Quote Originally Posted by mandoman7 View Post
... I would argue that its beneficial to have some pressure when it comes to producing work. ... JY
Absolutely. To reach a certain level of competence and creativity I believe a photographer needs criticism that really hurts and many re-shoots. You don't get that in a workshop you are paying for, nor from your wife.
I knocked my thing into shape when I started to work for art-directors who could draw better than i, knew their beaux-arts, and were demanding to the limit of cruelty.
Photography (at least in editorial and advertising) is the Snakes and Ladders game - you are only as good as your last job. Screw one and and it take three successful jobs to get back in line. To stay in line you've got to make into an art-directors Creative Annual (your CLEO) once a year. Drop out of that and you are a has-been.
In summary, it is the whip that makes it a easier to produce good work as a pro. Forget the money.