Dealing with criticism.

As a lot of people do, I struggle with dealing taking criticism, even if it's trying to be constructive. Even when I know people are trying to be helpful, it still stings to hear the things that could or in their opinion need to changed. The reasons I think criticism is difficult for most of us to swallow is because 

1. It makes us doubt ourselves and our skills
2. It can make us feel belittled 
3. It can make us angry if the personal has no knowledge of the subject they are criticizing 

The difficulties of being creative. 

The reason I never went to university was that I didn't want tutors telling me that I shouldn't do a certain project or that my idea wasn't want they wanted to hear. I didn't want their criticism! To me that kind of criticism can be damaging to your creativity, it can crush any ideas you have. It actually wasn't until I left education that I was naturally able to develop my own style. 

When someone criticises your artform you can choose whether or not to take their ideas on board. If they are an expert in the field and you value their opinion then its probably useful to you to listen. But on the other hand if they have no knowledge of your skills and you don't agree with what they are saying then you have every right to dismiss their ideas. 

I personally feel that there are few right or wrongs within artforms, and most criticism is just people's personal opinions, which can still be painful to hear.  

Heres some ideas to help you deal with criticism:

• Figure out whether it was destructive or constructive criticism. If it was constructive try to keep in mind that they are only trying to be helpful. 
• Keep yourself empowered.  You have every right to say 'no I don't agree with this and I wont take it on board', it is your life afterall!
• Bite your tongue and let them explain. If it's a friend or family member giving you feedback, its easy to become defensive and snap back but take a second to listen to their reasoning, is there anything useful in what they are saying. Remember that they are only trying to help you.
• Accept that you're not perfect - But no one is!
• Keep a compliments journal. If criticism has caused you to doubt yourself, keep a journal of all the compliments you have received. I bet they outweigh the negative opinions! 
• Check out some advice from experts (see the video below for some great advice)

1 family, 5 years, 5 shoots...

Every year for 5 years I've had a shoot with a special mum and her son. Young mum, Stevie-anne has been a friend of my sister since they were little, and when I was in college, Stevie was my very client! Now 5 years later, little cameron has grown and hopefully so have my photography skills!

Heres the journey...

Year 1 

We choose the beach for our first shoot, little cam here was only 2 at the time. 

Year 2

Year 2 was set in a park which had loads of trees and horses. Cam was still extremely shy and nervous around the camera. 

Year 3 

Year 3 and my photography style had started to develop, I began experimenting with photoshop, creating my now signature style of surreal photography. Cam's favourite thing at the time was superheros, so I wanted to show this in the photos...

Year 4 

Stevie and cam had a new addition to their family, little Poppy, the jack russel. She was a bundle of energy and it was difficult to keep her still long enough for a photo. 

Year 5 

Can't believe that this is the 5th year of shoots! Cam is now almost 7 and is getting more confident.

I know I can make him into his favourite superheros so hes not fussed about the camera anymore. 

Cam still loves his superheroes. 

I brought my dog, alfie on the shoot and he really got on well with Cam. Love this shot of them. 

A massive thank you to Stevie-anne for choosing me to document her son growing up, its been such fun! 

Bring on next years shoot!

New Etsy Store!

Hey guys,

Just a quick update really. I've been pretty busy so I haven't had time to do a proper blog post but I have some great ideas lined up.

Anyway I've been filling my time with Etsy! I have an Etsy account already for some handmade jewellery I've done but I wanted to make one for my photography. I figured that even if I didn't sell and prints at least it was a good marketing tool to showcase my work.

If anyone is on Etsy check out both my stores:

For jewellery: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Ticktockjewellery

For more photography: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/BNetleyphotography

Hope you all have a good week

Becky x

Artists Palette - Photo

Testing some new ideas for children's shoots, this ones made for kids who love a little bit of art! 

My favorite instagram accounts to follow

I've recently become slightly addicted to Instagram, and its no wonder really, with thousands of accounts and tonnes of awesome people to follow! The accounts I follow usually tend to be art or photography based, but I also like some food, fashion and pet accounts as well. Here are my favs..

@mermaidens  - I simply love the style of Kailey Flyte and adore her outfits and photos. Think pink! 

@Joelrobison   This guy has some serious skills and I've personally been a fan of his work for a while, so following his account was a no brainer for me.

@arts_help is a great account that showcases artists of instagram, helping them to gain followers. Check it out for some amazing work.

@Alexbeadon - If your a business owner or freelancer and you haven't checked out this girls videos, then get on it! Alex shares such useful info on how to build your business. Her instagram is full of inspiration as well.

@happy.soul - Self taught artist who creates these beautiful illustrations that are simply instagram gold! 

@bodyposipanda - This girl is such an inspiration, she openly talks about her recovery from an eating disorder and she is proof that recovery is possible! She posts inspirational and body positive images! 

@Effyourbeautystandards  This account was set up by super famous plus size model Tess Holiday. She campaigns for plus size women everywhere to feel good about themselves. I love seeing pics of photoshoots with plus size women. Follow this account for inspiring pics and quotes!




Don't forget to follow me as well  @beckynetleyphotography 

Have a great weekend everyone!

Awesome lego inspired crafts

So after candyland, I wanted to make a backdrop or scene suitable for boys (or girls) and Lego sprung to mind. I would love to make a crazy world of lego that I could shrink my clients into.

On my quest to find inspiration I found some great lego inspired crafts and life hacks.

Here are my favs

Lego plant head

USB stick.

customized lego letters by this etsy user: MosaicTreasureBox 

Lego Soap!

tutorial here

Lego + cake = the best thing ever.

Key holder!

Toothbrush holder. 

Lego cable holder!

Lego head jars

There are far too many lego diys to try! I'll be sure to do a tutorial if I try any of these, but for now I must get back to lego shoot ideas!