Two summers ago, I planned a photoshoot with a fashion influencer I hadn’t seen in three years.  She was telling me how nice the pictures I had recently posted on Instagram were. She looked pleasantly surprised. When I thanked her for the compliment, she asked me, “How are your pictures nicer? Did you buy a new camera?” I happily replied, “No, I became a better photographer.”

For the longest time, I feared not improving as a photographer. Sometimes, it is difficult for me to say that I am a professional photographer because, first, hello imposter syndrome, and second, I don’t take photos for a living. I only do it for my family and friends, for artistic purposes, or simply for fun. But I’ve come a long way since my first photoshoot. What makes a good photographer, you wonder? Here are a few things I learned.