I admit, I am an admiration junkie. I want lots of people to admire my photos and make wonderful comments. So I do critically look at each image that I post (on flickr) and I post what I consider the best of my images. Some get a lot of recognition and others only a few diehard "friends" comment on. I wish that didn't matter, but it does.
My paralysis beyond wanting everyone to "like" my work is on how do I get recognition for my art. I want to send in images for juried shows, but I need to push beyond the fear of rejection. In a past career I dealt with that and it is tough because in some ways, it is a rejection of ME! This is where I feel most inadequate.
There are a couple of people on flickr that I follow whose work makes my heart sing. Each photo is a masterpiece of light, color and amazing locale. I want to be able to capture light like that.
And I do feel that I need to know more. I want to understand lenses, focus and even metering (the technical) better. I want to be able to take photos that match what is in my mind when I am seeing something.
I have a vague plan in progress where I am taking both internet and in person classes to learn what I don't know. I will push through my fears and send in work for some juried shows. And hopefully I will be comfortable with what I do whether I get into the shows, or have lots of "likes."
The one thing I do know is that I am enjoying this journey.
It is a journey, that's for sure, with new hills to climb all of the time. They key is to get the confidence in your work such that it doesn't matter the number of likes you get, or whether or not you get into a juried show. I submit to lots and lots of shows and don't get in. Each one is a little sad in the moment of hearing I wasn't selected, but I have to balance that with the reminder that every juror, every show sees things differently and it's not a rejection of me - I just wasn't right for that show for whatever reason. It gets easier with time and practice. And that's the key - to get the practice, you just have to DO it. Take the plunge. I also recommend finding mentors, through a local guild, classes or an experienced photographer you may meet, who can give you support and help with the ins and outs of navigating the art world. It's not always easy or straight forward.
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