I applaud you for standing up for your rights. I have seen your gallery, and you possess a good eye and good photographic skills.
However, if you can combine your obvious photographic talent with a teeny bit of social skills, you will go far, much further than if you limit your potential through a low EQ.
For instance, why not consider your teacher's request for your photo of him as a compliment and endorsement of your photographic talent? He may not have expressed his request in a way you expected, raising your defiance.. Nevertheless whenever anyone wants a photo taken by you, it is an indication he likes what you took, isn't it?
Second, the teacher may have reacted the way he did (becoming a bully) after he lost face when you rejected his request. Adults are like that -- they expect respect from their juniors, whether such respect is earned or not.. You wld have shown him maturity beyond your years (and probably made a good impression on those around you) had you simply acceded to his request by telling him.. "Sure, teacher, thank you for wanting the photo, although I don't like the way you trampled on my rights..."
Let me give you another reason why you will benefit by being more positive: social skills and networking is important for a photographer. Developing good social interaction skills at an young age will help you to take better photos as you mature, particularly when you take portraits, weddings, etc where people skills become paramount. I believe a good portrait shows the photographer's people skills more than anything else, and I rate it higher than technical skills. Ability to remain cool and collected under pressure is a plus in good commercial photography, but it is not something you can learn from textbooks, only from life experiences.
Learning when to stand up for yr rights (distinct from simply knowing your rights) and when to make a friend, will help you to progress. I learnt that early in my first career as a banker. I also faced that when I started my second career in photography. In most cases, people who did me wrong, came back to me later with more business. *grin* Your teacher, for instance, may show the photo you took to his colleagues, and you gain as your reputation goes round. Heck, you may even get a future request for a paid shoot as a result of simply giving that photo away !! That may happen or it may not, but you get the point.
Youth is a time when we are most passionate about the things we believe in. However, it is also a time when our heart -- rather than our head -- rules our passions, sometimes to our regret later in life.
Sorry if I sound "preachy". I hope you don't take this post as condescending or patronizing. It is neither. I respect you as an young adult. I like your pictures, I think you will go far if you allow your potential to develop further. Hence my piece, because I have mentored teens, several of whom have grown up to be socially comfortable and well-liked, with leadership qualities. A few don't make the grade, however, or take much longer.
It's a pity.
All the best to you in your future endeavours.
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