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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!

It’s Not Just About the Gear or the Conditions

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.

Technical Knowledge Is Important—But Not Enough

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.

Composition, Style, and Storytelling Matter

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.

Being a Pro Doesn’t Always Mean Being Great

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.

Fame Isn’t the Same as 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.

So What Does Make a Great Photographer?

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.

Great Is Subjective—And That’s a Good Thing

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.

Planning a photography setup for travel can be challenging, especially when balancing image quality, versatility, and portability. In 2026, I’ll be heading to Machu Picchu, and I’ve been carefully considering the best lightweight photography solution for the trip. My key criteria are:

• Lightweight: The gear shouldn’t be cumbersome to carry.
• Compact: It must fit easily in my travel bag
• Versatile focal range: A broad zoom range to capture everything from vast landscapes to distant details.

After evaluating different options, I decided on the Nikon Z30 as my camera body due to its compact size and excellent image quality. However, choosing the right lens was more complicated. Here’s a breakdown of the lenses I considered and why I ultimately chose the Nikkor Z 18-140mm.

Lens Options Considered

Nikkor Z 16-50mm

• Pros: Extremely small and lightweight, making the Z30 feel like a compact camera.
• Cons: Limited focal range (24-70mm full-frame equivalent), restricting flexibility for capturing distant subjects.

Nikkor Z 24-50mm

• Pros: Lightweight, inexpensive, and has some weather sealing.
• Cons: Designed for full-frame cameras, meaning an equivalent focal range of 36-75mm on the Z30—not ideal for wide-angle shots or telephoto reach.

Nikkor Z 24-200mm

• Pros: Excellent zoom range (36-300mm equivalent), great for capturing a variety of shots.
• Cons: The largest and heaviest option on the list, taking up too much space in my bag.

Alternative body option

I also included the option of taking a Sony RX100 VII. This compact camera would have been the most optimal solution for my trip, including a zoom lens with an equivalent focal range of 24-200mm. I was very close to going with this option, however I decided against it because I prefer the controls and ergonomics of Nikon cameras, and it would have also been the most expensive option at around £1000 here in the UK.

Final Decision: Nikkor Z 18-140mm

After weighing all the factors, I chose the Nikkor Z 18-140mm as the best lens for my Machu Picchu trip. Attached to the Z30, it provides a 27-210mm full-frame equivalent focal range—a perfect balance between wide-angle and telephoto capabilities. It will allow me to capture epic landscapes while still being able to zoom in on distant details.

Additionally, this lens is relatively compact at 90mm in length and lightweight compared to other superzoom options. This makes it an ideal travel companion, offering the versatility I need without adding unnecessary bulk.

Conclusion

For a lightweight, travel-friendly setup that doesn’t compromise on focal range or image quality, the Nikon Z30 with the Nikkor Z 18-140mm is my ideal choice for Machu Picchu. It strikes the right balance between portability and versatility, making it perfect for capturing everything from sprawling mountain landscapes to intricate architectural details.

If you’re planning a similar trip, I highly recommend considering this fantastic little superzoom. Here’s a video of my Nikkor Z 18-140mm lens review.

Are you constantly searching for the perfect moment to take photos? Waiting for that elusive foggy morning or the ideal light filtering through the trees? As photographers, we can fall into the trap of striving for perfection and limiting ourselves in the process. In this article, I want to share a simple but powerful tip to break free from these constraints, boost your creativity, and improve your photography.

Why We Limit Ourselves

It’s natural to follow patterns in our creative work. If something worked well in the past, we’re inclined to repeat it. Over time, this habit sharpens our skills, but it also narrows our focus. We become so selective about when and how we shoot that we can miss opportunities
Take macro photography, for example. You might think the best time is early morning, with dew on the leaves, or during summer when butterflies make excellent subject. But by waiting for these “perfect” conditions, you risk overlooking other opportunities where the light or subjects might offer something unexpected and unique.
This tendency can lead to creative block or even burnout. Repeating the same routines can become uninspiring, leaving you stuck in a rut. So how can you break free and rekindle your passion for photography?

The Game-Changing Tip

Here it is: stop trying to be good at photography!
Yes, you read that right. Sometimes, the best way to grow as a photographer is to switch off the part of your brain that’s always striving for perfection. Go out with no expectations. Let go of the pressure to capture award-winning shots.

How to Apply This Tip

1. Shoot Without Judgment
. Spend a day photographing anything that catches your eye—no matter how mundane or “imperfect” it seems. Don’t worry about composition, lighting, or technical perfectio
2. Embrace Bad Photos
Accept that not every shot will be great. If you take 100 bad photos but learn something new or capture one standout image, that’s progress.
3. Allow Time and Patience
Rushing through this process won’t work. Take your time, enjoy the moment, and let creativity flow naturally.
4. Experiment Freely
Try angles, subjects, or techniques you’ve never attempted before. This playful approach can reveal new possibilities and insights.

Why This Works

Switching off perfectionism unlocks your creativity. You’ll start seeing opportunities you’d usually dismiss and gain insights into different techniques and styles. Even seasoned photographers can benefit from this reset, especially if they’re feeling stuck or uninspired.
For beginners, this approach is invaluable. It accelerates learning by exposing you to a broader range of scenarios and challenges.

Final Thoughts

This simple yet transformative tip has made a big difference in my own photography. While I may take some “bad” photos along the way, the process leads to moments of inspiration and learning that ultimately improve my work.
So why not give it a try? Set aside perfectionism, loosen up, and shoot without expectations. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but the freedom and creativity you’ll gain are well worth i

I also made a video on this subject, which you can watch below.