MY FEEDBACK by Kimberly

MY FEEDBACK by Kimberly - August 2026 Scholarship Essay

“Pay attention to detail. When posing, look for mergers, composition, leading lines, and simplicity,” Mrs. Saluan Klepac said. “Also pay attention to the lighting that is being used. Tilt the subject’s head just a little and make sure that their nose aligns with the light so that a small catchlight shadow appears under the left eye in the form of a triangle. All these things make a great portrait.” These words stayed with me while I worked at one of the top portrait studios in Houston, Texas. They taught me that becoming a successful photographer requires more than simply taking a picture; it requires attention to detail, an understanding of composition and lighting, and a willingness to learn from others.

Another important lesson I learned was the importance of maintaining a positive attitude. My district manager often told me, “Smile, smile, smile.” She explained that smiling can make a difference in someone’s day and lets clients know that you are happy to be their photographer. She would even remind me, “When tired and frustrated, smile some more.” At first, I did not fully understand the importance of this advice. However, my experiences with clients eventually showed me why it mattered.

Feedback is an important part of how we learn and grow, both personally and professionally. It allows us to recognize our strengths while also identifying areas that need improvement. When I was younger, I did not like receiving feedback because I associated it with negativity. As I became older, I learned that effective feedback should not focus only on what someone is doing wrong. Instead, it should acknowledge what the person is doing well, identify areas for improvement, and provide suggestions for becoming better.

My experiences as a photographer helped me understand the value of feedback in a practical way. I discovered that when I became tired or frustrated, my work performance could change depending on the client's behavior. Sometimes I would work more slowly, while other times I would become faster and more abrupt. Some clients returned and complimented me on my attitude, even acknowledging that they knew they had been difficult to work with. Some were so impressed that they left a tip. However, other clients told me that I was rude or abrupt and did not want me to be their photographer. These experiences were difficult, but they provided valuable feedback. They helped me understand that technical photography skills are only one part of being a successful photographer. Customer service, patience, communication, and professionalism are equally important.

My teacher also taught me the fundamentals of portrait photography, including posing, composition, lighting, backgrounds, and the use of props. With this knowledge, I developed a better understanding of what would and would not work in a portrait. For example, I once worked with a client who wanted to use props in her portrait. However, the combination of the props and the suggested pose created a merger in the composition. The client did not like the final portrait because she disagreed with the posing I had suggested. This experience taught me that photographers must consider both their professional knowledge and the client's perspective. A technically strong photograph may still fail if the client does not feel comfortable or satisfied with the creative direction.

Receiving feedback about how to handle stressful situations, both inside and outside the camera room, made me eager to learn more about photography and studio management. Instead of viewing feedback as criticism, I began to see it as an opportunity for growth. I became a sponge, absorbing as much knowledge as possible so that I could improve myself and help others improve as well.

My approach to learning eventually contributed to my growth as an assistant manager. I learned not only how to create better portraits but also how to communicate with clients, support coworkers, manage stressful situations, and lead by example. I became a leader both inside and outside the camera room, and my willingness to learn and apply feedback was consistently recognized.

Looking back, I realize that feedback played a major role in my professional development. Photography taught me that small details can make a significant difference in the final product, just as small changes in attitude or behavior can make a significant difference in a client's experience. My approach to learning is now based on listening, observing, applying constructive criticism, and continuously looking for ways to improve. I have learned that feedback is not simply about identifying what went wrong; it is about understanding what can be done better next time. Ultimately, feedback has helped me become a better photographer, employee, leader, and lifelong learner.