coatachrome

I have watched as many a thread on this site has erupted into a melodramatic experience when one individual posted a photo, on an obviously public forum, and after receiving a less than stellar review, that offended party grabs their flag of moral righteous indignation and, in that same public forum, hoists it up the flagpole seeking to have their ruffled feathers smoothed over by anyone else, in that same public forum, who cares to join in the public fray.

This is the basic difference between professionals and amateurs. It can be summed up in the lines from one of my favorite Rudyard Kipling poems that reads, “If you can take one heap of all your winnings, and risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss, and loose, and start again at your beginnings, and never breath a word about your loss . . . “

Through out my career I have been invited to exhibit my work in various forums. Some have been free public exhibits and some have been paid private exhibits for which I have been handsomely compensated. After some of either venue I have returned home feeling I was at the top of my game, and after some I have returned home wanting nothing more than to get under the covers and curl up in the fetal position for the rest of the week. But I could not because I am a professional. I had to go to my studio the next day and face my family and friends, my supporters and detractors, my editors and competitors and never speak a word about the prior evenings events. That is what a professional does. I would need to say to myself this is part of the career I choose. What I could not do was lash out at those who saw my work through their eyes and not my own.

I am reminded of two other quotes. One by Vincent Van Gogh taken from a letter he wrote to his brother, he observed, “There is nothing as vulnerable as the dedicated artist who asks of the passing stranger ‘What do you think of this?’ “And the other from James Hoffa who said, “Never let the bastards see you sweat.”

That’s my two cents worth.

Country's Mama Loc: Michigan

I agree with all you have said, I also think that it is the difference between being a mature adult or childish.
And I think it holds true in every walk of life. You are measured by how you handle both the negative and the positive in your life.

etchersketch Loc: Florida

Sooooooooooo true. When I ask, give me your feedback. And let's just leave it at that!

johnr9999 Loc: Carlton, OR

I do think that one other quote applies: "consider the source"

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

As an innovative engineer/chemist/make-it-work artistic type working in industry and hearing that won't work from many. Then what followed was pickie-criticisms from many when the change did work. They will forgive you for being wrong, but woe be unto you for being right. I grew to feel there was a problem when my creations did not get spat upon!! Pain, where is my Pain please!! To hide in the shadows is safe, but we or plants do not grow.

When I joined the camera club, TBCC, I would boil internally for not getting high points when I always knew that certain friends of the judges would rank well. (Now I know why, there photos were almost flawless and deserved high ranking)

So one night I said hay, why did you give me low score on this photo,,,, aaah, a learning experience indeed. My photos were photo documentaries, if it is in the photo it is there. The critique was, what does that chunk of concrete have to do with the story presented to the viewer? Since then, every photo submitted by everyone is openly and fairly criticized by the very experienced and professional judges and the points awarded at the end of a year of criticisms has risen significantly for everyone,,, every one has learned how to improve.

So, now I print my submission and hang on the wall for several weeks and use a marker to circle changes needed. Once I dis-own my own photo it is easier to self-criticize. One night as my photo was projected during judging, I said to the lady next to me "look, that dunce left ... " she asked who's photo is it, I said mine. So with the pain I have grown a great deal and grown to expect it. Like the song "Bring on the Pain" ,, no sorry it was bring on the rain.

No, Not goinna let it get me down
I'm not gonna cry
So bring on the rain

http://www.lyricsfreak.com/j/jo+dee+messina/bring+on+the+rain_20072232.html

forbescat

For all the claims of professionalism that have been made on this site, it's clear that there are very few. The other thing that seems to be lacking is the pure joy that comes from going out with a camera and coming back with pictures.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

You sound like a republican candidate, they are all angry by nature are you? ... why not peacefully say, thumb your nose at critics and shoot and enjoy your photography with loved ones and close friends. Why attack others in the forum ? You do not need to answer that, it was a suggestion not a question except for self examination. Hay, who am I to criticize, I fume from time to time.

domesticatedanimal Loc: Dunedin, Fla.

Very nice redfish! Good job.

dhelix33 Loc: Live in Raleigh, NC - Grew up in Teaneck, NJ

Have seen this type of comment evoke, silliness, grandstanding, insults and threats on similar discussion threads. I was interested in your pragmatic description of events, and enjoyed reading your commentary on the subject.

I have seen images from self proclaimed 'professional photographers' that leave much to be desired. I have also seen images from so-called 'amateurs' that are breathtaking.

So beyond the 'title' one gives themselves, photographic beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Cheers!
dhelix33

HeartGem

I have met "professional" photographers who use their "professionalism" to ridicule, demean, and otherwise treat the "non-professional" like dog c**p! That is what really lights my fire!!!!

Photohacker Loc: Temecula, CA

Being a photographer means having something to say with your camera and evoking emotions from the viewer. To me, that's what it's all about and it doesn't matter if they like the picture or not. Amateur or professional doesn't matter either. You can be a crappy photographer but still make a good living if you know how to market yourself. Nowadays the line between the two are blurred and it's not what makes you a photographer, it's how well you convey your message to the viewer.

ln4jc Loc: high desert california

A professional is one who gets paid for what they do. But I would rather look to them as a leader in the occupation they are in. Someone once said, “A good leader makes good leaders”. There are a lot of good leaders on this form and there are a few who need to pull their horns in. But I look to all and glean what I can as there is always something to learn from anyone.

forbescat

My comment has been misunderstood. There are some who come to this site claiming to be professional who aren't either in competence or demeanor. There are some non-professionals who bring wonderful knowledge, images and a desire to share and help. That's all I meant.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Gee, forbescat no one ever mis-understands me!! Not. :lol:

dhelix33 Loc: Live in Raleigh, NC - Grew up in Teaneck, NJ

This looks like Joshua Tree State Park - is it?