I recently tried to upload a photo, one in which I put an unusually large amount of thought into and I was told that it was a "snapshot" photo. It was my sister sitting with the sun shining through her hair and obviously you can't see it because it was not allowed in. I'm considering pursuing photography professionally... maybe, and it made me mad that this was not allowed on!!

We've all had this happen to us at various times. You have to remember that the appraisal of photographs is a subjective matter. What you might think is a work of art I might think is just a mere snap or vice versa. One image, no matter how good or important to you is not really worth getting worked up about in this situation.I've just looked at your gallery and there is some wonderful stuff there so, you know you're good and that's all that matters.

Steve

I didn't reject it myself but imagine the rationale behind the decision was for multiple reasons.

first would be the crop of the image that makes it appear at least that it was quickly fired off and missed the target

second would be the composition - there is no real defining focal point and there also appears to be some obstruction on the lens

the detail and lighting are good but the image is also pretty small too and you just dont really get to define any artistic interpretation as such - hope that helps.

thank you people! :)

My friend, please allow a crusty old guy to make a recommendation regarding your choice of professions. You may be good. You may be better than all the rest of us. Nevertheless art is a very low-paid and frustrating profession. Everybody wants to get a deal from you. You may put a week of effort into getting an image just right with the light perfect, the background free of clutter, and all the right elements present, then you'll spend another week filtering it, adjusting lighting and contrast, and cropping (and mounting) it, but when you go to sell the artwork, everyone is going to want to get it for $10. I mean, all you had to do was order the print right? How much can that cost? You must be making a fortune selling these $10 prints for $30. No one understands that you spent two weeks creating it. The other thing is that customers love the idea of the starving artist. The problem is that artists really don't like that image much. Finally for every Ansel Adams there are a thousand starving Janice Frickes who can't seem to make ends meet waiting on tables hoping her ship will come in.

Don't get me wrong. Art is a wonderful expression of the self - but only if you get to express what you want to express. Bending your artistic will to what others want so you can make a sale can be very frustrating, and can turn you off of the whole pursuit.

What is better is if you pursue a profession that pays. That way you're free to create whatever art suits your fancy - and your desire to express yourself. Then if only one person buys it, you're still happy munching sauteed trout or steak in your air-conditioned three bedroom house with a nice pair of cars in the garage. Trust me on this. I'm old and have been hurt, and I would prefer it if your life is easier than mine was.

And don't get me started on brides and mothers...

Well said Regmar.