PF-107: What Makes a Great Photo?

Updated July 2026 • 9 minute read

Photography Fundamentals

Lesson 7 of 10

← Previous Lesson: PF-106: Why Some Photos Print Better Than Others

→ Next Lesson: PF-108: Understanding Image Compression

Every day, billions of photos are taken around the world.

Only a small percentage become the photographs we frame, display, and treasure for years.

So what separates a snapshot from a photograph that deserves a place on your wall?

It's rarely the camera.

Great photographs combine technical quality with emotion, storytelling, and thoughtful composition. While every photographer develops their own style, the best images often share many of the same characteristics.

Quick Answer

Great photographs typically have:

• A clear subject
• Good lighting
• Strong composition
• Sharp focus
• A compelling moment
• Emotion or meaning
• Simple, uncluttered backgrounds

The most memorable photographs aren't always technically perfect—they're the ones that make you feel something.

Start With a Clear Subject

When someone looks at your photograph, their eyes should naturally know where to look first.

Ask yourself:

• What is this photo about?
• Where do I want the viewer's eye to go?
• Is there anything distracting from the main subject?

If the answer isn't immediately obvious, simplifying the scene often makes the photograph much stronger.

Light Is Everything

Photography literally means "drawing with light."

Light affects:

• Mood
• Color
• Texture
• Depth
• Contrast

Soft morning and evening light often creates flattering portraits and dramatic landscapes.

Harsh midday sunlight can create strong shadows and high contrast, although it can work beautifully for certain styles of photography.

Learning to notice light is one of the fastest ways to improve your photographs.

Composition Guides the Viewer

Composition is how you arrange the elements within your frame.

Some timeless techniques include:

Rule of Thirds

Imagine dividing your image into nine equal rectangles.

Placing your subject near these intersecting lines often creates a more balanced and interesting composition.

Leading Lines

Roads, fences, rivers, hallways, and shorelines naturally guide the viewer's eye through an image.

Framing

Doorways, windows, tree branches, or arches can frame your subject and create depth.

Negative Space

Leaving empty space around your subject often creates a cleaner, more dramatic image.

These aren't strict rules—they're tools that help create stronger visual balance.

Remove Distractions

One of the easiest ways to improve a photograph is to remove anything that doesn't support the story.

Look around the edges of your frame.

Watch for:

• Power lines
• Trash cans
• Exit signs
• Bright objects
• People walking through the background
• Objects that appear to "grow" from someone's head

Often, simply taking one step to the left or right dramatically improves the composition.

Capture Real Emotion

Technical perfection doesn't always create memorable photographs.

Emotion does.

Some of the most meaningful photographs capture:

• Genuine laughter
• Quiet moments
• Celebration
• Curiosity
• Love
• Adventure
• Connection

Years from now, these moments often matter far more than perfect posing.

Tell a Story

Ask yourself one simple question:

What happened before this moment?

If your photograph makes viewers wonder about the story behind it, you've likely created something memorable.

Great photographs invite curiosity.

Get Close

Many beginning photographers stand too far away.

Moving closer often:

• Eliminates distractions
• Creates stronger emotional impact
• Highlights facial expressions
• Emphasizes important details

If your photograph doesn't feel engaging, try taking one step closer before pressing the shutter.

Don't Chase Perfection

Some of the world's most famous photographs aren't technically perfect.

They're meaningful.

A slightly soft family photo may become priceless because it captures a moment you'll never experience again.

A perfectly sharp photograph with no emotional connection may never leave your hard drive.

When choosing photos to print, don't ask only:

"Is this technically perfect?"

Also ask:

"Does this photograph make me feel something?"

Choosing Photos for Wall Art

The photographs people display in their homes often share a few characteristics.

They:

• Capture meaningful people or places
• Have simple, uncluttered compositions
• Feel timeless rather than trendy
• Complement the room where they'll be displayed
• Still bring back memories every time they're viewed

Your favorite photograph may not be your most technically perfect one—and that's perfectly okay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a professional camera to take great photos?

No.

Modern smartphones are capable of producing beautiful photographs, especially in good lighting.

The photographer's eye is often more important than the camera itself.

What matters more: composition or camera quality?

Composition almost always has a greater impact.

A compelling composition can make an ordinary subject fascinating, while poor composition can make an extraordinary subject feel uninteresting.

Should every photo follow the Rule of Thirds?

No.

The Rule of Thirds is a helpful guideline, not a rule.

Some of the strongest photographs intentionally place the subject in the center or break traditional composition guidelines altogether.

How do I choose which photos to print?

Choose the images that make you pause.

If a photograph consistently brings back a memory or makes you smile, it's often an excellent candidate for wall art.

Our Recommendation

When selecting photos to print, don't focus solely on technical perfection.

Choose images that tell your story, capture meaningful moments, and continue to make you smile every time you see them.

Those are the photographs most people cherish for decades.

Related Articles

Photography Fundamentals

• PF-101: What Are Pixels?
• PF-102: What Is Resolution?
• PF-103: PPI vs DPI Explained
• PF-104: What Is an Image's Aspect Ratio?
• PF-105: Megapixels Explained
• PF-106: Why Some Photos Print Better Than Others
• PF-108: Understanding Image Compression
• How Large Can I Print My Photo?

Continue Learning

← Previous Lesson: PF-106: Why Some Photos Print Better Than Others

→ Next Lesson: PF-108: Understanding Image Compression

Updated on: 07/28/2026