How do you gain confidence in yourself

[fiera]

My name is Dawn and I have always enjoyed taking pictures as a hobby. Last year I started taking pictures of some friends, at their requests, and since then I have had many people ask me to take their pictures. They all tell me I "have the eye", and that my pictures bring out the emotions of my subjects. I like to have a good time and don't like posing. My "friends" tell me I don't realize how good I am, but they are my friends and what else would they tell me?? This year I would like to take it seriously, but I lack the confidence in myself and I fear I won't take the perfect shot of my subjects. I would like some criticism from someone who knows what they are doing on my work, other than my friends. I was using a Nikon D3000 and recently purchased the Nikon D7000, and I am having so much fun learning with it. I look forward to reading and learning with DPS now that I want to take this seriously. A small collection of some of my work is in a website I just started, dawnsulik.zenfolio.com

[JFSanders]

Welcome to DPS, Dawn. You overcome fear just as you did when learning to walk or ride a bike. With experience comes confidence. Put your stuff out there and learn from the criticism. Taking something "seriously" can have two opposite effects. So you must have the proper mindset to benefit from taking something serious. Keep yourself grounded and push yourself to a greater understanding of the principles of good photography. Know your tools and their capabilities.

Jim

[SusanH1970]

Hi Dawn, welcome to DPS!

If you're looking for objective opinions and critique of your work, why don't you choose what you think is one of your best images and post it in the critique section here on DPS? It's a great way to get detailed feedback, rather than just mentioning your website.

[fiera]

Thanks Susan, I will do that. Just have to learn these forums and how to post on here

[Izzy]

Welcome to DPS. I looked at your website and it think it is wonderful. Certainly much better than mine.

As for gaining confidence in yourself.............. Really let me know when you find it. I have been shooting for 33 years, 15 of them steady. Confidence for me comes and goes. Sometimes like now I think I am doing very well. I am sure in a few months I will be saying you can do better.

I use this to grow. I think confidence in your shooting is ever evolving thing.

Some days I just kick myself like a drill Sergent and tell myself I suck..... But I am the tortured artist type.

[bobajob]

Hi Dawn just took a gander at your website. The photos and colors are very good quality, and there are photos that pop. Take the bull by the horns and ride it. Good luck

[NicoleScraps]

It is tough to take friends and family at face value. It is their job to be supportive and sometimes they tell little white lies. I think that you have done a good thing, coming here and asking for advice from those who can be objective. Having said all of that, I took a look at your website and you have some great stuff!!! With continued practice and learning, your confidence will come.

[cyber3d]

If you are serious about your photography then you need to find a mentor. You'll make calls to professionals in your area and with perseverance find one that will take you seriously and meet with you on occasion to review your pics and help guide you. Tell them you are not asking for training but rather need a professional's eye to help guide you and help develop your own style. IMHO.

[decent]

Hi Dawn,
Welcome to Digital Photography School,
I am also not a professional photographer but its my hobby, I have keen interest in it.
Nice to meet you, I hope you are enjoying my stay here.

[Jim Bryant]

If you need confidence. Keep shooting pictures and learn everything you can about photography. There will come a point in time that the functions of your camera will become second nature without having to fumble around with f-stops and shutter speed.