Take the quiz: 5 Questions to ask yourself if you want to become a better photographer

Do you want to create amazing images — photographs that create an immediate thrill of emotional connection, photos that pull your eyes back into the frame again and again, images that stay with you long after you’ve looked away? Do you want to become a better photographer?

If you answered yes to both. Then the question is, how? How does a photographer reach the point where they are creating images of the highest caliber? And, are you willing to put in the work?

While it is unrealistic to aspire to produce nothing but legendary images, there are several qualities and practices that can guide a photographer towards filling their portfolio with unforgettable imagery. So, if you’re goal this year is to become a better photographer who creates emotive, captivating images, ask yourself these five questions right now:

Quiz

Whether you get out a piece of paper and write down your answers or just keep your responses in your head, here are five questions I highly recommend asking if you want to become a better photographer who continues to grow and improve over time.

1. Are you willing to hear constructive criticism?

I have been teaching an online workshop for 5 years, now. Throughout that time I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with thousands of photographers.

Without exception, those students who embrace constructive criticism are the same students I see achieving the greatest growth both during, and after, my class. They share a similar thirst for critique. When feedback is received they respond with either questions or comments that show they have deliberated what they heard.

These students aren’t emotionally defensive of their imagery, but from time to time they will indicate that while they can see my point of view, they have made certain artistic choices with thoughtfulness, and thus will leave the image as is without my suggested changes.

This is how you make the most of critique. Develop a love of it. Solicit and digest the opinions of as many trusted mentors as possible, while carefully maintaining your artistic point of view.

The frequency with which you receive constructive critique will likely lessen as you progress further in your photography career, but maintaining a willingness to hear how others view and appreciate your work is integral to maintaining a path of growth as a photographer.

2. Can you critique yourself objectively?

Photographers who regularly produce amazing imagery have the critical skill of self-critique well within their grasp. They can look at one of their own images through the lens of objectivity, neither being overly lenient with their review, nor overly critical.

As I mentioned in the first point, receiving the constructive criticism of others is something that beginner and intermediate photographers can obtain with relative ease. More advanced photographers will find that securing the honest opinions of others becomes a little more difficult.

Thankfully, there is one critic who is always available. Yourself. Teach yourself to critique effectively and apply those skills to your own work.

3. Do you know how to find inspiration?

Organic inspiration ebbs and flows. Depending on multiple factors in your life (stress level, stage of life, relationship health, physical health, etc.) you will find that the number and quality of ideas for photographs that come to you without strategic effort will vary widely from season to season.

The muse is unreliable and the need to produce excellent imagery doesn’t always conform to her timeline. Thus, it is necessary to have strategies for creating inspiration even when you don’t feel inspired.

Photographers have different approaches, such as keeping a running idea notebook, doing artist studies (often referring to artists who work in other mediums) or shooting purposefully in a genre that is very different from the work that they are known for. Check these links (here, here and here) for more information.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?” -Marianne Williamson

4. Do you have a tribe who will help you be brave?

Becoming an artist who creates memorable imagery almost always requires stepping out of your comfort zone. You have to push past the artificial roles that you have set up for yourself. Call into question your definitions of beauty, worth and art. Put more of yourself out into the world than might feel comfortable.

There are those individuals who are able to do this type of brave work on their own, but most of us need a support system. People who will offer an enthusiastic “YES!” when we say we’re thinking about taking a big, scary step. Peers who serve straight answers, but are nothing if not our biggest cheerleaders.

Find these people and pour into those relationships. Put as much as you can into your photography support system and it will pay dividends in giving you the kick in the pants that you will need, from time to time.

Related: Is perfectionism holding you back from being the artist you were meant to be?

5. Do you want it?

Do you want to produce unforgettable imagery? How much?

• Enough to get back up after you fail?
• Enough to humbly ask for help when you need it?
• Enough to protect and nurture your artistic self?

You have to want it and you have to give yourself permission to get it if you want to become a better photographer.

Be honest with your answers and see where you’re at with your own photography journey. Are you ready to take the next steps and become a better photographer by doing the work? If you are, you’ll get there.

The message inside of you, the one that your photographs communicate, is needed by the world. Embrace your role, do the work and be amazing.

Photos by Megan Cieloha

More to read if you want to grow in your photography this year

You do you: 6 Ways to stop comparing yourself to other photographers

6 Steps to accomplishing all your photography goals this year (or not)

4 ways to stop getting discouraged in a talented market

8 Self-care strategies photographers (and moms) can use during stressful times