How do you handle criticism?

Criticism can be hard to take, especially for the first few times. You are emotionally invested in your work, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but take care that you don't shut yourself off from really hearing constructive comments.

If what I see on here and FB is a real indication, many teen beginners like over-saturated and contrasty images, or the reverse, washed out, "vintage" or cross processed. Vibrant suits some subjects better than others, but I have no doubt that you are overdoing it. Fhotoace pointed out some problems in regard to gamut when printing, but there is also the esthetic to consider. Garish and bleeding colors are usually not pleasing to the eye. You could make a Flickr account and ask for critique if you want more opinions. If you are not trying to sell the image or make money or advertise your photography business, then it really doesn't matter if the image is technically and/or artistically "good" or not. If you like over-saturation, then go for it and please yourself. But don't expect glowing accolades from everyone else.

*EDIT* Just realized that I didn't answer the question. I trained in art so I received a lot of criticism. I also have a photographic mentor, retired from his photography business now, but who was a huge help to me when I first began shooting weddings. Now I am a member of a local nature photography group where my photos get feedback fairly regularly. If you want to grow your skill and vision you will seek and listen to informed critique that does not come from other beginners or friends and family, who are not usually good sources for real feedback. One of the best ways to make progress is to join a local photography club or group. Have fun and happy shooting!

I take it in stride. You should be open to criticism. Send them the original image with natural looking colors and see what they say.

Your just starting out. So expect ALLOT of criticism. Its actually a good thing as it will add you. However if someone is abusive or trolls you then obviously just ignore it.

Also in the end. If you ever do start to become more professional and maybe get a paying job here and there. Its not really your arena to decide what you like unless the customer lets you include your own tastes or style. You have to cater to the customers needs.

< How do you deal with criticism? Have you ever doubted yourself? >

Constructive criticism is always welcome, it help move forward, however every person has their own style (you like vibrant colors others might love hdr etc..) but when sending photographs to magazines you need to fit with their standards.

< I personally love the look of vibrant colors. >

If the person at the other end use a calibrated monitor they will see what the image really look like, in your case the colors doesn't look natural, assuming they use calibrated monitor you might be over saturated.

If you don't want to spend money on a device from spider or huey then maybe you should try to calibrate your monitor manually. If you go ahead and calibrate your monitor look at your previous vibrant photos to see what they really look like, they might end up over saturated.

http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/monitor...

Presumably you submitted the image BECAUSE you wanted feedback & some recognition of your work? When the feedback you got wasn't what you wanted to hear, it affected you.

If you are happy with your images, then fine - you shoot for you & no one else. But as soon as you place your work 'out there' for critique, then you have to understand that by giving a critique, someone is trying to help you to learn - you need to be mature enough to accept that.

If you are serious about wanting to improve your photography, then you'll take that criticism onboard, otherwise, as the old saying goes "if you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always got".

You can do two things. Change your photo to fit what they want, or stick to what you like and not care what other people say.