Thank you so much for your positive feedback and complimentary words on my pictures. I’m glad you liked them! Unfortunately, my photography professor wasn’t so kind.

I proudly waltzed in to class today, excited and anxious to “show off” my pictures. I didn’t expect for my professor to gush over every one, but I also didn’t expect for to rip them apart. Literally. Half of one of my pictures is missing.

Initially I was heartbroken. I wanted to cry. I have developed such a passion for photography. Each picture I take is my pride and joy. It’s a piece of me, a piece of my life, a piece of the world as I see it. To have the most vulnerable part of myself criticized was really tough to deal with.

Until I realized he was offering constructive criticism that would really help me to develop as a photographer and strengthen my pictures. For instance, this shot.

He says there’s too much “empty space”. It takes away from the impact of the picture.

I agree.

 See how much more the rain drops “pop” in the second one? I do!

He also reiterated that there’s a difference between a good picture and a cool picture.

This is a “cool” picture, but what is it saying?

In his words, a picture should make you feel something. Positive, negative, it doesn’t matter. When looking at a good picture, you should have some kind of reaction. This picture does nothing.

I also agree.

He said my photography is “safe”. He said a lot of my pictures look like advertisements.


They’re pretty, have good symmetry and lighting, but they don’t really evoke emotion. He said a good picture is one that someone loves or someone hates. You don’t want your audience to be indifferent about how they feel about your picture.

He really knows what he’s talking about.

I think my professor noticed that I felt a little defeated, so after class he did pull me aside to say that he “sees a lot of potential in me” and “only offered such harsh criticism because he knows that I do have the eye and talent to actual do something with my photography”. Phew. I’m just glad to know the $600 I threw down for Rebella wasn’t a total waste.

It’s true though. Until now all I’ve known about photography as been self- taught. I’ve never consciously thought about the composition of a photograph or the mood that I’m trying to convey. Bearing these factors in mind, I really do think my pictures will develop. I’m excited!

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Are you good at handling constructive criticism or do you tend to get defensive? 

Can you recall any “powerful pictures” that really resonated with you (in a good or bad way!) Why do you think you remember them? 

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