RE: [Leica] Talent

["B. D. Colen" <bdcolen@earthlink.net>]

We all "see" differently. Some are trained to
> see, some
> see by nature, some see without "seeing". Most fall into this group, but I
> think many people can fall into the first. One of the great things about
> photography, is that it is somewhat technical. If I were to set up my
> camera and lens, exposure and film, focus and scene at the same place and
> time as Tina, and fire the shutter at the precise same time, the resultant
> images would be the same. Big iff? Yes, but you can teach most people [who
> have an interest] the technical factors, expose them to images, and then
> explain how those images are pulled out of a scene. Then practice practice
> practice, and you will find your own personal vision.

Yes, Alastair, you're right about people's ability to learn the technical
side of things and therefore their ability to produce technically acceptable
images. What I mean by being born with talent is the fact that some people
who never get beyond the technical basics can, none the less, be
outstandingly good photographers. I think that they are born with the
ability to "see," whether that is an ability to see - and capture - the
human condition in a way others can't, or the ability to see form, color,
and/or composition.

I am not suggesting, as some responses have seemed to think I was, that
those of us without inborn talent can't become quite proficient at
photography and get enormous enjoyment out of it. All I'm suggesting is that
I think artistic talents of all kinds are in large part genetic - and, in
fact, most people who possess artistic talent in one area also possess it,
although they may not refine it, in another.

Cheers... B. D.