Thank you everyone for watching another video, being supportive of the channel and my work. Grateful and wishing the same to you all!

I took film photography at a community college and loved my first semester. Then I had a different professor for my second semester and I'm ashamed to admit that he ruined photography for me for about 15 years after taking his class. He would berate you in front of the class and make fun of you and I'm not only talking about your photography. He even got physical with me once and that was it for me. I sold my camera and I didn't take any pictures on film for years. It wasn't until 2017 that I started up again and I love it so much. Thank you for making this video

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

Your experience is actually similar one I had, I did have a teacher once that used to do that to everyone, I gave him no reaction at all. And it got to the point where no one spoke in those classes because well no one was bothered to even have a conversation with the person. We all thought he was a loser. In hindsight I feel sorry for people that behave like that and have no self-awareness to realise how they come across. You don’t have to be loved by everyone but if most people don’t like you or want nothing to do with you it says everything about who you are as a person in this world.

I agree 100% with all you said. We all pass or passed through this and most probably will pass again. Just learn from it and move on.

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

Absolutely!

Thanks Tatiana. Great video. Last year I spoke with a gallery owner in my town, it's not a big town, and he said he'd already done photography exhibits and wasn't interested in a photography at the moment. I was annoyed, I know him personally, and was frustrated that he turned me down without even looking at my work. This year I submitted a photograph to a group art exhibit in a better gallery and won a judges award. I am glad I didn't let the rejection stop me. Now I have an award I feel I am better positioned to get into other galleries and am making a book of the project to show them. Never give up and keep going.

I'm not experienced enough in photography to talk about this but as an ex journalist I've been surprised over and over about how the public would appreciate my work. Sometimes I thought I wrote something valuable that nobody noticed and sometimes I was congratulated when I thought my paper was quick and dirty. So I learned to keep a distance with the comments and to pick up what could be usefull. At the end of the day you become stoïc or you get mad. I choosed another direction because I understood that my interests and values couldn't fit in this profession. Whatever, I didn't lost my time because this experience (15 years) taught me a lot.

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

Ahah stoic or mad, so true! Thank you for watching!

@artemisXsidecross

4 ай бұрын

Being a writer or photographer is a calling that compensation by either financial or praise is not always a result; to continue is a hero’s work.

I have had 2 rejections. One was recent and after words on social media with someone who clearly lost the argument he decided to make an attack on my photography. It was water off a duck's back, I did not have to justify my photography to him. The first time was after I had done a photo-shoot with a model. There was a dispute with the model afterwards and she told me that my photos were rubbish. I was quite upset at the time it was an early nude shoot and I was pleased with the photos. The photos were hidden for years and recently I had a look at the photos I took once again. She was correct, the photos were bad but thankfully I got better.

Just what I needed to hear right now. Thank you.

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

You are so welcome 🙏🏻

Great advice for a rather sensitive subject Tatiana. As for me I'm my own worse critic and constantly reject my own images until I feel they're right. I'm not in it for business , awards or likes I'm in it for the journey and for that reason and that reason only I don't ask for criticism, people are welcome to reject my images that I post by just scrolling past them without commenting. I think after all these years of photography I'm just set in my own way. 😊

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

Nothing wrong with that Rich, I appreciate your perspective as always!

Excellent topic and discussion. On acceptance I knew someone who would say "you can only control the things behind your glasses, not in front of them".

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

Makes a lot of sense, thank you Edward!

I love the way you choose and the words you choose everytime Tatiana :) and the music, I always have my Shazam nearby when watching your videos.

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

Ahah I use Shazam a lot too! Thank you for watching and for your comment Angi!

I was kind of curious about the thumbnail; vivian maier is one of my favorite photographers, and I love that she took photographs for herself--no rejection, no acceptance, no notoriety, just boxes and boxes of negatives and prints

@aaronegatesong

4 ай бұрын

pretty dissimilarly, eve arnold has an excellent story of rejection and is a great lesson in what can happen if you work through it in a healthy way

Thank you, Tatiana, for the thoughtful video.

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

Appreciate the feedback!

Terrific topic you have posed here. Some critiques can help you develop and grow as photographer, some are made by hateful and mean spirited people. Some critiques are just mediocre nonsense that say nothing. Sometimes, you just have to say, 'I'm a master photographer, the best there is and the world can go F___k itself'. However, you're right about starting any project from anger, trying to prove you're the best photographer ever. One last thing, never, never never work on any project on speculation. If the so-called client isn't going to offer any type of deposit, go hades with them.

