In this week’s episode of the Perceptive Photographer podcast, I dig deep into a topic, prompted by a thoughtful question from a long-time listener, Dennis. His struggle is one I know many of us share: Are we creating for ourselves, or for others?
In this post, I want to break down the main themes from that episode, offering nuanced insights for photographers and creatives who are navigating this complex terrain. I’ll explore the impact of feedback, the role of ego, the influence of social media, and the importance of understanding both your audience and yourself.
The Duality of Artistic Motivation
At the heart of Dennis’s question is a tension I think every artist feels:
Personal Expression– The drive to create something meaningful to me, to explore my own ideas, emotions, and perspectives.
External Validation–The desire for recognition, approval, or even just acknowledgment from others.
It’s tempting to say, “I make art only for myself.” But if I’m honest, that’s rarely the whole truth. There’s an ego component—wanting to be seen, understood, and appreciated. The challenge is to recognize this duality without letting it undermine the authenticity of my work.
The Impact of Feedback—And How to Use It Wisely
Feedback is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it can help me grow and see my work from new perspectives. On the other, it can pull me away from my own vision, especially in the age of social media.
The Social Media Trap
I’ve seen—and experienced—how easy it is to start “gaming the algorithm.”
Chasing Likes– I might find myself posting images I know will get attention, even if they don’t resonate with me.
Losing My Voice–Over time, this can lead to a disconnect between what I want to create and what I actually produce.
When I put something personal into the world, negative feedback can feel like a personal attack. That’s natural, but it’s important to separate myself from my work.
Understanding Your Audience—And Your Role as the First Viewer
Even in editorial photography, where I’m hired to fulfill someone else’s vision, my unique style and perspective are what make my work valuable. But before anyone else sees my images, I’m the first audience. I’m the one who clicks the shutter, edits the file, and decides if it’s finished. Ego isn’t always a bad thing. It can drive me to push boundaries and share my work. But unchecked, it can make me defensive or overly focused on external validation.
The Value of Sharing
While it’s important to create for myself, sharing my work allows it to grow and take on new meanings. Others may see things I never intended, and that’s part of the creative journey.
Be honest about your motivations.
It’s okay to want both personal satisfaction and audience engagement.
Use feedback as a tool, not a compass.
Let it inform, but not control, your creative process.
Remember you are your first audience.
If your work doesn’t resonate with you, it’s unlikely to resonate with others.
Balance ego with openness.
Confidence is good, but humility keeps you growing.
Let your work live in the world.
Sharing is part of the creative process, and it can lead to unexpected growth.
The question of who we make our work for isn’t one I expect to answer once and for all. It’s a tension I revisit with every project, every photo, every share. What matters most is staying true to myself while remaining open to the world around me. That’s where the real magic—and growth—happens.