the ones they denied. It just goes to show that beauty is in the eye of the beholder…

So, in the long run… you’re never going to please everyone with your work, which is okay. You don’t have to. The main person that you need to impress is yourself. If you’re taking photos that you don’t like just because others like them, you’re not doing yourself any favors. How will you ever gain the confidence in yourself if you don’t like what you shoot. Instead, shoot photos your way. Your style. Even if it is a little different. Even if it is a little weird. That’s what sets you apart from your competition. I like to shoot children in their element (like playing outside, etc). My “niche” or “style” is a bit darker than usual with “punchy” or “bright” colors. I love that look, and that’s just what I do. People know me for this style and that’s why they hire me. That’s how it should be for you as well. Set yourself apart with your uniqueness and style.