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

Good points for sure! Agreed with your last observation in particular!

This video may have just landed in time........ I am dealing with a troublesome client that constantly mocks and talks down on me. Tomorrow I was about to tell them to go elsewhere. I still feel this way but your video has convinced me to also keep my cool and see how tomorrows job proceeds.

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

Good luck with your job, don’t let people talk down or mock you though, it’s not right, if they can’t be professional it’s best to let them know you can only work with someone who can be, regardless of how they may feel about you and you about them.

@walkingmanvideo9455

4 ай бұрын

@@TatianaHopper Its been several years and I just accept their attitude in order to just get the job done and get paid but every time I get an email that they need photography done for a job, I just get a sick feeling in my stomach. Just a toxic client.

I thank you for this video. It hits home real hard. I’ve had my share of rejections while trying to propose my works to galleries here in Paris where I am. While those rejections had been disheartening, they became part of my learning journey. Fast forward, I’m very happy that some galleries will exhibit my more recent works this summer. I learnt it’s in the mindset to just always wanting to improve and have fun while at it.

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

Now that’s some good experience there, it sucks at first but your last sentence summarises it all, thanks for sharing!

Was helpful Thank You

Love the correlation you made between photography rejection and dating rejection lol. As always keep up the great work :)

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

Ahahah well I think rejection in general has similar points wether its photography related or not :)

I’ve been fallowing your channel for quite a while now and I look to your newest video’s. I think you’re fantastic and I appreciate all your videos. I’m fortunate and the beneficiary that you put yourself out there. The research you’ve done and how you express yourself is really great. I think you’re very smart and your comprehension of the topics you speak about are spot on! Thank you!

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

Thank you so much Brad, your words mean a lot to me and I appreciate them 🙏🏻 all the best to you!

Thanks, this video touched on a few things I have been thinking about! Also, that balloon shutter release... forgot about that... lol

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

Thanks Steve!

What quality content! Thanks. BTW, I love the way you draw letters G and P ^^

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

Thank you for watching!

Wow this is so helpful!! Love your quality😊

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

Thank you!

Very nice video. I would like to try one of those cameras.

Thanks for all your vid they are very informative and i learn a lot from you, keep up the good work.

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

Thank you so much Tony!

Another nice video gives me something to think about when I’m out photographing. It’s funny how some people can love one photograph and another can look at the same and not like it just a thought keep the good work up. Thank you.

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

Photography can be indeed very subjective!

Thank you

Very thoughtful and important video, thank you for making it! ❤️ This is a topic that I struggle so much with. I had a thought upbringing with a mother that constantly told me I wasn’t good enough in anything so my self confidence is bottom low. I somehow managed to get by anyway always being creative, but nonetheless I’m very sensitive to rejection and criticism especially when it comes to something I really love, like photography. I have no ambitions of making anything with my photography, it’s just pleasure and creativity, just for me to enjoy. I have an Instagram account with over 3 500 pictures, it’s all private, no followers. I know that that’s odd, and some of my friends laugh at me because of that, they don’t see the whole picture and they don’t understand that exposing me to criticism would harm me so much and it would kill my joy for photography. I know that negative comments would hurt to much so I protect myself this way. Is this way of coping with my fear of rejection and low self confidence helpful, and am I missing a lot of well deserved criticism that would help me develop as a photographer even more? Well, at least it allows me to loose myself in the passion for photography, so for now it’s helping. And if I trust someone who knows about photography and is respectful I wouldn’t hesitate to take criticism from them. Nonetheless I found your advice very useful and helpful, so I will watch the video again and take notes and practice some stoicism 😅

Another wonderful exploration into the mechanisms behind the process, and all the experiences that can come from it. It’s a great reach out to those of us who endlessly ask ourselves this, with only the inner voice to answer back. Great video, Tatiana 🙌

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for watching and for your comment! Best to you!

A while back I wrote to say that you needed to get out from behind the desk, and here we get to see you out in the field for an extended part of the video. Good stuff, Tatiana.

