What Makes a Photo “Great”? And Who Gets to Decide?

 How do you know if a photo is good—or even great? Who gets to decide that, anyway?

Take Vivian Maier, the American street photographer who captured over 150,000 images during her lifetime. Her work remained largely unknown until 2008, just before her passing. It wasn’t until a collector shared her photos on Flickr that they went viral, sparking global interest. During her life, Maier probably received little feedback. She refined her craft by studying her own works and observing others—quietly, persistently.

It’s a familiar image: the artist creating in obscurity, driven by passion rather than praise. Some are eventually recognized. Many are not. So what happens when you post a photo you believe in—one that feels powerful—and it doesn’t get the likes or engagement you hoped for? Can it still be called “great”?

In my previous post, I talked about the importance of building an audience to gain recognition. But in today’s social media landscape, feedback isn’t just validation—it’s a tool for growth. Platforms like Instagram encourage frequent posting, and many photographers share work-in-progress shots. Thanks to supportive communities, even early-stage images often receive positive engagement. Instagram’s algorithm ranks posts based on likes, comments, and shares, which can offer insight into what resonates.

Beyond Instagram, places like Reddit host photography subreddits where users rank and critique images. These spaces allow you to ask why certain photos perform better than others—and sometimes, the answers are surprising.

Of course, these metrics are imperfect. A technically strong photo might be overlooked, while a more casual shot goes viral. Timing, audience demographics, and platform algorithms all play a role. For example, the images featured in my print shop’s Instagram favorites aren’t necessarily my best work. I continue photographing subjects I love, even if they don’t get much feedback. And I sometimes step away from popular themes once I feel I’ve explored them fully.

Still, audience response can reveal something valuable. It’s not the only measure of greatness—but it’s one worth listening to.

🖼️ Curious which of my prints have sparked the most conversation? Visit my print shop gallery or explore my latest blog posts for behind-the-scenes insights. Let’s keep the conversation going.