Last week during one of my photo sessions, a friend asked me a very honest question:
“Michael… how do I know if my photos are actually good?”
I smiled… because I’ve asked myself the same question for years.
And the truth is—most of us are somewhere on a journey.
Not stuck. Not lost. Just… progressing.
The tricky part is, we don’t always know where we are.
So today, I thought I’d share a simple way to look at it.
Stage 1 – “Wah, Everything Also Nice”
This is where we all started.
Sunset? Shoot.
Cloud? Shoot.
Reflection? Shoot.
Everything feels amazing. And honestly, that excitement is important.
But the photos?
A bit random. No clear subject. No strong composition.
👉 This stage is not wrong.
It’s just… the beginning.
Stage 2 – “I Know the Settings Already”
Now you start to understand your camera.
You learn:
- Long exposure
- ND filters
- Basic composition
Photos start to look nicer. Cleaner. More “proper”.
This is where many photographers are.
But here’s the problem…
Photos look good—but also start to look the same.
You follow what works.
But you’re not quite saying anything yet.
👉 Many people stay here for a long time.
Stage 3 – “Now I Start to See”
This is where things get interesting.
You stop just taking photos…
You start seeing scenes.
You begin to ask:
- Why does this work?
- Where should I stand?
- What should I include or remove?
You become more intentional.
Light matters more. Timing matters more.
Even small shifts in position make a big difference.
Some of you—yes, you reading this—are already here.
But…
Stage 4 – “Your Voice Starts to Show”
Now your photos begin to feel like you.
Not just technically correct.
Not just nice colours.
But something more personal.
People may start to recognise your style:
- The way you use light
- The way you compose
- The way your images feel
You are no longer chasing locations.
You are interpreting them.
Stage 5 – “Less Photos, More Meaning”
This stage is quieter.
You take fewer photos… but each one matters more.
You don’t shoot everything anymore.
Sometimes you walk away.
Because you know:
Not every scene deserves a photo.
And when you do shoot—you already know what you’re trying to say.
Stage 6 – “Beyond Photography”
This is where photography becomes something deeper.
It’s not about:
- Likes
- Gear
- Locations
It’s about expression.
Your work starts to connect with people emotionally.
Not because it’s dramatic…
But because it feels honest.
This is where photographers slowly become artists.
And no… I’m not there yet 😄
Still learning. Still exploring.
So… Where Are You Now?
Be honest with yourself.
No need to impress anyone.
- Are you still exploring?
- Are you repeating what works?
- Or are you starting to see differently?
There’s no rush.
Every stage has its own joy.
What Should You Do Next?
If you feel stuck, here’s a simple thought:
👉 Don’t just take more photos.
👉 Take better decisions.
- Move your feet more
- Wait longer for light
- Remove distractions
- Ask “why” before pressing the shutter
Small changes… big difference.
Final Thought
Photography is not a race.
There is no finish line.
Only small steps… and quiet improvements over time.
And sometimes… one photo that suddenly makes everything click.
If you’re somewhere between Stage 2 and 3 (most people are), don’t worry—you’re actually in a very good place.
That’s where growth happens.
And if you’d like to explore this journey together—through real locations, real light, and real guidance—you’re always welcome to join me on my photo outings and workshops.
We learn, we shoot… and sometimes we laugh at our own mistakes too 😄
