Whose applause do you crave?

Your own applause, or the applause of others? Do you want the applause of a famous photographer, from your close friends, or random strangers on the internet?

First of all, as human beings— we all seek validation from others. This is a part of being a social creature.

However the important thing to consider is who do you seek applause and external validation from?

I know for me, having my photos appreciated by my close friends and colleagues matters the most to me. While I appreciate the feedback and suggestions of strangers online, I prefer the suggestions from my close friends. For example, my friend Josh White told me he loved my portraits of Cindy in color — and I’ve taken his advice, and actively started to shoot more color. I guess in a way, I seek the applause and affirmation from Josh.

I also have also met other accomplished street photographers— and I certainly value their opinion and feedback more than the feedback of random people on social media. They have a lot more domain expertise in street photography than someone who might just shoot landscapes and birds.

 

However the most important person to seek applause from is yourself.

If you make photos that everyone else loves, but you don’t love your own photos— what is the point?

You are the hardest person to please. And not only that, but if you make photos that bring you true joy and happiness, why do you care what others think?

So as a takeaway point, consider these questions for your photography:

1. Whose applause do I seek? The applause of my friends? Of my colleagues? Of other famous photographers?
2. Do I like my own photos? Which of my own photos bring me joy? Which of my own photos excite me? Are there some of my photos that I love, and others don’t? Why?
3. At the end of the day, whose opinion matters more— the opinion of others, or myself?