“A photograph is not made in the camera but on either side of it.” – Edward Steichen
Photography, in its essence, is more than a technical skill; it is a perceptive craft that blends visual literacy with patience, curiosity, and a willingness to see the world differently. In Canada, where diverse landscapes and multicultural communities offer a rich canvas for visual storytelling, the question “What does it take to become a good photographer?” requires careful consideration beyond gear and software. Becoming a skilled photographer involves cultivating certain traits and practices that shape both the artist and their work.
A good photographer must first possess a keen sense of observation. This does not simply mean noticing what is around, but truly seeing; recognizing subtle play of light, textures, shadows, expressions, and fleeting moments. Whether shooting a snow-covered trail in Banff, capturing the roar of Niagara Falls, or a quiet urban scene in downtown Montréal, the ability to see potential images in everyday surroundings is fundamental.
Patience and persistence are equally important. A good photograph is often the result of waiting for just the right light, the right subject, or the right weather. In wildlife or landscape photography, especially in Canada’s northern or coastal regions, conditions can change rapidly. A dedicated photographer must be willing to wait, sometimes for hours, and return repeatedly to capture a perfect shot.
Curiosity and a desire to learn distinguish the best from the average. Photography is a constantly evolving field, shaped by technological changes and creative trends. A good photographer embraces learning; whether about new equipment, editing techniques, or the principles of composition. They also learn from other photographers, studying the masters while developing their own voice.
One of the most underrated traits is empathy. Especially in portrait and documentary photography, the ability to connect with subjects and tell their stories with respect and authenticity is essential. This is particularly relevant in a Canadian context, where sensitivity to Indigenous stories, cultural diversity, and community representation matters deeply.
Technical competence should not be overlooked. Understanding exposure, white balance, lens selection, and digital workflow are all vital. However, these skills are not the destination; they are tools. What sets good photographers apart is how they use those tools to express mood, narrative, and emotion.
Finally, resilience plays a critical role. Photography involves rejection, criticism, and creative frustration. Canadian photographers may also face seasonal limitations or long periods of inclement weather. Resilience enables an artist to keep going, to experiment, to fail, and to grow through the process.
In conclusion, becoming a good photographer in Canada, or anywhere, requires a balance of observation, patience, curiosity, empathy, technical skill, and resilience. These traits are not innate but can be nurtured over time. As the saying goes, the best camera is the one in your hand, but the best photographer is the one who continues to see, learn, and care.
About the Author:
Michael Martin is the Vice President of Technology with Metercor Inc., a Smart Meter, IoT, and Smart City systems integrator based in Canada. He has more than 40 years of experience in systems design for applications that use broadband networks, optical fibre, wireless, and digital communications technologies. He is a business and technology consultant. He was a senior executive consultant for 15 years with IBM, where he worked in the GBS Global Center of Competency for Energy and Utilities and the GTS Global Center of Excellence for Energy and Utilities. He is a founding partner and President of MICAN Communications and before that was President of Comlink Systems Limited and Ensat Broadcast Services, Inc., both divisions of Cygnal Technologies Corporation (CYN: TSX).
Martin served on the Board of Directors for TeraGo Inc (TGO: TSX) and on the Board of Directors for Avante Logixx Inc. (XX: TSX.V). He has served as a Member, SCC ISO-IEC JTC 1/SC-41 – Internet of Things and related technologies, ISO – International Organization for Standardization, and as a member of the NIST SP 500-325 Fog Computing Conceptual Model, National Institute of Standards and Technology. He served on the Board of Governors of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) [now Ontario Tech University] and on the Board of Advisers of five different Colleges in Ontario – Centennial College, Humber College, George Brown College, Durham College, Ryerson Polytechnic University [now Toronto Metropolitan University]. For 16 years he served on the Board of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE), Toronto Section.
He holds three master’s degrees, in business (MBA), communication (MA), and education (MEd). As well, he has three undergraduate diplomas and seven certifications in business, computer programming, internetworking, project management, media, photography, and communication technology. He has completed over 50 next generation MOOC (Massive Open Online Courses) continuous education in a wide variety of topics, including: Economics, Python Programming, Internet of Things, Cloud, Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive systems, Blockchain, Agile, Big Data, Design Thinking, Security, Indigenous Canada awareness, and more.