Photography Frustrations

When it comes to painting and drawing, I'm pretty confident. I know enough to succeed at what I'm trying to do, even if it presents a challenge.

But then there's photography. Well, landscapes aren't too hard...

See? Taken at Zenger Farm.

And closeups of interesting plants? No problem!

A bee viciously attacking a defenseless thistle.

Animals? Check!

I call it "Puffed Pigeon." You can't get more descriptive.

Mah kitteh, Lulu. 

But product/art photography is a different kettle of fish. I know that my paintings look pretty good. But how do I convince you if I'm crap at taking the pictures? I'm trying - I'm checking out tutorials and getting personal advice, but it's a struggle. And it seems sometimes like the more I try, the worse I get. It wouldn't be so bad if I could avoid it (like oil paintings, portraits, ceramics, and the plague), but if I'm aiming for selling on Etsy, it seems your photos can make or break you.

How about you? Is there a particular medium or subject matter you wrestle with? Do you avoid it at all costs or see it as a worthy challenge?