Born to be an artist.

We’ve all probably heard it at some point or another. Either you’ve been told this or heard it in talking about someone else. “You (They) really have the eye.” Often it is spoken about as if it isn’t something that you can learn but rather something you or someone else has been born with. It is often like others are talking about something that is a natural talent.

I’m not convinced there is such a thing as “natural talent”. I believe talent is something that is developed in us as we progress and are groomed. There are something things with our bodies that may do better with size. It would be difficult for a 4’6″ 90-pound person to become a defensive end in the National Football League, but let’s talk about being a photographer and artist.

I believe, given the desire to learn anyone can do this. I don’t mean to make the skill sound cheap or easy but rather the skills needed to become a good photographer and the ability to produce fantastic art can be taught and learned. It is all a matter of dedication, learning to see, and operating the equipment.

Like many of you, I have a daytime job. My 9-5 so to speak (although mine is more of a 6:30am-3pm gig). During my daytime job, I spend a lot of time around children. Children see almost every minor detail of things, or so it would appear. They will ask questions or point out details in the smallest of things. At the same time, I can miss a drink cup on a window ledge of what I think is going to be a wonderful nighttime photograph of a small train station (true story). Another thing I notice about children, especially younger children is their imagination and creativity. Virtually every one of us had those when we were young children. It’s just a matter of releasing that imagination and creativity again.

Open up your inner child to let your creativity and imagination flow again. It’s not as hard as we have made ourselves believe.