You’re a better photographer than you think
In this blog, I’ll discuss 15 signs that you’re a better photographer than you think. These are observations I’ve personally noticed over the years, though there are certainly many others.
You Can Clearly Describe Your Work
If someone asks you to describe your photography, you can do so with ease. You know precisely what you shoot, how you shoot it, and the message you want to convey through your images. Not only is this question easy for you to answer, but it’s also one of the most enjoyable to discuss.
Your Camera Feels Like an Extension of You
When you’re out taking photos, you’re not consciously debating whether to use f/4 or f/8, nor are you glancing down to check your shutter speed or fumbling with different focus modes. Your camera feels like a natural extension of you, allowing you to focus fully on the scene. You’re no longer consciously thinking about light, composition, or positioning for the best shot—these elements come to you subconsciously.
You’re Getting Bored with Your Work and Noticing Repetition
You may find yourself feeling bored or realising you’re photographing the same subjects repeatedly. For example, I initially enjoyed shooting silhouettes and ‘stride-bys’, but over time it felt too easy and less fulfilling. The same happened on recent trips to Tokyo: the first cinematic night shots were exciting, but soon enough, they lost their challenge.
Photography Feels Harder
This boredom leads to the next point. Photography becomes harder as you look for new, more challenging shots. You may question if you’re losing your skill, but rest assured, you’re not. This is a sign that you’re outgrowing what once excited you and are beginning to seek more complex images, though you haven’t yet fully developed the skills to capture them effortlessly. This phase makes photography feel harder, but it’s a good indicator of progress.
You’re More Intentional
You become more intentional in your approach—whether it’s in what you shoot, how you shoot, or even which gear you bring. Gone are the days of carrying five lenses ranging from 12mm to 200mm and spraying and praying. While I still think it’s beneficial to shoot first and think second, even this approach becomes more refined and intentional over time.
You’re Shooting Less
Following on from the above points, it’s no surprise that you’re taking fewer photos. Whether it’s because you’re seeking new subjects or you’re no longer shooting indiscriminately, this phase makes life easier. I prefer culling through 100–200 shots today compared to sifting through 800+ a few years ago.
You Edit to Enhance, Not to Fix
We’ve all been through a phase where editing felt like “polishing a turd” (excuse my French). I used to edit to recover poor images—whether it meant adding an intense colour grade to compensate for poor use of light, cropping extensively to “fix” composition, or overusing Photoshop until the image barely resembled reality. As you improve, editing becomes a means to enhance an already good image, rather than a way to save a bad one.
You Have a Consistent, Recognisable Style
Having a consistent style doesn’t mean every photo looks the same, nor does it restrict you to one genre. However, if you take 20 photos from a single day or project, there should be a sense of cohesion among them. If your photography style becomes recognisable (for the right reasons), it’s a solid indicator of growth.
You Stay in Your Lane
Growth often shows in the confidence to pursue your own path without being concerned by what others are doing. You’re no longer comparing yourself to other photographers and aren’t bothered by their styles or choices. You have your own mission and steadily work towards it. This attitude often extends to how you view others’ opinions about you or your work.
Gaining Attention and Earning Money
This is an obvious one: when strangers start following your work or offering to pay for your skills, it’s a sign you’re on the right track. Of course, there are caveats. For instance, creating a viral reel of yourself dancing with a camera in a sumo suit doesn’t necessarily reflect progress in your photography.
Growing Confidence
Finally, confidence is a major indicator of improvement. If I asked you to go out and capture five photos you’d be happy to share, would you answer with a confident “yes”? If so, you’re progressing. It might seem simple, but not long ago, I’d feel anxious after a day’s shoot, especially with clients, worrying I hadn’t captured anything worthwhile. In most cases, I did have photos I was pleased with, but I lacked confidence in the moment. Today, I no longer struggle with this, but I know many people do. The only solution is to keep shooting.
