A photographer friend of mine put me onto a new website: OneExposure (1x.com). Wannabe artists can submit their work for online publication in the OneExposure "gallery", but submissions are "screened" by a panel of resident experts who are very particular.I thought, "So they're picky, eh? I like an occasional challenge."
After a quick sign-up and sign-in at the new site, I went through my archives in search of my "best" photo. I have always been very proud of this one (above) so figured I'd give it a go.
Whew, it didn't take long. I submitted it last night, and got the email this morning. This is what it said:
This e-mail is sent out to update you on screening results for pictures you uploaded.
Unfortunately the following picture(s) were not published:
* #82796 (Blades & Bottles)
It's a good photo, but it doesn't stand out that much. A photo might be technically perfect, but it also has to affect the viewer.
Unfortunately the following picture(s) were not published:
* #82796 (Blades & Bottles)
It's a good photo, but it doesn't stand out that much. A photo might be technically perfect, but it also has to affect the viewer.
Ouch.
Well, I've always been a huge advocate for honesty in matters such as this, so I got what I asked for. The email states that I can "appeal" the decision, but I can't see much point.
I spent some time reviewing the images that have been published there, and then waded thru my files to see if I had anything I deemed equal to those already accepted. Yeah, right.
I think being summarily shot down in flames has "adjusted" my point-of-view to the extent that NONE of my photos now look "good enough". What was I thinking??? Well, nothing like a good slap-down to put things into proper perspective.... Or could it be that I am simply my own worst critic? Even if that is true, I still cannot see the forest for the trees -- or perhaps I cannot find that one special "tree" within the "forest". I know this is a self-esteem issue, but how does one overcome this nonsense? Maybe my photos aren't world-class great, but wouldn't you think that ONE out of some 10,000 shots would be "good enough" for something like this? I think yes, but how the heck do I find that one grain of wheat in a virtual mountain of chaff?
Oh hell. I think I'll just go sit in the corner and pout.
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3 comments:
I personally feel that you've got to have moments like this to keep driving you to evolve your style, your art and your technique. Now I'm not saying you need to be "better" in the classical sense but rather what I'm saying is that as artists it is moments like these coupled with the positive feedback we get that fuels and drives us as photographers.
That is a photo that I'd be proud of. Criteria is criteria, it doesn't define art but rather the tastes and desires of a person or group of people. There's no need to let this hurt, friend.
Gather strength and use it as a springboard to trying something new or nurturing and developing the skill-set you've already got!
Stay happy and healthy!
Brody
I think it's a photo to be proud of personally.
What makes a photo "stand out?" Let's be honest...
A photo stands out to the viewer.
The person looking at it determines automatically whether or not that photo "speaks" to them.
Critics can be a good thing, but at the same time...critics are only human. If they are determining the fate of YOUR art, they need to step out of THEMSELF and step into you. That is the only "fair" way to critique.
Any way...I love the photo. Don't be too hard on yourself!!
Outrageous. I cannot believe it...THAT photo is excellent. I can see it in the International Center of Photography in New York City on exhibit...easily. It allows one imagination for a past time. Obviously, the ONE person at that site has a bunch of photos to eliminate and did NOT take the time to appreciate yours. Grrrr...for that one person...there are 1 MILLION others that would LOVE your photo, my dear (and I am one of those million).
Hugs, M
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