Some years ago Time-Life Books selected 250 photographs for the volume Great Photographers in the Life Library of Photography series.
These photos represented the work of sixty-eight photographers selected from among thousands.

The editors based their definitions of "great" on a combination of factors.
Intent was their first criterion. What did the photographer have in mind, and did he or she achieve it?
When all was said and done, it turned out that the photographers (pros) who set the highest standards for themselves produced the finest body of work.
So, what does it take to compete with the very best? You must measure yourself against the very best.

Step number one is to set high standards. I suggest that when you review your work you should be asking yourself these questions:
1. Is my image sharp (if that was your intention) or is my use of Depth of Field (DOF) what I expected?
2. Is my image well exposed or exposed in the best way to convey my intention?
3. Does my image have a clearly defined subject?
4. Have I eliminated all distractions and unimportant details?
5. Does the image have a definable center of interest?
6. Have I created the illusion of depth?
7. Is my perspective the best for most impact?
8. Have I used the suggestion of motion in its most compelling manner?
9. Is this more successful as a vertical, square, or horizontal composition?
10. Have I made the right choice for this image? Color or Black and White?
11. Have I seen my subject, person place or thing carefully?
12. Does my finished work reflect what I saw in the mind's eye?

Whether we realize it or not, other knowledgeable people will be asking themselves most of these questions when they view your work.
The answers will reveal how effective they think your photography is!
The fine photographer does his/her work on the highest level, with review by peers in mind.
First you must put your heart and soul into it. As fine photographers, it is your opinion that matters most.
Think ... See ... Feel ...  --  Be the Fine Photographer!