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

I don't remember that comment but thank you David! :)

In the last few weeks, I have finished last, next to last in two competitions. I have had three images rejected in a State competition. I have gotten a Merit or two also. Today I delivered two prints to people who smile and said they were taking them to a framer. And yesterday, I gave a print to a woman whose husband died a year ago and wants to find a partner at 78. We did a shoot and she will put the image on Match.

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

Puts a lot in perspective, sometimes it’s personal taste, subjective or other reasonings, some like it and some won’t. Thanks for sharing.

@artemisXsidecross

4 ай бұрын

Herman Melville's short story Billy Budd and its manuscript was found in a breadbox after his death. Doing good work is at times waiting to be found.

Worst thing that ever happened to me in photography was the only pro job I did. I know I didn’t do stellar work but the worst part was I never got any feedback whatsoever. If I was told I wasn’t good, I would have been able to ask questions and solve this issue by trying different things. Without the feedback loop, I was completely lost as to what was expected of me.

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

Stil it’s all part of our learning experience, I’m sure you can look back and realise what you learned from it, thanks for watching!

Great video that applies to more than just photography.

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

Thank you Jay!

Thank you for another thoughtful essay. Regarding rejection, a phenomenon that really is not a problem for me (a stoic?), I will just say that the rejection of photography as a hobby or passion is the most hurtful to me. The video was a fine blend of your discussion over the combination of your photographs and the BTS video of you at work. My favorite photographs were Freudian Slip with its slow reveal of the mysterious people on the beach, which I love, and the group of images with overhead powerlines, which bother me a little. The beach photo is so big and grand until at the last minute when the scale of the landscape becomes clear. One powerline image was very interesting, the one where they are the subject or focus. In two others, I spent time wondering why the lines weren't removed from the image - especially the one iwth the lovely tree. I hope other producers will see the video of you in the BTS and get encouraged to use actual live action recording instead of a camera on a tripod as the photographer walks by. Selfie style BTS is usually most uninteresting.

"Don't bend over backwards" was very good advice. Thank you! PS. If you haven't done a war photographer yet, please do if you can. The wars are only getting worse, and as photographers I think we should be prepared.

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

Thank you! I’ll consider that too!

Thank you again for another beautiful new video. It is true, to rise, in any dimension, and of course, in arts, you have to embrace criticism, and to accept criticism you have to be stoic.

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

Well said! I agree with your comment a lot.

The problem with any art form is that how good it is determined to be, depends entirely upon the opinion of the viewer. Also, in these days of the internet, everyone seems to have an opinion about everything and many feel the urge to let everyone else know exactly what they think. An interesting video, with some very valid points made...

Brava. And yes, I always share your videos on Tumblr with the photog community there, so yes, this one is going to be shared. I think overall the point is that to work through how we deal with rejection it is important to becom more self-aware. As you describe it for yourself, it is a process of being curious, of facing our fears, of exploring, of learning. I know for me, the fact that I am a spiritual person willing to examine my life and to face changes, challenges (not a fan of them, but they are going to come up anyway, no?) was very useful when I started taking photography seriously and put my work out in the world. I was lucky to find a place and group of photographers of al levels who were kind and supportive (that is why I am still very active on Tumblr, even though many fine photographers bailed), so that I could handle rejection of my photography, and I was really hard on myself. Really good at self rejection. So, sorry to ramble on, but yeah, great message. Love the writing in your journal. Your videos are very creative. Always inspiring.

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

Great insight Fernando, always appreciate your comments because they always provide me with great perspective, thank you!

A very thoughtful video and a lot of truth in the human psychology of rejection. At 65 I have had my share of rejection in all aspects of my life and I've moved through the emotions of rejection from anger and frustration to acceptance that I can learn from the constructive criticism. Photographically I always thought I was a very good photographer, friends and workshop leaders kept telling me so. Then I took a workshop with 2 leaders who kindly and in a positive way told me I had a lot of room for growth, that I was missing a lot of the basics like not using the light properly or not focusing the viewers eye on the main subject. After about 15 workshops with them I can look back and see the growth and improvement. i would not be where I am today without their honest critiques and mentorship.

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

Honesty is the best currency. I think it’s all about how you offer your opinions to others, how you put your points across. I’m happy for you and your growth, thanks for watching 🙏🏻

Interesting arguments, as usual. I love your videos because of your voice and the valuable contents ❤

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

Thank you so much Stefano! 🤝🏻

Thank you so much, yet another fantastic video❤. As a political refugee who has been living the last 40 years in a society that easily can see I am different, I have experienced many heartbreaking rejections.

