I find if I really love a photograph before I put it out in the world then I am quite resilient to other people’s opinions, but if there is already a doubt in my mind then I find the criticism hard to deal with. So in a way it’s more a reflection of my own feelings at the time.

I think it”s really important to remember that we all have different experiences and values in life and how we perceive the world can vary so greatly. Really it’s about being sure we can stay true to ourselves, which is hard in a social environment. Obviously it’s human nature to want to please others and be recognised for our work. I can see why some artists retreat from the world for a year!

To piggy-back on what Micky wrote above, my mom is the same way. While she doesn’t criticize my weirder stuff, she’s definitely someone who likes my “happy” pictures. But that’s her; that’s what she’s comfortable with, and that’s ok.

I completely don’t understand the fuss over these images and why they shouldn’t be appropriate for your people.
That said, it’s no one’s business to change the way a artist works. You, as the viewer/buyer may or may not like it and will therefore buy or not buy it, but telling someone they should stop producing what they love is just insolent.
Happiness is key, you wrote it yourself. 🙂

What I loved of your post is the thought that there is a place for each art piece and style, and this is a journey to find that place. Somewhere there is someone who will love what you do. For someone and maybe for many it will make perfect sense.

Thank you for sharing, your timing is perfect!

I thank you.

[facing criticism with my writing and photography is just a part of it, but reminding yourself why you love it is what I needed to hear. Others may not, but you do. And that is what matters]

As we all know criticism is a part of success n that nothing can be achieved in life without being criticized. There are people out there who even criticize through demotivating u before u even start what u want to or what u dream of. I have also faced criticism many times but i never payed much attention to it as I become week n start loosing the passion I have for the task. I always feel that everyone has there own perception towards things n its their (criticizers) perception through which they r seeing my work. So I just choose not to get bothered by it much….and carry on doing my work with the same zeal.