That's a good way to look at it. People tend to chastise others for copying photos and labeling them as "unoriginal". But it's how we learn. We use reference photos forever even after we've moved away from replicating an image line for line. Being able to see your skills as finely as you do is an incredible one up you have. You're aware and willing to face the challenges that have presented themselves to you. I wish you luck and hope to see a lot more from you in the future.