As a corporate and interior photographer largely reacting to the market - constantly - I love this. I want to break out, have my work stand out, not be judged in the echo chamber where the majority of photographers churn out pretty much the same thing. But I get scared because of the economy. If I don’t shoot interiors how the market dictates, I will probably flounder. Maybe daring to flounder is the way to go up a level. Especially if you believe sufficiently in what you know you could be doing.
It's such a great point and I do think there can be a delineation between artistic pursuit and commercial endeavor. Getting the two to align is incredibly hard, and that is okay. We have to put food on the table but we also need to have space to create for ourselves.
Ali this is such an important message. I, by choice spend most time sharing my work in exhibition/gallery form rather than socials simply for the authenticity of response be that good, bad or indifferent.
Ok, on the one hand I’ve heard this story in the Dylan documentary and I gotta say I was flabbergasted by the sheer disdain of the fans they interviewed on that tour.
But then coming to the way you tied it in with respect to artists in general - I had to think of this demo I made last weekend that almost everyone hated. The cognitive dissonance kicks in when I realize this song is probably the best thing I’ve written in quite a while and reading your piece is giving me the energy to go ahead and produce it 👽
I used to think others criticizing my work was the kiss of death. I think it depends on how the criticism or hateful comment is leveled. One type of comment ends up making you think, "you have zero clue as to what I was trying to communicate" and the other ends up making you think, "omg, they could be right." To me, the former is a huge annoyance while the latter lights a fire underneath me. Thanks for the post! I guess you saw the Dylan movie?
that's exactly right, I think it is important to be open to criticism and know how to receive it which can be hard, but when you see truth in something it can be not only a motivator but also really sharpen the work. and yes, I saw the movie :)
This is one of the most true things I’ve ever read Ali! It sums up how it feels to be creating, especially these days online, where over time you will change and pivot. There is so much more to Ali than cameras and photos and i’m hear for all your thoughts, musings and experiences! I agree you have to get used to people hating you (I’m used to it now) but I have to say that I personally love you Miss Ali!
Ultimately you have to please yourself. Thinking of Vivian Maier and others who weren't appreciated while alive. Be authentic or follow the herd, not always an easy choice.
As a corporate and interior photographer largely reacting to the market - constantly - I love this. I want to break out, have my work stand out, not be judged in the echo chamber where the majority of photographers churn out pretty much the same thing. But I get scared because of the economy. If I don’t shoot interiors how the market dictates, I will probably flounder. Maybe daring to flounder is the way to go up a level. Especially if you believe sufficiently in what you know you could be doing.
It's such a great point and I do think there can be a delineation between artistic pursuit and commercial endeavor. Getting the two to align is incredibly hard, and that is okay. We have to put food on the table but we also need to have space to create for ourselves.
That was encouraging and a different perspective then I’d ever thought about. I have to fight the
urge to people please with my art. Thanks for that.
Ali this is such an important message. I, by choice spend most time sharing my work in exhibition/gallery form rather than socials simply for the authenticity of response be that good, bad or indifferent.
That’s a wonderful approach.
Change is constant. "yet artists must change in order to grow and realize the thing that drives them to create" Love this essay, thank you Ali.
Thanks for reading :)
Ok, on the one hand I’ve heard this story in the Dylan documentary and I gotta say I was flabbergasted by the sheer disdain of the fans they interviewed on that tour.
But then coming to the way you tied it in with respect to artists in general - I had to think of this demo I made last weekend that almost everyone hated. The cognitive dissonance kicks in when I realize this song is probably the best thing I’ve written in quite a while and reading your piece is giving me the energy to go ahead and produce it 👽
Do it!!
So I shall! :)
Very well said—change is essential to avoid stagnation.
I used to think others criticizing my work was the kiss of death. I think it depends on how the criticism or hateful comment is leveled. One type of comment ends up making you think, "you have zero clue as to what I was trying to communicate" and the other ends up making you think, "omg, they could be right." To me, the former is a huge annoyance while the latter lights a fire underneath me. Thanks for the post! I guess you saw the Dylan movie?
that's exactly right, I think it is important to be open to criticism and know how to receive it which can be hard, but when you see truth in something it can be not only a motivator but also really sharpen the work. and yes, I saw the movie :)
Strangely reading this made me feel okay with people hating my work. What a wonderfully succinct, yet insightful write up! 🙌🏽
Bravo! Thank you thank you!
"Everyone is going to hate you. Keep going." 👏🏻📣
❤️
This is one of the most true things I’ve ever read Ali! It sums up how it feels to be creating, especially these days online, where over time you will change and pivot. There is so much more to Ali than cameras and photos and i’m hear for all your thoughts, musings and experiences! I agree you have to get used to people hating you (I’m used to it now) but I have to say that I personally love you Miss Ali!
Love you back my soul sister!
Ultimately you have to please yourself. Thinking of Vivian Maier and others who weren't appreciated while alive. Be authentic or follow the herd, not always an easy choice.
amen
Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl performance is a great example of this.