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

Thank you for watching, keep safe and healthy! 🤝🏻

@AbkenariFarang

4 ай бұрын

@@TatianaHopper ❤️🙏

As always an interesting video and book analysis. I use Patti Smith's "A Book of Days" as my daily inspiration. Regards Ulf

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

Need to check that one out thanks Ulf!

Thanks Tatiana for another well put together video with excellent points made and advice given. One should always try and value any constructive criticism made and use it to learn and grow. Greetings from Canada!

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

Thank you Sebastian, appreciate your feedback and greetings to Canada!

Context - that makes a huge difference. Your channel is wonderful!

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

Context is everything these days!

I relish rejection of my photography - if too many people start liking my stuff too much - I know I gotta change something... if I'm pissing off or upsetting everyone - then I'm happy

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

Fair enough, interesting answer!

Very thoughtful video. I don't shoot professionally, although I did at one time, & so I can shoot the way I feel.

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

Thank you for watching!

Very interesting

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

Thanks!

Excellent video not just for Photography. My couple of thoughts. An asset to me are people whose opinions I value and who give constructive criticism. Street Photography is my thing and there are lots of ''One of those days'' where you are not winning SO I just reflect on the wins, take a deep breath and get on with it. Look forward to more of your work. Cheers from Australia.

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

Great thoughts I appreciated reading your comment and perspective, greetings to Australia!

really good video ❤

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

Thank you!!

This is much more relevant in aspects of my life that don’t revolve around photography. It’s really helpful to have these philosophies talked about in a more accessible way than usual and reflect on my own reactions to rejection with a similar simplicity. Thank you for putting those thoughts out there!!

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

Thank you for watching my friend, I most definitely agree that some of what I said in this video has also been helpful to me in other areas of my life. Appreciate your thoughts!

I think I was on the right way when I was rejected as a photographer. Because the negative criticisms directed at my photographs around me are always based on generally accepted clichés. I want to make photographs without falling into these molds. That's why I don't care much about rejection.

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

💯

Idk, people usually like my pictures more than I expect, it is me the only one who could desire to take greater pictures because I compare them to other people's work. Something that helps is looking back at my work and seeing how pretty it looks over time and remembering I don't have to be like the other photographers because my style (whatever it is) perhaps is kind of unique with all its variations. Also I notice everytime that some people may appreciate some photos, some other people appreciate other photos, and sometimes a photo that I love doesn't get as much attention

Any photographer trying to escape criticism, or total rejection of their works, will indeed fall into the trap of formula shooting. Technical quality and what people enjoy as eye candy, is pretty damned simple, yet it is what sells the most. Photos with meaning and depth to them requiring time for the viewer to take it all in, can be a hard sell. Street photography can be this way. There are pretty things, color, or shades of light, which can be sold in an instant as art of photography, yet those of story, or whatever else makes it something of worth can be the harder sell. There are many people which would not even look through a book of street photography, such as The American, by Robert Frank, but may pick up one of Ansel Adams. And this is the most interesting rejection of all, never even getting a first glance. I am loving the world of street photography nowadays, as it is a challenge, something rewarding in that people are special, and is needed to show how the world really is and at a later date was. These are moments in time, but most importantly the unguarded images in life. I rarely take portraits, but at times those ended up being great snaps of someone's life as well. The thing is, at that point you have become a part of that moment in time, for better or worse. And oh boy the rejection of photos of the ordinary on the street, like a young boy pushing a shopping cart back to a grocery store. Yea, that will never be anything. Oh, wait a minute, let's see this 50 years from today and .... Since famous photographers of the past did NOT listen to rejection, we now have the pleasure of their works today. Bravo! If you live trying to avoid rejection, you will become someone else. I do my own thing, on my site and not on Instagram. Google me if got a minute or two to spare. Thanks for all the videos, and such dedication, Loren Schwiderski

was recently rewatching your videos on bruce davidson and w. eugene smith and I was really struck by how your style has developed over the years, it's hard to notice while it's happening, just wanted to mention that. good work.

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

Thank you so much, I’m glad there’s growth. Appreciate the feedback!!

Veldig hyggelig at du kopler stoisk filosofi og fotografering. Bravo

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

Thank you for watching!

