Have you ever shared a photograph you felt proud of, only to receive silence — or worse, confusion — from viewers? Itʼs a common experience for photographers at every stage. The truth is: a photoʼs impact isnʼt just about the image itself. Itʼs about the connection between you, your photograph, and the people who see it.

The Three Circles of Influence

Every photograph lives inside three overlapping circles:

• The Photographer — your skills, motivations, and personal way of seeing.
• The Photograph — the actual image, with its technical quality, composition, and story.
• The Viewer — how others interpret, feel, and connect to what they see.

When these circles overlap, a photograph “clicks.” Sometimes, though, your vision is clear but doesnʼt align with the viewerʼs values. Other times, the technical execution is solid, but the story doesnʼt touch the heart. Photography is never just one circle — itʼs a dialogue between all three.

Five Types of Photographers

There are five common ways photographers approach their work:

• Storytellers: Seek emotion and human connection.
• Visionaries: Express the inner world with bold, inventive technique.
• Curators: Shape style and coherence into eye-candy.
• Engineers: Pursue technical mastery—precision, consistency, control.
• Thinkers: Connect images to ideas, culture, and context.

Each type attracts a different kind of audience. Knowing your type helps you understand who will respond to your work — and why feedback sometimes feels mismatched. 

The Weight of Feedback

Not all feedback is equal. An Engineer might criticize a photo for softness, while a Storyteller celebrates its raw feeling. A Curator might focus on design, while a Thinker sees cultural depth.

The key is this: mismatched feedback is not failure. Itʼs a difference in perspective. Beginners especially should remember that trying to please everyone often leads to losing yourself. Instead, seek feedback from those who share your sensibilities.

Likes vs. Follows

In todayʼs digital world, itʼs easy to confuse attention with alignment.

A like is a spark — someone enjoyed one photo.

A follow is a bond — someone resonates with your voice across many images.

Chasing likes and followers can be dangerous for beginners. The excitement of numbers may tempt you to imitate styles that donʼt fit your natural strengths. An Engineer who thrives on technical mastery may try to mimic emotional storytelling just to earn likes, leaving them unsatisfied. A Thinker may chase flashy trends instead of leaning into thoughtful interpretation.

Your deepest growth comes from alignment, not imitation. Followers gained outside your authentic profile wonʼt last — and neither will your motivation.

A Closing Reflection

Photography is more than capturing a beautiful scene. Itʼs about holding space where your vision, your photograph, and your viewer overlap. When you honor your type and lean into your natural strengths, your work not only “clicks” with others — it becomes deeply sustainable for you.

So next time your photo doesnʼt land the way you hoped, pause. Instead of chasing likes, ask:

Am I aligned with who I really am as a photographer? 

✨ This article is adapted from the Webinar @Wacky Wednesday – 13 August 2025.