I feel a bit uncomfortable to acknowledge this but…very often I take things on the personal side (yes, I am touchy!!). Accepting and handling criticism is a big challenge for me. This is applicable to my photographic experience as well as to my life’s journey.

I am here now thanks to a lot of hidden work that happened “behind the scenes”. We become who we are and we eventually succeed although other people won’t be able to see what has led to our present circumstances. Criticism does not necessarely need to be negative and positive criticism is an essential tool to allow us to challenge and improve ourselves. Even if it is “negative”, you can use it to achieve positive results.

I believe that criticism depends a lot on “Who”, “How” and “Why” it is made and if you want to receive it. How do you perceive the critic? Is he/she respected in the field of knowledge or just a “loud mouth”? What does this person represent to you? Is there an emotional bond between giver and receiver? In the end is criticism subjective or objective or both?

In my life I have received the “best “critics from people who loved me but sometimes also from those with whom I had little or no connection. I understood that in the end, they weren’t polemical notes against me, as they allowed me later to move forward. I think that a serious critic should have an in-depth knowledge of the topic or object under discussion and an honest attitude towards you. We all make mistakes but we should be self-aware enough to recognise them and turn them into strengths and a learnt experience.

Ru & Ian, your garden is stunning! P. s. Thank you Fra for this lovely shot!