Ask Yourself These Five Questions to Take Your Best Photos

Asking the right questions will take you far in many situations in life. Well, photography isn’t an exception. Craig Roberts, aka v6 Vlogs, shares a simple but powerful method to consistently improve by asking yourself the right photography questions. It’s not about gear, filters, or the latest editing tricks, though. It’s more profound, and about thinking intentionally before you hit the shutter.

Craig says that, before he takes a photo, he asks himself a few key things. They make him stay present, thoughtful, and clear about what he’s trying to say with the image. And here are the photography questions that lead him – and will lead you – to improved, more intentional images.

1. Why Are You Here?

It seems basic, but it’s crucial. Why are you at this location? Did you plan this trip with a photo in mind, or did you just stumble upon the scene by chance?

If you’d planned the photo, you likely have an idea of what the place might offer. But if it’s spontaneous, Craig suggests that’s your cue to be more playful and open-minded. With no expectations or preconceptions, you’re free to explore creatively. What can you make of this place now?

Either way, understanding why you’re there helps guide your intent and your approach.

2. What Do You See (and What Do You Like)?

Now that you’re on location, look around. What draws your eye? What speaks to you, and what doesn’t?

Craig encourages you to take note of the elements that interest you the most. Are you going for the iconic view everyone gets, or are you trying to capture something more personal and unique? Is it the leading lines, the color, the contrast, or maybe just the vibe and the atmosphere?

He reminds you to think clearly about your subject and what you want to say about it. For example, do you want to capture a wide landscape, or just focus on a foreground detail? Is it something near or far from you? Once you know what you like, your job is to highlight it for the viewer.

3. How Does It Make You Feel?

This one’s tougher, but essential. If you can’t describe how this place or moment makes you feel, how will the viewer ever get it?

Craig admits this isn’t easy to define on the spot, but it’s what elevates a photo from just nice to truly memorable. I believe that the answer to this question is behind every photo that makes you return to it, or view it at least a bit longer than any other in the gallery. Keep in mind that your camera alone won’t capture the mood and the feeling for you. It needs your input: through composition, light, and format choices that support the emotion you’re trying to convey. Editing is also a big player here, as it can enhance the emotion you were trying to capture.

4. How Will You Use Your Camera?

Now comes the technical side, but once again, it’s all about intention. Ask yourself things like:

• Do you want to shoot on a tripod or handheld?
• Wide angle, telephoto, or something in between?
• Sharp front to back or shallow focus?
• Fast shutter to freeze, or slower shutter for motion blur?
• Horizontal or vertical orientation?
• Color or black and white?

Craig runs through all these considerations because every one of them contributes to the story you’re trying to tell. And don’t worry, there’s no single “correct” setting, just the one that fits the mood and message of the image. Make each choice count and take your time.

5. How Will This Be Different?

This final question is about originality. Even if it’s a well-known location, Craig says he always wants to approach it in a way no one else has. That could mean changing the angle, the format, or just the way he interprets the scene. This is something I always try to do as well, especially in travel photography. It isn’t easy, but it is sure challenging in the most creative and fun way.

If you’re in a less-traveled spot, that’s even better. It’s your chance to say something no one else has said. 

Why Are These Photography Questions Important?

Craig believes these five simple questions can dramatically improve your photography. They make you stop rushing and instead push you to pause, reflect, and shoot with purpose. And chances are, you’re already asking some of them without realizing it. Now, it’s just about making it conscious and going a bit deeper.

So the next time you’re out shooting, take a moment to ask yourself these photography questions before you press the shutter and move along. Answering these might be the key to moving your work from good to great.

[Five questions to get your best ever photos. | v6 Vlogs]

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