Expectations.

[AshNZ]

Few days ago I was out with a group taking photos and a lady came upto me told me how she'd seen my pictures online and how much she liked them. Then she told me that she's looking forward seeing what I have this time around. I was like, "whoa.." cos it's first time someone told me they really liked my pictures but it also left me with an uneasy feeling.. the whole day I kept thinking about it and how someone was expecting to see good pictures from me .. I finally had a reputation to live up to!! Not sure if it curbed me creatively but it sure was on my mind throughout the day.

I just thought I'd share this with you and hear any familiar stories you have to share...

[Dangelica]

Think of it this way...

No expectation of the level of your work will ever be as high as your own. I have had people comment on captures of mine saying "Wow that is beautiful" etc. I look at the same capture and think "I could have cropped/ framed / exposed/ toned/ pshoped that so much better than i did. Most people that like a person's work like the style and feel you bring to it.

If the old lady happens to be the editor of National Geographic then it may be a different story

[AshNZ]

If that lady was from Nat Geo then I must be doing quite allright !! But sadly that's not the case!

In a way, I think expectation is also a good thing - it's the first time someone has really expected to see good pictures from me and it's a buzz.

[Going easy]

My friends usually expects me to take good photo because I carry around my camera everywhere, but since i'm still learning there always a sense of pressure.

[CanonRebelz]

If it gives you a want to produce more photos and try harder and be more creative, then by all means its alright, to a point. I think you should make your photography how you want it, some will like it, some wont.

[PapaJames]

When I get positive reactions or comments my photos, it encourages me to improve my skills even more. My photography "mind" moves to a new level and wants to please my new audience.

I like the expectations of others... it's my driving force. It makes me realize that I'm speaking to others, rather than just talking to myself. After all, I think that's the motivation most of us have for sharing our shots!

Bringing joy to others is a very wonderful thing. Knowing that you are bringing joy to others is the reward...