When you make a photograph who do you want to please? Nothing used to leave my darkroom unless it was suitable for the most critical eye – mine. Some prints made it out of the darkroom only to be trashed when the image was evaluated later in the cold light of day. I guess the answer is the first person to make happy is you. If you are not happy with the work, there’s no reason to think that others will like it either. So, you please yourself first. I think that’s mandatory. If you wish to please critics, curators, gallery owners and fellow photographers that’s optional. Here’s why: their expectations for your art are far different than your own. They are looking for adherence to an artist school, something to fit into their collection or something they can sell at a profit. If they can do what they want to do with your photographs they will like your work.
In short, their reasons for liking your photography are far different than your own. To thine own self be true. Then worry about making others happy.
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