How to Define Your Personal Photographic Style

You’ve bought the gear, you’ve mastered the technique. You’ve spent countless hours honing your skills and aiming for that perfect shot. But still, something feels terribly missing. You can take beautiful and technically perfect pictures, yet these are not the pictures that you want- they do not express anything about you. How can you make your photographic style reflect who you are as an artist? Well, here are some tips to help you finding yourself as an artist and photographer.

Figure out the reasons why you are a photographer

Is it for the money? Or do you find photography a good outlet for artistic expression? Whatever your reason is- and there’s no right or wrong answer here- passion should always be at the heart of your work and the driving force behind your photographic style. Without passion, there’s no creativity; and without creativity, we’ll just end up taking pictures that look like everyone else’s.

Minimal in U.S.A.by Tanakawho

Don’t be afraid to break the rules

The rules of photography are there to guide your work, not dictate what your photographic style should look like. You don’t have to follow the rule of thirds all the time. You don’t need a foreground object in every landscape shot. Don’t let the rulebook hinder your creative process.

Create your own personal photographic style that is recognizably you

Style is more than a way of taking photos. It also stems from the choices you make as a photographer- the kind of gear that you use, your camera’s settings, your shooting preferences, your likes, dislikes and other factors can influence the way you work.

Photograph only the things that you have a profound interest in

It’s hard to be creative about something that you are not passionate about. What are the things that you love to take photos of? Where are the places that you feel inspired in developing your photographic style? Focus only on these things/events/places and capture them.

Explore new places and widen your horizons

All photographers need a change of scenery from time to time. Going to new and unfamiliar places is a great way to find inspiration.

Dare to be different

Don’t be afraid to try new things; you don’t always have to go with the flow. Your photographic style should be something that is uniquely you, not an imitation of someone else’s.

Find inspiration

An artist needs his or her Muse to create. You don’t have to look far, you can find inspiration in the things around you – — books, art, nature, music. You can also try reading photography books and photographic style blogs or attending workshops. Do whatever it takes to get your creative juices flowing.

Criticize your own work

Feedback is helpful in developing your photographic style. Always strive to find ways to improve your shots and work on them. Share your work with others and listen to what they have to say about it. Be open to any kind of criticism; this will help you grow as a photographer.

Own your mistakes, learn from them

Don’t be disheartened by your failures. Think of them not as roadblocks to success, but as opportunities for growth. Remember that the only key to improvement is to keep trying.

Find your own voice

Your photographic style should reflect who you are as a person and as an artist. Always keep in mind that your style is one-of-a-kind; the end result of your work is highly dependent on the things that influence you.