Brent Rowlett Loc: Atlanta, GA

I don’t know if you are responding to my edits or not. These photos are not mine if you read my post.

Have nothing against studio portrait photography at all. However in many places it is drying up. Millennial are using cell phones.

I completely agree with your assessment of talent. In the majority of cases talent is a learned and developed asset through dedication and desire to emulate the best of pros out there. Only through lots of practice can one become proficient and develop a style of their own.

Frank W Loc: Adirondacks in NY

About 10 years, if you work at it.

canon Lee

Hi Brent.. I respectfully disagree with your statement "Nobody is born with photography talent", I agree that photography is a "learning" curve like any other skills, BUT, Brent, the better photographers have talent because they are creative by nature and can excel in any type of learned skill... I am an artist and that helps me in my full time photography business to be original as well as creative.... Many develop mechanical skills that anyone can learn, but what is lacking is the creative, artistic, talents! Many photos I see on here are technically correct but are boring!

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

There are many extreme views on this subject and that is all good- differences of opinion are healthy and a decent debate is stimulating. There are issues of talent, education, philosophical approaches and the state of the market in professional portraiture. Here's my take:

I do believe that artistic talent, to a very great extent, is inborn. Of course, nobody is born with a camera in their hands and will somehow automatically become a talented photographer. The inborn traits I am referring to to is visual perception, that is a strong tendency to learn, express, perceive and interpret things visually as opposed to a dominant auditory or kinesthetic manner. Some folks have superior mechanical inclinations or dexterity to others. Others have an easier time with science, technology and mathematics. Some of us have personalities that are more comparable with certain kinds artistic endeavors. These leanings, propensities and traits can combine to enable artistic prowess and photographic savvy. Education, mentorship, experience, practice, sticktoitiveness and a solkd work ethic are all part of developing talent and maximizing one's potential.

I feel that a photographer can be a true artist within the realm of photography and not necessarily have the same level of artistry in other mediums such as painting, drawing and graphics, however, it certainly is great if a person is multi talented and skilled.

There is no doubt that the market in professional portraiture has changed. At one point in time it was a gradual change in styles, marketing approaches and business models. There were always different levels in the quality of work, or lack thereof as well as different pricing levels. Basically, there were the high volume/usually medium to mediocre quality/heavily or aggressively promoted studio or businesses and the low volume/high quality/less aggressively promoted studios or individual operators. Each had a place in the market with its own clientele. With the introduction of digital photography and the increased proliferation of photography as a hobby, avocation and something that is easy accessed by the average consumer and concepts like cellphone and the selfie fad, the lower end of the market is eroding and in some geographic location, tit is disappearing. The neighborhood brick and mortar studio is becoming extinct in many places. Theses factors have led to a more radical change in the marketplace. Only the very best of portrait photographers who can deliver the best quality and service will survive and only if they adopt more proactive promotional techniques, diversify, develop their business acumen and are willing to work very had for long hours. This is not a business or a job for the faint of heart, the introverted personality, the lazy photographer or the inapt “artist”.

Oftentimes is is difficult or nearly impossible to be a dedicated artist and a savvy business person all rolled up in one. Too many talented photographs have failed in business because the neglected or ignored the principles of management, cost control, pricing and sales promotion. Many were virtually eaten up by their overhead expenses because theses costs of doing business were not factored in their fees. I have spoken to many who though if their work is good or superior to others, it will sell itself and everything will work out in the end. I have seen others take the attitude that they can produce just about anything even substandard work and do exceedingly well financially with the right kind of salesmanship and promotion. Both theses concepts are the fast track to the bankruptcy court. Some of theses misconceptions can work for a short time but the will not sustain a business in the long term.

If you confine you portraiture to a hobby or an avocation, you needn't worry or be concerned about most of theses issues. Photographing people and making fine portraits is an enjoyable experience and can be good fun and personally rewarding. As a business- it's rough out there and it is a question of survival of the fittest.