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)

'What should I bring to the shoot?' A client guide to a photoshoot.

Getting a little stuck on what to wear or dress your child in for a photo shoot? Never fear, here is my tips on preparing for your photos! 

For solo shoots

The beautiful Sabrina Gunston. Check out her music here

Solo shoots can be anything from your simple head shots to glamour shots or promotional pics for artists. The types of clothes will be different depending on the type of photos but here are some tips:

• For classic headshots, for modeling or acting photos, its best to wear either plain black or white, to seem more professional. 
• If you're planning on a fashion shoot or promotional pics then it's best to bring a range of outfits, ones that depict your style and fashion sense. maybe 3 or 4 different outfits depending on how many photos you require. 
• Be prepared for all types of weather! It may look sunny but it could be windy too, so prepare for this by bringing hair ties and bobby pins. 
• Bring your make up with you in case a touch up is needed. 
• Bra straps can be a nightmare, so make sure your wearing one that is well fitted and doesn't show under your clothes. 
• Props! Don't forget to bring anything that you might want as prop, for example you may want your guitar if you're musician. Or to try something fun, you could get some bright lollipops. 

For baby shoots

Babies can be a little tricky to photograph if they're having a bad day, but there are some tips to make the best of the situation! 

• Always bring baby wipes with you to clean any drool or boogers away!
• A change of nappies (although this probably goes without saying)
• A change of outfits.
• Book your shoot around the time that the baby is mostly awake, and fits in with your daily routine. 
• Keep their favourite toys at hand to get a smile 
• Keep those little toe and fingernails trim for some super cute close up shots. 
• Figure out if you would like to be the photo as well, for example holding the baby, if so remember to keep your nails neat too!

For children shoots

• Explain the idea behind the shoot and why you want some nice photos before taken your children. 
• Let them have a little play before getting them to pose, let them relax and get comfortable with the photographer. 
• Take them somewhere where they can interact naturally with the environment, like a park. 
• Bring some toys!
• And maybe a treat for posing so well. A little bribery always helps, although nothing too messy!
• A change of clothes is always good incase they get muddy. 
• Bring any costumes that they have, it can sometimes give them more confidence if they dress up as their favourite character. 
• If you choose to book a surreal shoot with me please bring along any toys that you want to be included. The more the better!

For maternity shots

• Gather some props, like baby shoes, ultrasounds, and little baby grows. 
• Do bring your partner! This helps you relax and it'd be great if they could get involved as well
• Wear something comfortable. 

Other advice

• Always chat to the photographer regarding any worries or issue you have about your session.
• Brainstorm ideas and run they by the photographer before the shoot. 
• Look for inspiration, pinterest is great for this!
• Check the weather forecast!
• Bring and friend or family member for support if your nervous.

Hope this helps, for further advice or to book in your next shoot please email at becky.netley@live.co.uk 

Thank you

Becky x

Quotes from the best in the business.

Quotes on photography:

• 'Photography is the story I fail to put into words' - Destin Sparks. 
• 'You need to get people to relax around you and they need to trust you.' - Jonas Peterson (My favorite Wedding photographer) 
• 'You have to raise the bar. Give yourself a challenge. ask yourself "How can one make the impossible materialize?"' - Tim Walker. (Fashion photographer)
• 'A great photograph is one that fully expresses what one feels, in the deepest sense, about what is being photographed.' - Ansel Adams (Landscape photographer)
  

On Business/Freelancing:

• 'Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.' - Thomas Edison. 
• 'You are good enough, as long as you are willing to learn' - Rosie Hardy
• 'Everything you want is on the other side of fear' - Jack Canfield 

On creativity: 

• 'The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.' - Pablo Picasso 
• 'No great artist ever sees things as they really are. If he did, he would cease to be an artist.' - Oscar Wilde.
• 'Creativity takes courage' - Henri Mattisse

Advice/ Things I've learnt from shooting weddings...

So you've been asked to photograph a wedding, it may be a friends or a clients, either way its a huge and scary job. It's the happiest day of their life, so you have be sure to capture every moment, and then there is of course the 'posed' photos of the friends, family, in-laws ect.

Now I'm not a famous wedding photographer (unfortunately) but I done a few weddings over my years of freelancing and I want to share some of the things I've learnt over along the way...

• Triple check you have all the right equipment (and that it works). Before I even set out of the house, I take a photo, to check that everything is working right. The things I always make sure I have with me are:

1. Camera (Of course) and batteries, I always bring 2, fully charged. 
2. Flash gun. Super important for weddings, as the venues are often quite dim lit. 
3. Memory cards. 
4. Lens cloth 
5. business cards

• Write a list of poses/ the people you need to get formal shots off. Some of the ones that are usually important: (You can download checklists of 'formal weddings shots' or make your own!)

1. The bride and her mother 
2. The bride and bridesmaids
3. The groom and best man 
4. The couple with both sets of parents. 
5. The bride alone

• Be thick skinned. On weddings days, especially in the morning, people can be quite stressed and you may be ordered around a bit. Keep in mind that usually the bridesmaids and the mother of bride have alot of things to think about so don't take it to heart if they do boss you around a little bit. Just be confident of your job and focus on getting the best photos. 
• Look out for natural smiles. Scan the crowds, looking for natural smiles, focus in and capture that real moment. 
  
• Check before the big day ask how long they want to you to stay. It can be awkward asking whether you are free to go or not, so make sure before hand that they know how many hours you are willing/have been paid to stay. Ask before hand if they want you to stay for the first dance, cutting of the cake or just want snaps of the ceremony. 
• Always get a deposit!
• Check that everyone is okay for your to publish the photos. 
• Bring a snack bar. You could be working up to 12 hours, without any time to stop, so its important to bring a snack that you can eat quickly but will keep you going, maybe a cereal bar or a packet of peanuts. Hopefully the bride and groom will let you eat when they are having their meal. 
• Check with the vicar if and when you can use flash. 
• Capture the little details. These are usually the things that the bride is too busy to really take notice of, so its a good idea to capture these so the couple always has a reminder of every aspect of their wedding day. 
  
• Dress your best. Look professional but be aware of the wearing heels all day :/ I usually go for some comfortable small heels or nice sandals. 

Hope this is useful to anyone shooting a wedding soon. I do love weddings but as a photographer it is one of the most stressful jobs and there is alot of pressure on the photographer to capture everything, so if in doubt, just keep clicking! 

Becky. x