(: True.
Note, you got Way ahead of you:
"For purpose of successful image, every pixel is intentional."
So start by learning how to make good - better - great photography, and after some time you'll start to see more and more what it takes to synthesize photo-real image. During process, it suddenly occurs - this is, what is, that which makes image great. For every artist and spectator, every work is unique.
Or simply take a course which will guide you through this.
Either way, learn what's missing by filling in, repairing 'mistakes' yourself.