Good discussion. But, rejection often occurs when there is change from the norm and people don’t like change. I think this is what you were saying at the end. Yes, if you are working for a client then they decide. If you are creating art then you must decide and stick with it.

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

Goes with what I was saying yes, thank you Ted!

I’ve heard of that book before, I’m going to pick it up, thanks !

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

Yes link is in description, cheers!

This time I will leave you my interpretation for rejection and at the same time for excellence. PERFECTIONISM is a form of arrogance. DISRUPTIVE PERFECTIONISM is a form of Cowardice. Perfectionism it isn't up to us, but there's this excellent standard and then good enough standard. PERFECTION is not ATTAINABLE, but if we chase perfection, we can achieve EXCELLENCE. It is all about us, Me myself and I.

Being ignored is another form of rejection

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

True, good point and will add it to my notes.

well, ironically, KZread rejected by comment!! It's vanished!! stoicism? was that Marcus Aurelius? And what was his photography like?!?!

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

Oh, that’s strange this is the first comment I see from you on this video Nick.

@duringthemeanwhilst

4 ай бұрын

it happens T 😞 to comments I make or ones people leave on my videos. It's very frustrating! I was just saying how there are some children now who have never faced criticism in school or outside from parents, and are always told what they do is perfect. it's unhealthy in my opinion but hey-ho.@@TatianaHopper

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

Yes I agree; that’s why I referred in the end of the video that super positive reaction or being surrounded by yes all the time as it’s dangers too! Thank you for watching Nick!

@artemisXsidecross

4 ай бұрын

@@duringthemeanwhilst This happening way too often and it might have to do with YT algorithms which are horrible. 1984 in 2024 might be closer than we may think.

For the arts in general, including writing, talent is absolutely no criteria for publication or recognition - Iain Banks, sucessful Scottish author. ( Or else ask Damien Hirst, Mr zero-talent richest artist in the world)

Only thing I would add, is to seek out constructive criticism as it is beneficial for growth excellent words

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

Agreed, thank you David!

People that cannot handle criticism simply need an education in Art....in general. Go to Art school. Learn the vast different mediums, artists and what they went through and why they are famous. Whether you have a paint brush or a camera, you wont be successful if you don't understand the phases of a starving artist.

Tatania, now I realize you’re a deeper, more well-balanced person than many I’ve ever met. I’m loving this (on screen near the very end of your superb video): “Why you need to be told your photography sucks”. Thank-you for this. It’s hugely useful for me. And it raises my level of respect and admiration of you as a person (and photographer). I appreciate the book recommendation and your efforts in exploring this topic. Based on some limited data, and understanding the human condition generally (if only in a shallow way) very few PhD psychologists or psychiatrists have your depth of self-knowledge… let alone the courage to talk about it in a useful way. Good luck to you and thanks again! (Victoria, BC is my home).

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

Wow, thank you so much I really appreciate your words and I’m so very glad that this video was helpful and resonated with you. Equally wishing you all the best 🤲🏻

Respect to the rejected leaning from criticism/mistakes

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

Exactly!

Rejection is total shit. Unhelpful. What is needed, possibly, may be constructive criticism that itself realizes it is not fully informed enough to do more than offer an opinion in a constructive way that preserves honesty for both parties.

Calma, és portuguesa?

I am a former photojournalist, now a writer, and if being bothered by rejection you might need to find another career. Rejection is like a sharpening stone; it is abrasive but it does sharpen an edge to cut what may no longer be helpful.

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

I don’t agree with the first part, I think we all sense things in different ways while I’ve been stoic for many years now and dealt with it a lot and it’s okay, I think to some people it definitely makes them struggle and affects them, I have both friends and people on 1:1 sessions who have struggled with it. We’re all human and I think the answer is not simply find something else to do, it’s about facing, growing and overcoming. I can agree with the second statement totally.

@artemisXsidecross

4 ай бұрын

​@@TatianaHopper I agree with you, my exception would be if 'rejection' is not seen as tool in sharpening a way forward. I would define rejection as a sharpening tool. The wind can be used to sail about while seemingly not blowing in the direction you might want to travel. To tack while sailing was learned from the rejection of the wind not to blow in a desired direction and then using that knowledge to alter a result. Rejection does not call for being bothered; they are separate paths.

@TatianaHopper

4 ай бұрын

Makes sense! Thank you for explaining your point and thank you for watching :)