Originally posted as a guest post at Digital-Photography-School.com, and shared over 20,000 times. this short essay is an upside down look at talent definition.
Talent Definition as a Verb, Not a Noun
Your mom says you have talent.
Your friends think you’re amazing. Your photos get lots of likes.
You even had a show at the local coffee shop although you didn’t sell one 5×7.
At some point, you wonder if you have what it takes. Do you have enough talent? Do you have enough gas in the tank? Could you be a professional photographer. Could you be a professional anything that you love? Could you actually get paid for doing what you love?
Or, maybe you’ve been doing this awhile. You’re a pro but you’re wondering if you have anything left in the tank. Can you make you’re work fresh. Can you reinvent yourself. Do you have any talent left?
We speak of talent like a finite resource. This person has 5 gallons of talent. That person, being more talented, was given 10 gallons. You either have it or you don’t. You’re blessed with photographic talent or you’re not. You have reserves or you’re running low and there is no Costco station in sight.
This the thing about talent: it’s overrated and of infinite supply. We need a new talent definition.
Your mom calls you talented because she wants you to feel special. You are special but that’s another post. Your friends say you’re talented because they want you to buy them a drink. Your Facebook friends like your photos because they want you to like their photos.
We’re all born with talent, each in our own way. It’s our unique and beautiful voice. Call it God. Call it your highest self. Call it your creative muse. It’s there. Over the years, for various reasons, that voice gets buried.
Talent is being connected to that voice. Talent is listening and acting from that voice. Talent is doing your what from your why.
Whether you’re new or experienced, if you keep hearing your voice, if people photography is fun and fulfilling, then you’re talented.
Now, are you talented enough? Is your inner voice loud enough? Will you listen enough? Do you have the courage to act on your voice? Can you face fear and still move forward?
I don’t know. Neither do you. Neither does your mom and moms know just about everything.
Do it anyway. Take the next step. Be talented enough for the next step. That’s all you need.
Do it because it’s fun. Do it because the world needs more beauty. Do it because your inner voice is too loud and you can’t get to sleep.
Act before you’re ready because regret blows.
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Best,
Mike