Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Nature or nurture?

While at the Mystic 3 convention on Monday, one of the speakers posed a question to the group titled "what is talent" or something like that. I don't know if the question was truly ever answered (or if it can be) but I replied that I felt that passion for something was what drove someone to become talented or to reach their true potential.
So I pose this question to all of you out there.."what is talent and where does it come from"?
I DO believe that everyone was born to be great at something, but only a few lucky ones discover what that is. And then, there are people who are not born with the most natural ability, yet their passion or desire to do well at something takes them to another level. For example, Larry Bird was not born with wonderful athletic ability, but he worked harder than everyone else to overcome his shortcomings and still excel at the highest level.
All of this is not to say that some don't have a "God given" gift to do something well...because some obviously do. But when someone tells me that I am gifted (which is very rare, trust me!)..my response is that the true "gift" is that God allowed me to discover my passion...and that I work very hard to be the best that I can.
So what do you think? Are great musicians born with the natural ability..or did they just work harder at it than most? Maybe it's a combination? Does it go back to the "nature vs. nurture" thing. I am curious to hear your thoughts out there.

Best in Show..Photographer of the Year!


Well...I am elated to say that one of my prints titled "Meet me at Midnight" was awarded "Best in Show" last week at CTPPA's last monthly print competition..which also awards me with Connecticut's "Photographer of the Year"! It was quite a year for me...not only in competition, but in personal & professional endeavors as well. And I truly feel blessed to be able to do what I love to do. I hope that I can continue to improve upon this great start in print competition...and that the opening of the new studio will help me to better serve my clients, as well as help me bring my photography to a new level.
I had never entered a print competition until 2007...but I have to say that it really has been a wonderful learning experience for me. It has opened my eyes and truly helped me appreciate all the knowledge and implementation that goes into the making of a successful image. For all of you photographers out there who have not entered competitions yet, I encourage you to start. Throw your work out there and see what happens..but most of all, try to learn from the critiques. It will really help you grow as a photographer.