Beyond the criticism.

Every photographer, about to make themselves known, has always been criticized for whatever reason. Some blame him for not following the rules of photography, others for having pretended to try something new. Whenever we revolt against the status quo imposed by a sleeping majority, we are subject to the ruthlessness of criticism.

When I took the picture again, after many years of ups and downs, I met a lot of critics who showed their hatred for my work. Where I criticized my street photography, sometimes too shy for some and too invasive for others. And I'm not even talking about those who criticize the majority of my work, for free, when was used to be just in black and white.

I did not let myself be defeated by these critics, it reinforced my belief that what I was doing was probably too different for these people. That they expected to see the same pictures that we see too often and who do not know how to upset the rules, bending passively to the dictates of the world of photography.

Nothing else matter... ©Copyright Ludovic Lavogez

What I learned in the years that followed was that one should not fear criticism. I sincerely believe that every time you provoke a reaction, as aggressive as it is, it means that you are doing something good and different. Why ? If nobody cares about your work, it could show that it does not bring anything new, that it looks like everything that has already been done. But if your photos trigger a strong emotional response, whether positive or negative, then you say you did your job as a photographer.

It's impossible to please everyone. What matters most is that you are happy with your photographs. If other people are interested and love what you are doing, it's even better, but it's not an obligation. Do not make the mistake of trying to please at all costs, you will lose yourself as an artist in the infinite limbo of criticism.

Through social networks, it allowed me to develop my character, and especially to realize that very often, the most virulent critics come from people jealous and badly in their skin. Whatever you do, you will never satisfy them. They take pleasure in destroying the work of others. Thinking about it, I feel sorry for those people. Their purpose is not to make your work known, but simply to destroy, for the simple pleasure of crushing you.

Tell yourself that there will always be reactions when you present your work: either you will be judged negatively or positively, or you will be ignored. It's up to you to learn to live with criticism. Personally, I prefer to be judged to be ignored. The people who criticize you do not realize that what they are really doing is not destroying you, but by their actions they actually show that you have touched them. The very purpose of art. Be proud of it!

And never forget friends, self-criticism kills trust, constructively fund that of others, analyzing but not over-emphasizing. Today's moves are the strength of tomorrow.

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