On your road to professionalism, as you become a more proficient and smarter shooter of the world around you, you will naturally find yourself thinking about every photo you take and wanting the current one to be better than the one you took before. This noble quest that you will undoubtedly find yourself on, coupled with daily practice, is the true start of you thinking like a professional because your thoughts turn to action.

The Quest for a "Good" Photo ✔️

Photography is art+technicality.

In this boundless realm of self-expression, you really need 3 major tools to master photography:

• technical skills

• composition rules

• artistic vision

These 3 tools highlight that photography resides in the realm of multi-dimentionality - an art as much as it is a science. This then brings out the deeper essence of the elusive “good photo” and who decides which of your photos are good.

What Makes a Photo Captivating? ❗

Ask yourself this very question the next time you look at the work of another photographer (apt question to ask yourself because you wouldn’t look at a photographer whose work you didn't like!). 

We all see the world around us, but a true professional photographer sees a whole lot more than people normally do. A compelling photograph transcends the mere convergence of light, composition, and subject matter. It stirs emotions and compels them to linger, ponder, or revisit the image. 

Here’s a checklist of elements often associated with compelling photos:

1. Emotion: A photo that evokes genuine emotion—be it joy, sadness, wonder, or nostalgia—has the power to resonate deeply with viewers. Emotion connects us to the essence of the moment captured.

2. Storytelling: A great photo tells a story, and the viewer becomes a participant in that narrative. It invites curiosity, sparking the imagination and prompting questions.

3. Composition: Effective composition guides the viewer's gaze, leading them through the image and allowing them to discover details, layers, and subtleties within the frame.

4. Timing: The decisive moment, as coined by Henri Cartier-Bresson, encapsulates the notion that impeccable timing can elevate a photograph from ordinary to extraordinary.

5. Unique Perspective: Unconventional angles, unusual subjects, or unexpected viewpoints can infuse a sense of novelty and intrigue into an image.

"Bad" vs "Good" Photos ✅❎

At first glance, it may seem straightforward to distinguish between a "bad" photo and a "good" one. Yet, this distinction often hinges on subjective preferences and individual perspectives. What some may dismiss as "bad" photos, others may see as evocative and authentic. Here are some common differences:

1. Technical Flaws: "Bad" photos may exhibit technical imperfections like overexposure, underexposure, blur, or poor focus. However, these flaws can sometimes contribute to the charm of an image or convey a sense of raw authenticity.

2. Subject Matter: Subject matter is highly subjective. What some consider mundane or uninteresting may hold deep personal significance for others. A "bad" photo of a seemingly ordinary object can become a cherished keepsake when viewed through a personal lens.

3. Artistic Vision: A photograph that departs from conventional norms and challenges artistic boundaries may be deemed "bad" by some but celebrated as innovative and bold by others.

4. Viewer's Perspective: A "bad" photo to one person might carry powerful emotional resonance or personal memories for another viewer. The context and perspective of the observer play a significant role in how an image is perceived.

The Paradox: Is There Such a Thing as a "Good Photo”? 🕵️‍♂️

In a world where subjectivity and individual interpretation hold sway, it becomes apparent that the concept of a universally "good" photo is a paradox in itself. While you as a professional strive for technical excellence, compositional mastery, and the ability to capture moments that resonate with others, the elusive nature of "good" is precisely what makes your journey in photography an ever-evolving and endlessly fascinating pursuit.

Each image tells a story, whether grand or humble, and has the potential to connect with someone on a deeply personal level. A "bad" photo can become a cherished memory, and a "good" photo can remain a fleeting moment of artistic expression.

In summary 🥂

This quote from legendary photographer Ansel Adams says it all:

“There are always two people in every picture: the photographer and the viewer.”

The essence of photography lies not in the pursuit of capturing the "perfect" image but in the act of seeing and sharing your unique perspectives with the world. Every photo is a reflection of your vision, emotions, and experiences. It is a testament to the beauty of imperfection, the fluidity of art, and the enduring power of storytelling. 

You decide which of your photos are good photos and which are bad photos from your experience and your view of the world, But that doesn’t immediately then apply to the viewers of your image, who will see your photos differently based on their experience and views of the world.

And thus, no photo is truly good, and no photo truly bad. As humans, our brains are constantly looking to make sense of the world around us. Apart from an objectively bad photo with poor lighting, no clear subject and terrible framing, every photo tells a story and evokes an emotion.

And those photos that tell the most fascinating stories and evoke the most captivating emotions are the best photos you can take.