How to Know if You’re a Good Photographer
One thought I’ve often wrestled with—and still do, if I’m being honest—is this: How do you know if you’re a good photographer?
There’s no universal scale, no precise measure. We might compare ourselves to others, but that only leads to a distorted, unfair reflection—one that serves no real purpose and leaves us feeling empty or not good enough. When has comparison ever truly helped us grow? It becomes even harder to gauge our own abilities when we lack a sounding board, when there’s no one to offer thoughtful critique. This is a hard one for me as I’m working at home most of the time and overthinking and self-criticism are right there on either shoulder! Friends and family, no matter how well-intentioned, will always say, That’s amazing! or So beautiful!—but where does that leave us when we crave something deeper? Perhaps we seek validation from fellow creatives, from other photographers, or even from the fleeting approval of social media.
But there’s one thing all of these sources have in common: they come from outside of us.
And if there’s one thing I believe wholeheartedly, it’s that the answers we seek—about our art, our worth, our path—are already within us. They aren’t found in someone else’s approval, words of encouragement, or praise.
So how do you know if you’re a good photographer? It’s not about gear, or technique, or how many likes your images receive. Instead, it’s about something deeper—qualities that have nothing to do with technical skill and everything to do with how you see the world.
The Heart of a Photographer
At its core, photography is about observation. A good photographer is a keen observer—not just when holding a camera, but always. It’s in the way you notice light shifting across a room mid-conversation or the way your eye catches the vibrance of tulips on a Sunday walk. Or when you have to pull over on the side of the road to take in the gorgeous view, even if you’ve seen it hundreds of times. It’s in the moments when you pause, take in the world around you, and recognize beauty in the ordinary. Observation is not something you turn on and off; it’s an ever-present awareness, a way of moving through life.
Hand in hand with observation is presence. A good photographer knows that magic happens in the now—in the space where the world unfolds before us, unfiltered and raw. Whether you’re capturing a child’s laughter, the fleeting movement of a wild animal, or the quiet grandeur of a landscape, being present allows you to honor the moment as it is. And presence is more than just paying attention—it’s an offering. It’s holding space for what’s in front of you, not just through your camera settings but through your energy, your openness, your willingness to receive.
And then there is sensitivity—perhaps the most underrated but profound gift a photographer can have. Sensitivity allows us to feel the moment rather than just see it. It tunes us into the subtle shifts in light, the quiet emotions, the harmony of colors, the way a composition comes together effortlessly. Sensitivity is what makes an image resonate. It’s what allows us to create not just technically sound photographs, but ones that speak. Being deeply attuned to your environment sets you apart, shaping not just what you see, but how you feel and interpret the world around you.
Mastery of Your Tools
Beyond these qualities, a good photographer understands their camera so well that using it feels second nature. It’s not just about knowing the exposure triangle—it’s about making the camera an extension of yourself, of your vision. A good photographer isn’t defined by having the most expensive gear or top-of-the-line lenses—though gear has its place. True skill comes from how you see, interpret, and capture the world, not how much you’ve invested inside your camera bag. I believe the best camera is the one you have with you, and knowing how to adjust settings instinctively—without overthinking—frees you to focus on what truly matters: the moment before you.
A Clear Sense of Self
Finally, a good photographer has a sense of self—a connection to their own creative voice and vision. It’s not about being locked into one style forever, but about having a grounded center, a thread that ties your work together no matter how much you evolve. It’s about being intentional with what you choose to capture, trusting what speaks to you, and allowing yourself the freedom to explore while still knowing what feels like you.
Because, in the end, being a “good” photographer isn’t about perfection. It’s about the way you see, the way you feel, and the way you show up—curious, present, and open to the world around you.
I hope these words resonate with you and remind you to trust in your abilities and your photographic eye. Style is ever-evolving—something we may never fully "arrive" at—but that doesn’t mean you can’t have confidence in where you are right now. Growth is a constant, but so is the beauty of the journey. I know I’m still on it, too.