There’s no such thing as talent.
Written by David WhiteBollocks, right?
Nope.
If you don’t believe me, and I can tell you don’t, get yourself a copy of ‘Bounce’ by Matthew Syed. In it, he argues conclusively that practice, practice, practice and more practice is the answer. Talent is a myth.
Good old Henri Cartier Bresson ( Rest In Photography) used to say that your first 10000 pictures are your worst. Syed argues conclusively that no-one is an expert in their field until they have worked in it relentlessly for a decade.
I have to say that I concur, and that I wish more photography students would take more images. You should never be without a camera. You should use it EVERY DAY. There really is no excuse not to with a digi camera. HCB could afford to shoot thousands of rolls of film before he got handy. You don’t have to worry about that. It doesn’t matter what you point it at, just bloody use it. Wear it out. Oh, and read Syed’s book. It’s a real eye opener.
Discussion (4 Comments)
This is Mathew Syed’s first book so by his own reckoning, I wouldn’t take it too seriously, give him another ten years.
😉
Orson Welles didn’t do so bad with his first film, Citizen Kane, aged 25.
Indeed, but he started on his creative journey 10 years previously…
I bought it on your recommendation and it is really inspiring. He pulls together a number of threads that people have been bandying around a lot recently, but puts it all in perspective.
I hadn’t appreciated how the idea of inate talent was demotivating me even when being praised for having talent. Its well worth reading and very entertaining too.