On a recent trip to Padley Gorge, I got thinking about a fairly philosophical question:
What really makes a great photographer?
Is it technical skill, artistic vision, consistency—or something else entirely? That’s the topic of discussion in this article, so read on to find out my thoughts!
Let’s get one thing out of the way first: this isn’t a post about what makes a great photograph. These days, nearly everyone has a camera in their pocket. It’s more than possible for anyone to capture a brilliant image without even really trying, and with the help of AI and editing tools, even an average photo can be made to look impressive.
But does that make someone a great photographer?
I don’t think so. Great images can happen by chance, but the true greats of photography aren’t creating their work by accident.
Of course, understanding the technical side—exposure, aperture, focal lengths—is a solid foundation. Knowing how to use your equipment well can help you craft stronger images more reliably.
But we’ve seen photographers take stunning shots with smartphones. Think of White House photographer Pete Souza or amateur photographer of the year, 2020, Zay Yar Lin who have both captured noteworthy images with mobile phone cameras. They of course understand camera mechanics inside and out—but that’s not what makes their work stand out.
Strong composition, an eye for aesthetics, and the ability to tell a story through imagery all play their part. But again, even these can happen by accident. Someone might snap an image in the moment that happens to have beautiful composition and a striking story.
Take Nan Goldin or William Eggleston, for example. Their images often feel like snapshots—but their ability to infuse meaning and atmosphere into seemingly ordinary moments elevates them. The line between snapshot and masterpiece isn’t always clear.
It’s also tempting to equate professionalism with greatness. But just because someone earns money from photography doesn’t necessarily mean they’re pushing the creative envelope.|
I’ve worked in graphic design long enough to know that professionalism often means being efficient, reliable, and meeting client needs—not necessarily breaking new ground artistically.
So working professionally as a photographer, doesn’t automatically equal greatness.
In today’s world, building a brand and getting your work seen can make a huge difference. Social media rewards visibility, and sometimes visibility leads to credibility.
But again—fame isn’t a guarantee of greatness.
Look at Vivian Maier. She created thousands of incredible street photographs, most of which weren’t discovered until after her death. She wasn’t famous in her lifetime, but her work speaks volumes. Recognition can be great, but it’s not the only indicator of greatness.
Here’s what I’ve come to believe: Consistency is what separates good photographers from great ones.
A great photographer doesn’t just take one or two standout shots. They produce high-quality work again and again, often prolifically. They reflect on their images, learn from them, and constantly strive to improve. They’re not just satisfied with where they are—they want to keep evolving.
And maybe most importantly, they love the process. Whether it’s a foggy morning in the woods or a quick street snap on the way to work, great photographers are always looking, always seeing, and always creating.
At the end of the day, “great” is a subjective label. What I think makes a great photographer might not line up with your definition—and that’s part of the beauty of photography.
What do you think makes a great photographer? Check out the video I made on this topic below, and maybe leave a comment about your own thoughts on what makes a great photographer.
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