Passing this Time Around

I received an email today:

Are you a professional or emerging photographer, ready for an industry expert to "tell it like it is?" Register now for FotoWeek DC's popular portfolio reviews. They always sell out! The Corcoran College of Art + Design along with 20 nationally acclaimed photo professionals are taking part in the 3rd Annual Portfolio Review Day on Sunday, November 7th. Head to the Corcoran College of Art + Design and have your work reviewed in the supportive atmosphere of professional camaraderie and constructive dialogue.  This year, an international lineup of curators, educators, photo editors, and other experts in the fields of commercial, fine art, photojournalism, multimedia, and documentary will be on hand to offer frank appraisals and critiques. Can you take it? Sure you can! You'll make valuable business connections, while gaining helpful advice on the progress of your work.

Call me crazy, but I'm not ready for this yet. Why? Because I don't feel like I have a cohesive portfolio yet. By having a better sense of what appeals to people (and I'm learning that it's highly subjective, and nothing like what I like about my work), I can make sure I'm ready. Here's an example of a recent a great example of a shot I took and LOVED (smaller version below):

For me, I thought it was great that the butterfly blended in so well. However, the feedback I received was that the colors were really nice, but that the butterfly would have been better if there were some contrast.

Meanwhile, take a look at this shot:

I like this, but not as much as some other people seem to. I'm overthinking this, I know. But I need some finding my "crowdpleasing" shots, versus my "technically excellent" shots. As I evolve as a photographer, I'm confident I'll figure it out. :)

Till tomorrow!