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What It Takes to Be a Great Photographer
Let’s be honest. We’ve all looked at the top photographers and thought, What do they have that I don’t? The answer isn’t magic, luck, or some secret formula. It boils down to three things: skills, intelligence, and discipline.
Yeah, discipline—the part most people don’t want to hear about because it takes work. But discipline is only one of the habits of great photographers. Let’s dig in!
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Work smarter, not harder.” Well, I’ve got news for you: successful photographers do both. They bust their butts and work smart by embracing specific values and behaviors that drive their success.
But here’s where most photographers screw up: They convince themselves that the next workshop, the next video, or the next camera will finally make them great. Spoiler alert—it won’t. What they actually need isn’t more knowledge; it’s more experience.
The Trap of Overlearning
When I talk to frustrated photographers—and trust me, there are plenty—they often tell me, “I’ve taken classes, watched tutorials, read books, but when I pick up my camera, I feel stuck.” Sound familiar?
Here’s the problem: They’ve crammed so much information into their heads that they’re overwhelmed. They’ve learned by watching and listening, not by doing. And here’s the kicker: Science backs me up on this.
Too much knowledge without experience is like stacking papers on a desk. At first, it’s easy to find what you need. But as the pile grows, good luck sorting through the mess. Your brain works the same way. When you don’t put knowledge into action, it gets buried, and you lose access to it.
Humans are experiential learners. The more senses you involve in the process, the stronger the memory. So, here’s the takeaway: Stop stuffing your brain and start putting that knowledge to work.
The 9 Behaviors That Great Photographers Embrace
Here’s the no-B.S. list of what separates the best from the rest.
1. They Learn Through Doing
Great photographers don’t just read books or watch videos. They dive in and get their hands dirty. They know real learning happens when you experience something—when you screw it up, figure it out, and try again.
2. They’re Confident With Their Gear
Confidence comes from knowing your gear inside and out. That means reading the damn manual, practicing with intention, and understanding your gear’s limitations. Don’t kid yourself about what you know—or don’t know. Be honest and put in the work.
3. They See, They Don’t Just Look
Most people are blind to what’s right in front of them. They look but don’t see. Great photographers have trained themselves to notice the details and anticipate how a scene will translate into a photograph.
4. They Understand Light Like a Second Language
Lighting isn’t just about exposure and the Inverse Square Law. Great photographers master the subtleties—the mood, the emotion, the nuance of light. If you want your work to stand out, stop thinking about light as a technical problem and start treating it like an emotional tool.
5. They Compose With Purpose
Forget about the so-called rules of composition. Great photographers follow one rule: Include what matters and exclude what doesn’t. Composition happens in-camera, not later in Photoshop. As Henri Cartier-Bresson said, “A composition that was poor when the picture was taken can’t be fixed in the darkroom.”
6. They Adapt to the Situation
Style is great, but laziness isn’t. Great photographers are flexible. They adapt, improvise, and problem-solve because they know creativity thrives when you embrace the unexpected.
7. They Prepare Like Pros
Winging it is for amateurs. Great photos come from preparation—visualizing the shot, planning the setup, and thinking through the challenges before you even pick up the camera. Preparation clears your mind so you can focus on being creative.
8. They’re Their Own Toughest Critic
Mediocre photographers seek validation from others. Great photographers hold themselves to the highest standard. They’re ruthless editors, always looking for ways to improve and refusing to settle for “good enough.”
9. They Ignore the Noise
Great photographers don’t waste time chasing trends or worrying about what others think. They create for themselves, their subjects, and their clients. Period.
Bonus: They Embrace Failure
Here’s the harsh truth: If you’re not failing, you’re not growing. Great photographers don’t fear failure—they welcome it. Failure means you’re pushing boundaries and trying new things. Perfection? It’s a trap. The moment you think you’ve reached it, you stop growing.
Conclusion: The Real Secret
Great photographers aren’t born—they’re made. They build their skills through discipline, hard work, and a commitment to constant improvement. It’s not glamorous, but it’s the truth. So stop dreaming about success and start doing the work to achieve it.
Now, get off your computer, pick up your camera, and go make something amazing.
I hope you found this information useful. Now go pick up that camera and shoot something! Because – “Your BEST shot is your NEXT shot!” — Joe Edelman
