How to Know if You're a Bad Photographer (According to Yourself)
Over the years, I’ve learned that the most important aspect of growing as a photographer is being brutally honest with yourself. Self-assessment isn’t about negative self-judgment—it’s about identifying gaps in your work so you can evolve. In my journey as a photographer and mentor, I’ve developed a process that helps you compare your work to what inspires you. Here’s the step-by-step method I teach my mentees, which you can use to figure out where you stand and how to improve.
1. Curate Your Inspiration
The first step is to gather what moves you. Start by creating three separate lists:
Favorite Photographers’ Images: Compile a collection of images from photographers whose work resonates with you. These might be icons in the field or emerging talents whose vision aligns with your aspirations.
Favorite Fashion Magazines: Fashion magazines offer a glimpse into cutting-edge aesthetics and storytelling. Collect images from your favorite spreads, covers, or editorial shoots.
Favorite Ad Campaigns: Advertising campaigns, especially in the fashion industry, showcase how imagery can be compelling and persuasive. List the campaigns that make you stop and think.
This step isn’t just about admiration; it’s about identifying the qualities you value in photography.
2. Select Your Top 5 from Each Category
Once your lists are complete, narrow each down to the top five images that best represent what you admire. These selections are your benchmark—each image embodies a standard of excellence in its own right. You’re not merely compiling pretty pictures; you’re distilling what truly resonates with your creative eye.
Why Five? Five images per category are enough to capture a range of styles and techniques without overwhelming you. This curated selection will serve as your “yardstick” for evaluation.
3. Reflect on Your Own Work
Now, shift the focus inward. Look through your portfolio and choose the 15 images that, in your opinion, represent the strongest work of your career. These should be the images you’re most proud of—pieces that you believe encapsulate your vision and technical abilities.
The Exercise: Lay out your top 15 and compare them side-by-side with the 15 inspirational images (5 from photographers, 5 from magazines, 5 from ad campaigns). Be honest with yourself about similarities and differences. Do you see common elements? Where do your images fall short?
4. The Honest Comparison
This stage is about stepping back and objectively evaluating your work against your benchmarks. Ask yourself:
Technical Mastery: Do my images exhibit the same level of lighting, composition, and clarity as my favorites?
Creative Storytelling: Does my work evoke the same emotion or narrative as the pieces I admire?
Unique Voice: How does my personal style stand out in the midst of these high-quality works?
Being candid here might be tough, but it’s a necessary part of growth. Recognize that every photographer has areas to improve—even those you idolize.
5. Gather External Perspectives
After your self-assessment, it’s crucial to get feedback from others. This multi-layered review process includes:
A Layperson’s View: Have someone with no background in photography review your work without any preconceptions. Their unfiltered impressions can reveal how accessible or compelling your images are to a broader audience.
Peer Review: Invite feedback from colleagues or fellow photographers at your career level. They understand the technical aspects and creative challenges, offering insights that balance personal taste and professional standards.
Expert Critique: Finally, seek input from a seasoned professional whose experience far exceeds your own. This feedback is invaluable—it often highlights subtleties and nuances that only years of practice can reveal.
Each perspective provides a different piece of the puzzle, allowing you to see your work through multiple lenses.
6. Transform Feedback into Growth
Now that you have an array of honest opinions, it’s time to use this feedback constructively. Reflect on the comments and identify common themes. Ask yourself:
What recurring suggestions or critiques do I hear?
Which technical or creative elements need improvement?
What steps can I take to refine my skills or approach?
Develop a plan to address these areas. Whether it’s technical training, experimenting with new styles, or simply taking more time to plan your shoots, every improvement counts. Remember, the goal isn’t to label yourself as a “bad photographer” but to use the insights to become a better one.
Conclusion
In photography—as in life—growth begins with honest self-reflection. By curating your inspirations, critically comparing your work, and embracing diverse feedback, you open the door to continual improvement. Remember, no photographer is perfect; we all have room to learn and evolve. Embrace the process, and let every critique be a stepping stone toward excellence.
Happy shooting, and never stop growing.
