It can be easy to look at top photographers and think that they have simply unattainable levels of skill and natural talent and as such, that a normal person can never reach such heights. However, the truth is a lot more complex than that, and it is something that you should really think about as you grow and mature as a photographer. This excellent video essay discusses why photography is less about skills and more about the time and dedication you put into its pursuit.
Coming to you from aows, this excellent video discusses the importance of time and dedication in photography, particularly in comparison to skill. Of course, this is not to say that different people do not have varying levels of inherent talent. It is certainly true that some people are born with a certain predisposition to creativity, but you would be surprised how many talented creatives end up going nowhere because they do not back that up with hard work to develop that talent. On the other hand, some of the most successful creatives (both professionally and artistically) are not the most talented, but they are some of the hardest-working people you will ever meet. Check out the video above for the full rundown.
Very good advice, thank you.