I recently read on someone’s profile something about how their talent was growing from being on the site and it got me to thinking about “talent”.
For many years now I have been thinking about talent and wondering if I would ever find mine. I am not musically gifted, I love to sing but have NO idea how to sing in key, I can’t draw even a stick figure straight, I suck at crafts, etc…. So, I thought about what I was good at, and all I could come up with is making people laugh and trying to make them happy. Again though, I don’t think thats a talent, its just my personality, right?
So what about photography, is that a talent? Anyone can learn to use a camera and take a picture, and the quality of a camera will make a difference in the quality of an image. There are many of you on redbubble that have cameras far superior to my point and shoot, but that wouldn’t mean more talent, that would mean more money for a better camera and therefore better quality of work. Now, that would be where WHAT you are capturing comes into play, is that where the talent lies?
I have often read about people having an “eye” for photography. Do you have that “eye”, do I? At one point I might have said I do, but then I think about all of the inspiration I gain from what I see here on redbubble and in other places and I wonder if that isn’t where my “eye” for photography comes from. So, that wouldn’t be talent, it would be growth and knowledge, right?
Do you consider yourself a talented photographer? If photography isn’t your talent, do you know what is?
Please let me know as I am curious as to how people think on this subject.
Thanks for your time!
Darlene
bamagirl38
Well, this is my take on this subject… I am a point and shoot gal myself………. I think that each persons talent varies….. I think our individual talent comes from deep within and can also be inspired from what we see in others…. I personally do not think the camera makes one bit of difference… Now in saying this, of course, with some cameras you get better quality in the general photo, however , if you dont have the eye to begin with, it makes no difference the camera that you have. I do consider myself a photographer as well as a digital art designer… I play the keyboard and am extremely into music… Do I think I am the most talented person out there? ABSOLUTELY NOT…. We are all different and all hold unique qualities in some form or fashion….. Talent is talent, no matter what that talent may be in…….. I hope I made sense … lol…. This is just my general view on this subject! Have a wonderful weekend!
Bonita
Darlene Ruhs:
Thank you so much Bonita for your point of view! You have a wonderful weekend too! :)
gothgirl
They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, meaning that it is those observing the art that decide whether the art is worthy or beautiful
Darlene Ruhs:
Oh I agree whole heartedly with what you are saying Gothgirl! What I see as fantastic, others will not and that is all a matter of opinion. However, what I am speaking of more in this journal entry is the feeling we each have within about our talent, whether you think you are talented or not, and what in your opinion does having talent mean?
connie campbell
I’m so glad you ask this question Darlene…You make your own talent I think in a sense …What got me started was doing websites a guy refused 1 of my captures of our school ball team.. I got very angry…I said “fine I will do my own then” and I have now for going on about 5 years and remind you I didn’t have a clue how to even start one but I did for our kids…My camera I done my site with not ashamed to tell it I paid less than $180.00…Yes, I had to learn how to count when the pitcher released the ball to get a good action shot but I did a great job and at times I still use that camera…It is not the camera at all it is the person behind the camera….Just this year I invested in a better Camera,I was tired of counting when the picture released the ball to get good shots….It’s not how well you do something in the begin, it is if your heart is in the right place and ONLY YOU feel as you are accomplishing your dream…If so nothing else should matter…God I hope I made Sense…You do great captures so I would’nt even worry about the others…Especially one you took on the dock through the ropes that was so kool…LOVED IT
Gracey
Learning to shoot good photos is technical skill – anyone can learn to do that if they truly want to, that’s a skill, not a talent (from my point of view anyways).
When you can make others feel what you see in your mind’s eye when you compose the photograph…that’s talent, and not really something you can learn. It comes from the heart.
Most photographers have both kinds of work – those that are technically good and very skillfully done, and those that may also be technically good, but have an emotional “pow” regardless of the subject.
Looking through your gallery, you’ve got both too. My opinion is that you do have “the eye”, so in your own terms, I’d say you have talent.