That's a bad photo, you have no talent?

[thebiologist]

I understand that this is a community for learning and that not a lot of people become a master photographer overnight. That being said, do you have to have talent for it or will hard work get you there with little to no talent? I'm sure most of you will answer both which is what I think. The real reason I pose such an inquiry is because I see many bad photographers and photos here and on other sites just as well as good ones. Though us, the commenters, will never say you have no talent or that you're a bad photographer since we probably don't know enough to come to such a conclusion. But if we do know enough to say so, shouldn't we? I think so, especially for those trying to make a living out of it. I mean, how hard is it to correctly expose a photo?
I'm no expert myself and this is all in my cynical, humble opinion.

[RLucas]

What is correct exposure? IMO, there is no answer to that question. It is subjective, and so full of opinion, that there is no really correct answer.
There are photos that you or I think are bad, but 10 more people might think they are great.
I think telling someone that they are a talentless hack would be crossing over the mean threshold just a bit.
The best you can do here, or anywhere else for that matter is to just offer an honest opinion if the question arises, and try to guide. Harsh is one thing, but just being rude is another.

I do think that talent can be achieved with guidance and a willingness to learn. The will to do it, IMO, is 2/3 the battle.

[BCampbell]

You need to define your goals first.

If you want to be successful... how do you define success? Supporting oneself monetarily? In that case, it takes very little photographic talent and lots of hard work and business skill (though those with real talent might support themselves more easily).

Or another definition, approval of your peers? That could take a high level of skill, depending on who your peers are. Some people in some circles are highly regarded but do one thing, well, over and over. It's debateable whether that's skill.

What's a "master photographer"?

[Krusty79]

Everyone has to start somewhere and everyone learns at different rates. No one starts out as an expert. People post here because they want to improve and telling them they have no talent is not going to help anyone, it will just drive the beginners away from this site.

[thebiologist]

Thanks for all the input. I'm not planning on telling anybody they are talentless just to put that out there.
I guess you would all agree that everybody has some sort of photographical talent in them.
What is correct exposure? If that is subjective, then yeah everything is subjective. Critiquing is hard when everything is subjective though.
A master photographer isn't a term. I was just using hyperbole to make it sound more interesting.
And this wasn't aimed at beginner photographers. I was thinking of people who charge or have been learning a long time.
Relax guys.

[wingflapp]

Originally Posted by thebiologist

Though us, the commenters, will never say you have no talent or that you're a bad photographer since we probably don't know enough to come to such a conclusion. But if we do know enough to say so, shouldn't we? I think so, especially for those trying to make a living out of it. I mean, how hard is it to correctly expose a photo?
I'm no expert myself and this is all in my cynical, humble opinion.

Perhaps, if you feel you should let people know that they have no talent, due to the bad photos you observe, then 'Digital Photography School' is not really the best place to be looking at photos.

Once, a long time ago, your photos sucked too.

FYI- your opinion is far from humble.

[candidrachel]

Like RLucas said photography is very subjective. I post photos because I like them. I know myself what I deem as an awesome photo. It is frustrating when I only get a few comments but as they say "that's the way the mop flops". I do look at some websites and feel a little smug when I think to myself "well at least my photos aren't THAT BAD" lol!

Success means differerent things to different people. I have high standards and consider myself successful when I am on the same level as some world class photographer but until that happens I'll just lower my expectations and just be happy that I have time on my hands to go out and take photos when I feel like it.

[RLucas]

Originally Posted by thebiologist

Thanks for all the input. I'm not planning on telling anybody they are talentless just to put that out there.
I guess you would all agree that everybody has some sort of photographical talent in them.
What is correct exposure? If that is subjective, then yeah everything is subjective. Critiquing is hard when everything is subjective though.
A master photographer isn't a term. I was just using hyperbole to make it sound more interesting.
And this wasn't aimed at beginner photographers. I was thinking of people who charge or have been learning a long time.
Relax guys.

LOL! I didn't even know there was an argument brewing here. I will agree that critique is hard, but not for the same reason. Objectivity is a good thing. You know what you like so it actually makes the critique easier. What makes it hard for me is that I have a hard time telling people I don't like something about their image(s). I can be a complete ass. but I don't like coming across that way when it is not my intention.

[CharlieJ]

If a photographer makes EXPLORE on Flickr, they obviously are talented and deserve mucho accolades.

Bahahahahaha!

No, seriously... Bad photo does not equal no talent, IMO. Everyone takes a bad photo from time to time. If you're considered a "master", the trick is not allowing those bad photos to be seen publicly.

I think there is a measure of raw talent that sets some people apart from others, no matter how hard the "others", study, train or read. Some people just have more talent, in the area of photography, than others... just like some people can sing, play ball or write poetry better than others.

[Gulf Coast Girl]

Originally Posted by wingflapp

Perhaps, if you feel you should let people know that they have no talent, due to the bad photos you observe, then 'Digital Photography School' is not really the best place to be looking at photos.

Once, a long time ago, your photos sucked too.

FYI- your opinion is far from humble.

x 2... took the words right out of my mouth.


Personally I'm well aware that I'm an absolute beginner and I'm here to learn from people willing to share their knowledge. Constructive criticism is great if you also make it clear what I can do to take a better photo next time..... I'm definitely not here to be told I have no talent and should just give up. That's just arrogant and rude.


This site is called Digital Photography School.... not Professionals Only Digital Photography