The technical aspects of the craft of photography can be taught, and so can the theoretical aspects of composition and design. What cant be taught, but can be nutured, as Clive says, is the spark of original thought that uses the theory in aself-expressive way.
Stand three novice landscape photographers in one place and say 'Compose an image of this view according to the rules of composition', and you will get three very similar images. Do the same and say 'Make an image of what has caught your eye' and you'll get three unique interpretations.
Creativity can be nurtured and allowed to grow, if the person is given the space and encouragment to experiment. But I find that a lot of people only want to know the technical side of photography, and dont appreciate the creative thought processes going on behind an image that they want to emulate. The crucial bit of learning is the realisation that an image is constructed consciously, and is a result of a series of aesthetic choices. The technique only allows you to more closely realise those choices.
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