jessebchick wrote:


The photography teachers that I have had in the past never thought much of my work.


Well, you're in good company, then. Know who else didn't get much encouragement from teachers? Spielberg. George Lucas. Leonardo DiCaprio. Johnny Depp. Hey, I've heard that John and Paul of the Beatles couldn't read music. That didn't stop them from becoming amazingly brilliant musicians. The lead singer of the Moody Blues dropped out of school when he was a teenager. That doesn't seem to have hurt his career or his musical genius.

I'm not saying that teachers don't provide a wonderful, valuable service -- they do. But they aren't always able to recognize great talent when they see it. And you can't rely on their opinions about something that you love. Your heart will show you the way in this matter far better than any outside source could.

And, by the way, I love your photography. Every time I look at the seagull in the sky I'm reminded of Jonathan Livingston Seagull. Now there's a role model for you -- if you haven't read that book yet, or if you haven't seen the move, check 'em out. You'll see that those who are considered to be the wise ones in the community don't always recognize the special ones in their midst. And Jessica -- you are very, very special!