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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Pretzel" data-source="post: 380940" data-attributes="member: 12257">That's a loaded question.  I was happy with photography when I posted my first shot, and I wouldn't have posted it if I didn't see some merit in it.I got HAPPIER when I bought my first DSLR.I got HAPPIER when I took my first class.I got HAPPIER when I started learning some basic editing skills.I got HAPPIER when I looked back and saw I was improving.I got HAPPIER when others told me they liked my shots.I got HAPPIER when I sold my first artistic print (unsolicited request).I got HAPPIER when I booked my first family photo session.I got HAPPIER when I won a challenge.I got HAPPIER with my first repeat customer.I got HAPPIER with the first shot that didn't need a crop.I got HAPPIER when...Ok, I'll stop.  Every day, I'm improving and growing into new skills, which all started with the joy I found in capturing something pleasing to look at.  With that in mind, every day that passes, I get happier with my photography.  It all REALLY took off when I got the first DSLR, though, so that's why I started the "HAPPIER" time line there.Sometimes, yes, I get irritated that I wasn't able to capture that "one" shot the way I intended, and with every portrait session, I often wish I "could have" gotten a better shot here or there, but who doesn't?  It fades.  At least, if you're truly into it for the joy of shooting and not just trying to make it a job.  It doesn't take all that long for me to get motivated again, though, to continue with my improvement along the way as I still revel in my enjoyment of this art form.  Every time I line up a shot, and snap it, with just a glance at the LCD, something stirs.  When I get home and import the photos, the joy builds.  When I post pics, and the occasional "like" appears, it's a momentary euphoria.Yes, you've got to be honest with yourself and mark CRAP as CRAP, but just because you're not 100% satisfied doesn't mean it's crap, it just means you have a bit of road left to travel.  You should also make sure you have honest people in your life that will shoot straight with you.  If you think you're good, but you're putting out CRAP, you need someone who will tell it like it is instead of setting you up for failure.  AND, even if it hurts your feelings, you need to make sure you're prepared to listen without the typical defensive reaction.DON'T GET IN THE RUT OF COMPARING YOURSELF TO OTHERS!  It's an easy way to get yourself into a dark place.  1)  You can compare yourself to CRAP, and get an unjustified pride in yourself for being the greatest, and you're gonna fall hard.  2)  Typically, those who you view as "better" have YEARS of experience and/or education on you, and as such, should be better.  (some aren't, but see rule #1)Man, I could go on and on...    but I won't.Are the people that asked you to shoot pics for xyz event genuinely pleased?  Then be happy about that.  Did you get word of mouth business, or a request to shoot something because of past work?  Then be happy about that.  Did you get REPEAT requests because of past product/performance?  Then be happy about that.  Are you STILL driven to improve or better your work?  Definitely be happy about that!Is this "hobby" regularly a larger source of stress than it is a joy?  Better yourself so it isn't, or walk away.Either way, carry on, my friend.  Carry on!  (and sorry for the ramble)</blockquote>

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