What Makes a Good Photographer Great? – Part I

A little over a Year ago I acquired my first DSLR and thought it would be the thing to take me that leap from being a good photographer (who has a wonderful time taking pictures) to a great photographer (who can take wonderful pictures at any time).

We’d all be shooting like the pros if we had expensive equipment, right?! Anyone can be a good photographer when they have a $2500 camera hanging around their neck with a $1200 lens attached to it, right?

Oh, little did I know…
After just a short year of hard work, amazing encouragement and help from other photographers, constructive criticism, and lots of studying, I now understand what it takes to be truly great.

I’m hoping that someday soon, with even more hard work, encouragement, help and criticism from some of the most amazing photographers I know, and even more study, I hope that I too can become what it takes to be a truly great photographer.

So, what makes a good photographer great?
In my opinion it’s a combination of these factors:
- Creativity.
It sounds simple enough, but wow, does a photographer have to be on their toes and constantly exercising their creativity in creating good images as well as capturing them.
- A Skilled Eye.
It’s something you can learn and it takes a lot of training to truly be attentive to the mundane.
- Character.
Every photo reflects the character of the photographer, how a picture looks says a lot about that photographer. To have truly great pictures takes good character.
- Personality.
Let’s be honest, who wants to hire a photographer for their family portraitss who is like the Walmart Studio guy? A truly good photographer has enough personality and is engaging enough to help anyone feel comfortable in front of the lens. Having your portraits done shouldn’t be as bad as going to the dentist.
- Knowledge.
The great photographers are ones who are constantly investing in their skill and knowledge about their profession. One who is always growing and learning will never be disappointed in their abilities.
- Adventurism.
(Yes, it’s a word.) The willingness to deal with the unknown and work well in/with it is truly admirable in any photographer. That is when some of your best pictures will be captured.
- Humility.
Even the crème de la crème must be humble. It takes great courage to be humble in front of other photographers and know when to take criticism well. Humility is key in taking that step from being good to great.

No, I did not include “Thousands of Dollars Worth of Equipment”, or “Being Brave Enough to Stand in Front of an On-coming Bus” or “Amazing Business Sense”, or “Know All the Right People”, or “Work with Movie Stars!” Though all of those are fun and are sometimes helpful… they are not necessarily key to being great.

I have to admit, these are things I have learned from working with some truly great photographers.
I have been so wonderfully blessed by so many other photographers across the world who have taken the time to invest in my learning experience as a photographer.
I want to be half as much as an encouragement to someone else as they have been to me, and I also want to honor their investment in me by aspiring to be a truly great photographer.

On the road… not quite getting there, but hope to someday soon.

Up next is Part II! If you’re an aspiring photographer, you probably don’t want to miss it. I will be putting up my encouragement and thoughts on what specifically do to take those first steps of becoming a great photographer!!!

Many blessings on each and every one of you!
Until next time,
~Danica

In Schaumberg last November for Bible Bee Nationals. Taking pics of our hotel room, and capturing myself in the ever-cliched mirror shot.

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