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9 Ways to Develop Your Own

Photography Style
BY F UJ I F I L M AUST RA L I A O N S E PT E M B E R 2 3 , 2 0 1 7 • ( L E AV E A CO M M E N T )

You are getting serious about photography and want to develop your
reputation. You feel like establishing a look so that each photo fits into a
greater catalogue of work.

Develop a recognisable and genuine photography style by following a few

tips.

Exercise patience and dabble in

many styles.
 

Take time to become comfortable as a photographer. Master

fundamentals of composition, angles and lighting. Experiment with every
photo style you can imagine. Expand your creative eye and learn what
shots you take best.
(https://fujifilmblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/the-flow-23.jpg)

Image by Clément Breuille (https://www.instagram.com/p/BWdmfyXFeCU/)

Study the work of others.

 

Imitation is the highest form of flattery. So review the work of other

photographers, past and present. Learn what inspires you and what
resonates with you emotionally.

 
Imagine beyond your current
equipment.
 

You might have too much gear but be best suited as a nimble
photographer who carries one camera and one lens in order to move
freely around a subject. You might have a savvy eye for wildlife
photography but lack the zoom to capture animals quickly from afar.
Borrow or rent and experiment with photo equipment to delve into any
style that intrigues you. Make your creative path more about your passion
than today’s possessions.

Express yourself.
 

All creative work is, in some sense, biographical. Even in picturing other
people and sites, you give the world a sense of yourself. Be in touch with
your own hopes, desires and fears so you convey a sense of sincere
yearning through your art.
(https://fujifilmblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/foamy-creations.jpg)

Image by Chelsey Elliott (https://www.instagram.com/p/BFAL6eZOLVX/)

Separate subject from style.

 

Saying you shoot portraits, cityscapes or sports is not enough. True style
is not just what you photograph but how you photograph it. The
perspective you o er to stage, frame and light your shots defines you.
Think about the smallest details as you create your portfolio.

Contemplate your business model

and your market.
 
Think of how genres of photography follow di erent economic models.
Portrait photographers acquire clients and guarantee pay by booking
sessions, whereas landscape photographers o en sell shots long a er
shooting. Consider your market. It is easier to do portraits in a bustling
city where many people need headshots. If a genre appeals to you, decide
whether relocation increases opportunities.

(https://fujifilmblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/nadrat-photos.jpg)

Image by Nadeesha Rathayake (https://www.instagram.com/p/BS8sQDmh3Le/)

Find the moments when people

compel you.
 

When your style involves people, think about the instant when you see
their true essence. It could be when they talk about di icult times, have a
drink or belt out a laugh. Determine when people seem to you their true
selves, capture them in it and make that an element of your signature
style.

Create recurring elements using

aperture, light and colour.
 

Many photographers are known for their use of lighting, whether natural,
interior or DIY. Others are known for revisiting a colour or two in many
shots. Set at least a few attributes of lighting, colour palette or depth of
field to coalesce your photos into a grouped look.

Harness post-production to mark

your style.
 

Refine images with photo-editing so ware to further establish your

aesthetic. Subtle but persistent changes to contrast, highlights, shadows
and other elements give photos a unified look and set your aesthetic.
(https://fujifilmblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/the-gateway.jpg)

Image by Scott Grant (https://www.instagram.com/p/BR-wc60DUlZ/)

As you learn how you view the world and what elements you bring to each
shot, you make recognisable work with a photography style that wows.