Rise above the noise

There is an old story about an eagle and a crow.

It says that the only bird bold enough to attack an eagle is the crow. The crow lands on the eagle’s back and begins pecking relentlessly at its neck, determined to irritate and provoke.

The eagle does not retaliate. It does not waste energy trying to shake the crow loose, nor does it engage in a pointless fight. Instead, it simply spreads its magnificent wings and climbs higher into the sky.

The higher the eagle flies, the thinner the air becomes. The crow, unable to cope with the altitude, grows weaker with every wingbeat. Eventually, it can no longer continue and falls away under its own limitations, while the eagle continues its effortless ascent.

The lesson is simple. Stop wasting your time and energy fighting crows. Rise higher. Focus on your own journey, your own growth and your own destination. Those who cannot follow will eventually be left behind.

Photography could learn a great deal from that eagle.

Today, sharing our work has never been easier. A photograph can travel around the world in seconds, reaching people from every background imaginable. That is one of the great joys of modern photography. We can exchange ideas, discover new perspectives and become part of communities that would never have existed a generation ago.

Many of those communities are exactly what photography should be. Encouraging. Welcoming. Generous with knowledge. Full of people who genuinely celebrate the success of others and offer thoughtful advice when it is needed. These are the places where photographers grow together, where beginners gain confidence and experienced photographers continue learning.

Unfortunately, that is not the whole picture.

Alongside these supportive communities exists a different environment. One where criticism is delivered with contempt rather than kindness. Where anonymous comments are designed to belittle rather than educate. Where some people seem more interested in proving themselves right than helping someone become better.

Most photographers have encountered it at some point. A dismissive comment. A sarcastic remark. Someone declaring that your photograph is worthless because it does not fit their definition of what photography should be. Sometimes the language is crude. Sometimes it is deliberately personal. Occasionally it is enough to make someone wonder whether sharing their work was a mistake.

Sadly, some photographers never return after experiences like these. A hobby that should have been a source of creativity and relaxation becomes another source of anxiety. Instead of escaping the pressures of everyday life, photography begins to mirror the negativity that many people already endure at work or elsewhere.

That is a real loss.

Photography is deeply personal. Every image reflects choices, experiences, emotions and curiosity. Two photographers can stand side by side, using the same camera and the same lens, yet produce completely different photographs. Neither is necessarily right or wrong. They simply see differently.

This is why we should never feel compelled to defend our photography against destructive criticism. Not every opinion deserves our attention. Not every voice deserves equal weight.

That does not mean rejecting criticism altogether. Quite the opposite.

Constructive critique is one of the greatest gifts another photographer can offer. Honest observations, thoughtful suggestions and respectful discussion help us recognise weaknesses we may have overlooked. They challenge us to experiment, refine our technique and develop our own visual language. We should always remain open to people who genuinely want to help us improve.

The difference lies in intent.

One person offers guidance because they want to see you succeed. Another simply creates noise.

Learn to recognise the difference.

When faced with those who seek only to discourage, argue or provoke, remember the eagle. It did not waste precious energy trying to convince the crow that it was an eagle. It did not stop flying to justify itself. It simply climbed higher.

As photographers, we can do exactly the same. Spend your energy making better photographs rather than better arguments. Explore new places. Learn new techniques. Print your favourite images. Join communities that inspire rather than diminish. Encourage fellow photographers as generously as you would like to be encouraged yourself.

Every photograph you create teaches you something. Every outing with a camera helps you grow. Every mistake becomes another step forward.

Meanwhile, the noise gradually fades into the distance.

The crows never disappear completely.

But if you keep flying higher, one day you will realise you can no longer hear them.