My lecturer once told me there are three big phases in a photographer’s life that he/she needs to go through. Phase one is learning and mastering techniques, which comprise all the how-tos. How to expose, how to light, how to compose...  Concluding this first step will allow you to make decent photographs. Second phase is to make strong striking images that speak more than just decent photos. The final phase is to establish a signature style that people will remember. People like Steve McCurry and David LaChappelle have such strong character in their works that people can immediately recognize the artist. It's this third step we have to strive for.