7 Tips To Handle Critical Feedback As A Photographer

We all want to get hired by the biggest brands and shoot billboard-worthy pictures. But how do you get there?

How do you sharpen your clicks and have a waitlist of billion-dollar companies wanting to shoot for them? 

You won’t be wrong if your answer is practice and more practice.

But practice without direction isn’t going to take you anywhere. This is why the most important element to hone your craft is FEEDBACK (especially negative)

Getting feedback that challenges your work can be scary and disheartening, especially when you've put so much time and effort into clicking it.

So here are 7 tips on how to turn critical feedback into your most powerful tool:

1. Keep an Open Mind

Everyone sees things differently, so don't let criticism bring you down. Instead, use it as a chance to gain new insights. Try stepping back and seeing your work from a different perspective for creative growth.

2. Don't Take it Personally

It's natural to feel defensive or hurt but remember that it's not about you as a person. 

Take a deep breath and remind yourself that the criticism is about your work and your skills. Separating your emotions will help you see the feedback objectively and use it to improve.

3. Ask Questions and Be Curious

Instead of getting defensive, try to understand why the person gave the feedback. Ask questions to get more information and clarity on what they think needs improvement. Understanding the feedback better will help you know what areas to work on.

4. Get Insight from Trusted Sources

While feedback from family and friends is valuable, it's also important to seek guidance from other photographers or professionals in the field. 

They can give you a different perspective based on their experience. Joining a photography community or finding a mentor will help you get constructive criticism from people you trust.

5. Focus on Specific Improvements

Rather than feeling overwhelmed, break down the feedback into smaller tasks. 

Concentrate on specific actions you can take to enhance your photography so that you can measure your progress more effectively.

6. Try New Things and Take Risks

Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and experiment with different techniques or styles. 

Use the feedback from a senior professional as an opportunity for growth and push yourself to explore new ideas. Taking risks will help you expand your creativity and evolve as a photographer.

7. Celebrate Your Progress

Lastly, remember to acknowledge how far you’ve come and celebrate, no matter how small. Photography is a journey, and growth takes time. 

Handling critical feedback is a necessary part of becoming a better photographer. 

It’s not going to be easy, but good things in life are rarely the easiest ones!

Embrace it, separate your emotions, and turn critical feedback into a stepping stone toward improvement.

Stay connected with me and get more insights, tips, and inspiration. Following me on Instagram: @blackvisualqueen. Sign up for the Creative Lounge Newsletter below. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your creative needs, reach out to me via email at blackvisualqueen@gmail.com