8/31/11

Criticism

The other day I received and email that caught me off guard. From the beginning this email had a negative tone. Explaining how I need to update my photography website with pricing and more of my work to really showcase the photographer I am. 
Mind you, I just put this website together about a week ago.
I'm not exactly sure what in the world made this man decide to email me with his criticisms... but something about it really just ruffled my feathers. Here, I'll let you see for yourself:


"Not that you asked, but I figure it's OK to show a little of my thought process. Your portfolio pictures represent you, not the models. I would suggest that you consider removing the blemishes on the adult model. Removing it is not a criticism of the model, she is cute even with the spot on her nose, but the image represents you. But showcasing an image that could realistically have been taken with a point and shoot, and never edited, doesn't show the full scope of your abilities."


The "adult model" he is referencing is ME. As you may or may not know, most of my photography up until this point has been self shot of myself. So, yeah, I am my own model. So obviously he didn't realize he was talking about me... but that blemish? Yeah... that's a beauty mark (mole, whatev)... my camera is definitely not a point and shoot, but thank you. 


AND on top of everything else he offered his assistance on my next shoot! Saying that he would love to hold the reflector screen or any type of grunt work. 
I respectfully decline, sir. 

You see I have never claimed to be perfect or even close! And trust me, I have dealt with insecurities through the roof! But one thing I will NEVER do is discredit anyone's passion. 

So yeah, maybe my mole looks like a giant pimple or a connection to a unibrow, but it's part of me. To remove that would be removing part of me. 

In conclusion, I have compiled a list of really unattractive things about me:

1. Apparently my mole.
 One time I got too much sun on my nose and my mole peeled off. 
Didn't know that could happen!
2. My broken nose. 
Right under my mole I have a scar that looks like a crescent. I head butted a girl. You heard right. Split my nose open, 5 stitches and 2 black eyes. My 8th grade picture was really attractive.
3. Scars
I have SO many battle wounds from soccer, working and life. Oh.. and I have a screw in my knee
Unfortunately I don't set off metal detectors (They still find a reason to pat me down)
4. Boobs in the 4th grade
Yeeeeeeah. Okay guys, I know you think boobs are cool....now.
I can't even begin to tell you how much I got made fun of for these puppies.
Ohhh now you like them? You. Can't. Have. Them. 
5. A MILLION OTHER THINGS

But you know what? All of these thing have made me who I am, and yeah... a random man may think I am "cute" in spite of my "blemish" but I kind of like myself. And by like, I mean love. 

And I'm pretty sure a few others do too.

That is all for now. But I have to ask:

How do you handle negativity? Insecurities?
I'd love to hear you thoughts.

There she is!! In ALLL her glory!


UPDATE!!
__________________________________________________

I just saw this video over on A Cup of Jo and it made me smile.



25 comments:

Ashley said...

to hear you say you have insecurites BLOWS my mind....i look through your pictures thinking in my head how beautiful you are (in a non-creepy way i swear). i can't believe that email - your photo skills are amazing!

Glad to hear you aren't changing a thing about you!!

Alyssa said...

I actually have a mole where Marilyn Monroe's is and I love it. It's part of what makes me, me and I wouldn't change it for anything! :)

Gentri said...

I am really sorry. It was definitely not his place to say anything. I think you are gorgeous and I honestly had never noticed your mole. I have mole(s) too. AND I think your photography is amazing! So take that mr. email!

Megan said...

Oh my gosh, I can't believe he had the nerve to say that!! I have a mole on my face, too! It's a beauty mark, a kiss from an angel, DUH!! He knows nothing. Haha.

You are beautiful inside and out!!

kimberly @ lush lounge said...

That is horrible! Theres nothing wrong with a beauty mark! And why does this guy think he's the master of photography? rude! your are gorgeous!!

Jess said...

let the haters say whatever they want. you're gorgeous and talented and mr. email doesn't know what the hell he's talking about.

Chelsea said...

I'm so sorry that someone has said those things to you. The photography of yours that I have seen has blown me away and I truly mean that. You have an eye for that stuff. I guess we all have critics and sometimes we ourselves can be our worst critic. Your strength is inspiring though :) All the little things make us who we are!

Whim Wham Life said...

You.are.awesome.the.end.

xoxo

Young and Fabulous said...

i love that you love you. There are so many people out there that hate the littlest things about themselves. I am a victim of that for some things about myself, but i love that you are NOT! That is why you are such an amazing person :-)

the fact that your broken nose is from head butting a girl is just amazing in itself HAH!!

id love to be able to handle negativity like you do...you so stronggg girl! This might sound weird but ive always been criticized for being skinny. people think im anorexic, bulimic, or automatically assume im going to eat a salad or something light. Its so annoying and I try to fend it off but sometimes it just overwhelms me! I need to be more like you :-)

and PS. your pics are gorg. and i cant wait until you post pics of us in texas

xoxox

C Mae said...

