It happens. When you put yourself out there for the world to see, when you share your work that is actually a reflection of yourself. For me, the criticism comes mostly from within but wherever the source, it’s just another one of the challenges in this journey as a photographer. One that is to be expected, I suppose?
When I had the lovely honor of photographing a boudoir session for a bride-to-be, I was met with comments on how classy and tasteful the photos were. It made my heart so happy, because my intentions in boudoir are exactly that – classy, tastefully sexy and beautiful photos meant as a thoughtful gift to a bride’s groom or husband. I had a session done and album made as a gift to my groom on our wedding day so it is something I fully believe in and stand behind. However, the photos were met with a couple other comments as well…ones that involved questioning my intentions for gaining business and questioning even my faith.
I was angry. Fuming. As was Shane.
The thing is, people are going to judge, whether it’s out of differing opinions or style, jealousy or ignorance. And that’s okay, because I can’t look to gain everyone’s approval. We can’t all have the same idea of what is lovely because that would make for a boring world. If you don’t like my idea of what is lovely, then you are welcome to look elsewhere. To those of you who do follow and comment and encourage, you mean more to me than you know.
I often remind myself of something Jasmine said at theFix in LA: what is your goal for number of weddings in a year? Twenty. Then all you need to do is impress and gain the approval of twenty brides. That’s all.
I think everyone in this industry will at some point in time receive criticism. It’s up to us how we’re going to respond to it. To question your faith is ridiculous, and I hope you can pass it off as such!! Don’t let it eat at you. You’re a beautiful person and an amazing photographer. People who want to hurt you are just jealous :)
Mikaela, you are a fabulous photographer and your photos are just that…fabulous, classy and capture a true moment. Never let anyone get you down or take your flame and passion because you are truely a very talented and blessed photographer!! Keep up the amazing work :)
Yup, as long as your client’s are happy, that’s all that matters!
Keep doing what you love, keep moving forward. The people who appreciate what you do, will continue to inspire and motivate you. The people who don’t appreciate you, will fall away. It is easy to fall into trying to please everyone… but then you risk losing your unique vision.
Continue being unique, continue being you. Your work is gorgeous.
P.S. After reading what I wrote, I realized this reminder is just as much for me, as it is for you. :)
I’m so glad to read this post and hear that you’re OK being you and sticking to your beliefs and feelings! You and Shane are both amazing people and photographers!
i think lovely is a very apt word to describe all of your work.
for what it’s worth, i really enjoyed your boudoir session. looking forward to the next one!
Ignore them as much as you can… I thought they were were beautiful, sexy, classy. I have seen other boudoir that didn’t capture what you did. Yours captured how I believe that boudoir is supposed to be shown. Besides, it’s for her groom/her… It’s just another way to help us women believe that we are beautiful…. Keep up the great work! And inspiring me to grow…
As a Christian, I fully support your view on boudoir! I think what you create is beautiful and I am behind you and your talent 100%
:)
More power to you mikaela! You are wonderful in every way!
Mikaela,
Thanks so much for sharing… I didn’t even really know that special boudoir photography sessions exist, but for the reasons you gave, I fully support you in that. If I were getting married all over again right now, I’d totally hire you to do that for me… sounds sexy and fun.
I think your work it great- you will have no problems getting 20 brides a year to like you… or whatever your number is.
~Corinna
Thanks for sharing this! So true, and I love your outlook.
Mikaela,
Your work is absolutely incredible. I LOVE your work, only wish I had tons of money to hire you for every season and all the occasions that I would LOVE to have photos taken :) cause I LOVE having photos taken.
Your boudoir session was absolutely stunning. I think I commented on it at the time, that I only wish I had a body that I could pull that off with :) but that’s ok, God has blessed me with 2 beautiful children.
Keep doing what you’re doing. God has the perfect plan and right now, in this moment, you are doing exactly what He wants you to be doing.
Bless you as you keep taking beautiful photos!
And as one of those brides this year- I love your work!!
You inspire me and what I have seen of your vision and your talent does not ever make me doubt the depth of professionalism and artistry that you possess. Rather, your faith and the beauty that you see in others is captured in such beautifully poignant and touching ways. Your vision, to me, is beautiful and your journey has inspired me to follow in your footsteps. Someday I will be a photographer, and I will be able to say that Mikaela inspired me. <3
The boudoir shoot that you posted on your blog was beautiful and sweet. For a woman to trust another woman to show her at her best, in photos that will be a gift to the man she loves, is worth so much. You did it beautifully, and you know that this bride was more than happy! I’m sure her groom was too. May many more brides and wives be inspired to be creative and a wee bit daring and trust you and your camera! They will not be disappointed! And you will be blessed! And may you hear and absorb all these positive comments and forget the very few negative ones! xoxo
The only great thing about criticism such as this, is the fact that we can clarify and define to ourselves what are own “intentions” are….it’s always good to take a look again, confirm what we know is true. It’s true that “Iron sharpens iron” but it can hurt at first but you’ll be stronger for it. I for one am a fan of your work and I love to see how you’ve taken the love between a man and his wife out of the gutter and into Godly light.
Mikaela. Please don’t let others steal your joy. Your boudoir images are tasteful and classy. Just because you are a christian does not mean you can’t be a boudoir photographer.
I never comment but just had to here. I think your work and your intentions are amazing and genuine. You will never be able to please everyone and at the end of the day the only one you need to worry about is God. Keep your eyes on Him and he will never let you down. Keep doing what your doing girl! He gave you an amazing heart and talent!
You do BEAUTIFUL, CLASSY WORK!!! You have a beautiful gift and talent. Keep on keeping on!