A few days ago I read a great blog post about haters and it really got me thinking. We all know what a hater is, and I’m sure most of us have hated on someone, for one reason or another. I know I am guilty for putting down another’s work for no other reason then my own insecurities. In the fast changing and highly competitive world of photography, it’s easy to judge one another and downplay success because they had xyz (whatever it may be).
Honestly, I struggle with this all the time. My competitive drive gets carried away and before I know it, I’m trashing someone’s work. Do they deserve it? Of course not! Deep down inside I know this, but still I’m threatened! In this photo driven world there are literally thousands of great photographers just in Southern California, the talent can become overwhelming.
But where is my place among the thousands? As much as I want to be “different” or “better” then the masses, I’m really just another “me too” trying to figure out where they belong. So the next time you get the urge to hate on another artist, stop and analyze where your insecurities are REALLY coming from. Does another person’s success really make your own somehow less attainable?
Know that everyone’s path in life is different, concentrate on your own!
Just because posts feel naked without a photograph, here’s some of the most heavenly clouds I’ve ever seen! Happy Friday!
You SO totally rock!!! Well put…very well put!!!
I feel you Kaysha. In thousands of photographers, there is only one you. And that’s where your value is. Besides, you’re only hated on if you’re really good… that being said… I hate you! LOL ; ) “Let your haters be your motivators!”
Seriously, I don’t like to hate on anyone, but of course there’s a tinge of jealousy when you see success in someone who you don’t think is up to par, but the way I see it, if “that guy” can do it.. then I can too!
Great post! I love this line from the article “Minimizing other’s achievements, integrity, and creativity only demeans the photographic industry.” So very true! You said it very well with “Know that everyone’s path in life is different, concentrate on your own!”
This is one of my favorite quotes relating to this topic “It is better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to live an imitation of someone else’s life with perfection” The Bhagavad Gita
I love this post. Keep a positive mind and keep up the good work Kaysha.
LOKITM
Mikal Lok