A friend recently said to me, of another friend's photography: "She's so talented!"

This was, of course, meant as the highest of compliments. She makes such great photos, and she makes it look easy. 

It's not easy. This woman has quit her job and moved to a wretched town and gone into debt and clocked countless hours focusing on her craft, sharpening it. To call it talent is to erase these sacrifices. To call it talent is to erase her debt, her hours, her choice. This is not the result of natural aptitude. This is the opposite of a gift.

I can't wait to say I knew her when. I can't wait to say I knew her during. Because soon all anybody's going to see is the finished product, which is beautiful but not as beautiful as the process.