I have a mole on the side of my face Just like Jessica Simpson does, I've always been self conscious about it when I was younger, but as an adult you just come to know that stuff ISNT important! Keep your head high girl!

Whitney @ justacountry-girl said...

sabrina....you are so so so pretty and fabulous. i know we all have our days of feeling crappy about ourselfs, but you dust that dirt off your shoulder. i think it is awesome that you can have such a postive outlook. you rock my socks off...and i love that you dont feel one ounce of pressure to change anything about yourself. that is true beauty :)

Rissy said...

you are so lovely... just lovely.

this post was so heartfelt and overall awesome

I actually had someone say something to me today that brought back lots of insecurities and bad feelings... I like to think I'm a stronger person now though. thank you Jesus


CarissaExplainsItAll

Lauren said...

Don't listen to him! You're beautiful!!! :)

So shay said...

Dearest Sabrina,

I know I already texted you all my "insecurities" and posted a stellar video of me doing the Bernie on your blog...

But it has to be said: YOU ARE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GIRL IN THE WORLD.

I love you and I am honored to be your friend. You tell Mr. E-mail man to keep his mouth shut and that I will personally break his face. Jk. That's a little harsh. But in all seriousness...You should send him some Guacamole and say, I LIKE MY MOLE and SO DOES SHALYN AND ALL MY OTHER BLOG FRIENDS....SO THERE.

Yeah, so I'm not so good at this being tough thing but you seriously are incredibly talented, gorgeous, infectious, and out of this world amazing.

I have a feeling that when we meet I will not let you nor Erica leave.

Be prepared.

angie on maui said...

Ok, is this man ON something? I mean, who sends an email like that? Honestly...I am amazed at how people feel it is appropriate to offer unsolicited advice...and it's not even constructive criticism!

I hope you know this already, but you are crazy beautiful. Completely photogenic and a natural in front of the self-operated, NON point-and-shoot camera! ;) I see photos of you and if I allow myself, I begin to feel inadequate (I know, I know...that is terrible and not attractive at all, but I am working on this bad habit!), because you are stunning!

I don't handle criticism well...I am hyper-sensitive and as much as I don't like to admit this about myself, I take things waaaaaayyy too personally. I have not yet received a negative email (but I know my time is coming) and honestly, don't know how I will handle it. I have heard about some of the nasty emails bloggers receive and it just breaks my heart; I don't understand how people can be so cruel to one another.

But anyway. Keep your chin up, pretty lady!

xo

Whitney @ EHFAR said...

I think you are pretty adorable!

choose to be happy blog said...

I read this post on my phone while driving. Feel safe Atlanta, feel safe.
I loved it. and it makes me just think you are the cutest. I agree whole heartedly with everything you said.
No one is perfect, that’s why the magazines airbrush everyone and everything.

PS: emailer man, cindy Crawford has a mole on her face too and its beautiful. Imperfections ARE beautiful.

Owen said...

Ya...despite the guy's comments, you take some pretty great shots. And your 'model' in question: pretty darn cute. I'd say, def keep on doing what you're doing! You've got great photos and your style is pretty awesomesauce.

Keith said...

I think you need to headbutt one more person in your lifetime. That emailing ass clown deserves it:)

Nikki said...

Yuck! What an insecure old man! You are gorgeous and could never understand your insecurities in that body but we all have them. Continue to love yourself and model for yourself since you are doing a fantastic job.

Samantha said...

I agree with Keith. One more headbutt wouldn't hurt anybody... except hopefully the jerk who sent you that ridiculous e-mail!

Samantha
http://petitefemmejolie.blogspot.com

Kelsey @ Seattle Smith's said...

I would have died, my goodness that is just so sad. Don't let it discourage you!

Hollie Ann said...

i say you head butt that guy. just sayin.

you're beautiful!

ps-don't remove your mole. i have a crooked nose & girl i just tell myself in the times of julius caesar this was a sign of royalty. that's why i'm marrying prince harry someday....

Unknown said...

I think "imperfections" (if that is what you call them) make people beautiful and of course unique. Stephanie has her scar on her cheek and without it I wouldn't be her.

I hear ya on the boobs thing. I clearly remember in the 4th grade at McDonald's elementary at recess (by the swings) being made fun of because the girls thought I stuffed my bra. Yep. Scarred for life :) ... now they're just jealous. Haha.

Anyway, you are beautiful!!! That guy is an idiot.

Anonymous said...

Don't pay any attention to that poo head. People complain because they have nothing better to do. I think removing your mole from a picture is removing part of the charm. Airbrushes, ridiculous looking model pictures are no fun to look at... they all look the same. Imperfections set people apart. I have many insecurities... my braces, my man nose, my chicken legs, removing all those from a picture would make me a fake version of myself. I love your pic so keep taking them. Oh an PS... i have a point and shoot camera and I looove it.
awesomely-awkward.com

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