Signs You’re a Better Photographer Than You Think

It's easy to underestimate your own skills. You compare your work to others, feel stuck, or convince yourself you’re not improving. But there are clear signs that show you’re better than you think. Recognizing them can help build confidence and keep you moving forward.

Coming to you from Rick Bebbington, this insightful video breaks down key indicators that you’re growing as a photographer, even if you don’t always see it. One of the biggest signs is being critical of your own work. If you can look at an image and immediately recognize what works, what doesn’t, and how to improve, you’re ahead of those who don’t even notice flaws. This ties into the Dunning-Kruger effect—the more experience you gain, the more you realize how much there is to learn. That moment when your old work makes you cringe? It’s not a bad thing. It means you've grown. Instead of measuring yourself against others, looking back at your own progress can reveal just how far you’ve come.

Another sign is how you see the world. Noticing light, paying attention to how it interacts with a scene, and understanding how it affects composition shows real improvement. Light isn’t just brightness; it shapes the mood, depth, and texture of an image. When you start seeing how small changes in light transform a photo, you’re thinking at a higher level. The same goes for composition. If you find yourself spotting interesting details, framing shots in your mind even when you don’t have a camera, or capturing moments others overlook, you’re developing your own style rather than just mimicking trends.

Comfort with your gear is another indicator. When using your camera becomes second nature, you free up mental energy to focus on creativity instead of settings. If you’re no longer chasing the newest gear as a shortcut to better images and instead focusing on refining your skills with what you have, it’s a sign that your priorities have shifted in the right direction. Strong photography isn’t about having the best camera—it’s about knowing how to use it.

Perhaps the most overlooked sign of improvement is receiving meaningful compliments. Generic praise from friends and family is nice, but when experienced photographers recognize your work, that carries weight. Seeking constructive feedback instead of avoiding critique can accelerate growth. Honest, informed opinions help you see your strengths and pinpoint areas for improvement. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Bebbington.