Thursday, January 21, 2010

Everyone's a Critic

Okay, I was going to stay quiet about this whole thing, but it's really been bugging me, so I've decided to say something.

Yesterday I noticed my blog was getting way more hits than usual, so I looked to see where they were all coming from.

Turns out, most of them were from an Ex-Mormon site. Someone started a thread on there about the fact that I had posted some pre-missionary shots on my blog. This person wanted to know when this "cheesy and ridiculous" trend started of having a pre-mission shoot.

Then several other people piped up to comment on my photographic abilities -- or lack thereof, according to them.

Here's a sampling of the things they said:

"These look like Sears or K-mart photos."
"They're in a studio and they can't get good lighting. Sorry. For some reason bad photography p***** me off."
"I couldn't resist browsing some of the other photos on the blog. Listen up people, owning a fancy camera DOES NOT MAKE YOU A PHOTOGRAPHER. It makes you a ******* with a fancy camera. So LEARN TO USE IT! before you start bilking people out of their money for your ***** family portraits. I have a fancy camera, but I know better than to think I'm a professional photographer."

Nice, huh?


I guess the thing that bothers me most about all these comments is the fact that they are all taking place behind my back. If people have something to say about my photography, I wish they'd say it to me instead of snarking away on some message board.

I know I'm not the best photographer on the planet, but I have worked hard, have invested a lot of time, energy and money, and know I have a lot of friends and family out there who appreciate the memories I have preserved for them.

Just wish there weren't so many haters out there.

25 comments:

Jami said...

Oh, Margaret! I'm so sorry! What horrible, hateful people there are in this world. Your pictures are beautiful and you are a fantastic photographer. Don't let those meanies get you down. :(

Joanne said...

Don't feel badly. People use messageboards and nasty comments to build themselves up. It is cruel and unnecessary but you know your pics are beautiful and appreciated. Don't let internet bullies make you feel bad about yourself.

Kami said...

Oh that is so mean and classless of people! Ignore that trash. Ditto the camera comment, having a nice camera DEFINITELY does not make you a photographer! Thanks for saying that.

pat said...

Margaret, don't let those nasties get to you. Some people look for opportunities to be mean and nasty--and being able to be anonymous and faceless at the same time makes them feel invincible. Don't worry about them---they sound like the type of comments that are left to leave the other person feeling smug and righteous about themself. You are a wonderful person and you do a terrific job at capturing moments and memories for people you know and love--all of whom have told you how much they enjoy your work. YOu keep getting referrals; that should tell you something, NOT an anonymous comment by some cyberjerk. Many hugs and much love, Margaret!!!

Vanessa said...

I think sometimes there is a mob mentality on message boards. Someone may have a different opinion, but instead they don't post it because it is against the grain, or some mean spirited people like to join in the pile on and post stuff just because everyone else is.

I am sorry you got your feelings hurt!!

Alvord Photography said...

Margaret, I am sorry. You know that we all love you and photography is a journey. You know what they say though...if you have haters...that means that you have got people taking and attention put on you. I say embrace them and know now that you are something amazing!

Tracy said...

Hugs to you Margaret!

annabelle said...

I'm sorry some people forget that 'if you can't say anything nice then you shouldn't say anything at all' that what momma always said and she was right.

Janae said...

Grrrrrrrrrrr enough said. And if any haters are reading this I just got my 24x36 print of our family pictures taken in November and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. So there.

Jen said...

OOOH I wanna go pop those haters in the nose! Margaret- I just LOVE your work. You have a beautiful style. I love the work you do. You are talented- and you share that talent with others. And those haters have nothing better to do than tear people down. what losers.

xoxo

April O'neil said...

thats horrible im sorry people would say that there just mad cause you take great photos and they need to get over them selfs and grow up....

Lisa Childs said...

How were you able to tell who sees your blog? Margaret: I'm so sorry that these people are dissing on your photography and talent. Actually- no, I'm not sorry. I'm sorry that THEY have nothing better to do than talk badly about others for their personal benefit and appearance. It's unfortunate that they had to drag you into their hatin'. But we'll just have to show our haters love because they're probably saying some other nasty stuff on their ex-lds sites and we don't want to egg them on by giving them reason to do so. It's ridiculous and I hope you know that only the most talented and successful have haters.. So don't worry;) It's probably a good thing as far as your 'photographic skills'.. it just means you're good! :D And we all love you! :)

Yolanda said...

Sorry that this happened. Some bullies never grow up do they? Mean people suck! Hold your head up and keep up the good work.

Nicki said...

I totally disagree with their assessment of your skills - I think you take outstanding portraits and you completely ROCK at teen/party shots. Some people feel that being "anonymous" gives them free pass to be rude and nasty, with no consideration that there is a real person on the other end of their comments being hurt. Do not take it to heart - for every nasty anonymous comment - you have had great reviews 10 times over. Hold your head high.

Reds said...

So so sorry - can't believe people can be so mean for no reason! You are a great photographer and don't let them make yout think otherwise!

The Hiller Family said...

That's nasty! I'm so sorry... I bet it made for a crappy day.
I for one am grateful for the memories you've given us with kahlan's newborn pictures... i've seriously love them! I cannot thank you enough!

HeyLady said...

I enjoy your posts so much! If any of those things were true I would not follow your blog!

Laurie

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry that you have been the target of those people who must have nothing better to do. I am not LDS but it makes perfect sense to me to commemorate a time in the life of a young person when a big change is coming. Your photos are beautiful and show how much you care about the subjects and how they are portrayed. Hugs to you:)

Suzy said...

I am just floored! I can't believe the things they said :(.. I keep re-writing my post here to remove swear words and offensive language directed at these people! Perhaps I should come back when I'm less angry. You rock and I hope you know how wrong those creeps are!

1happymom said...

That is really sad. Maybe you could think of it this way...people who spend their time surfing ex-Mormon websites tend to be unhappy, angry, selfish people and you shouldn't take anything that they have to say seriously. I think that your photos are lovely. I am sorry that you had to be exposed to such cruelty.

Love,
Kathy Nielsen(Bonham)

Jodie said...

Wow that is awful and horrible of them. I think the photos you took of the young man are lovely. They look to have captured him beautifully. You do a great job with your photography and I love seeing oyur work.

Tracie said...

Big hugs to you Margaret. People like that are so miserable they always want to pull others down in their misery. You are an amazing photographer, and have such a gift for capturing people's personality and true selves :)

The Crazy Coxes said...

Margaret -
I think your pictures are terrific. I'm not a professional and I'm barely even an amateur. I cut everyone's heads off. But I think your photos are very fun, creative, show an individual's personality and you've never cut off a single head!

Kate said...

Misery loves company--why else would people go out of their way to drag others down? Everyone who comes to our house raves about the pictures on our wall--half of which YOU have taken!! You are able to capture the true personality of people and that is a great talent. I'm so sorry you had to read those things! I love you!!

gjan said...

Wow, some people really do not have enough to do, plus they are so mean. I guess it is true that those who leave the church can't leave it alone. So sorry they took their stupidity and anger out on you. I love your photos - my house is full of them!