I’m not sure how many photo enthusiasts read this blog, but if you have a love for photography, I would venture to guess you want to continue to grow and evolve in your photography.  Finding your style is important.  It’s that special “thing” that sets your work apart from another’s.

How does one find their style?

Good question.

I’m no expert in this realm as I’m still learning who I am as a photographer, but I’d like to share with you some of what I’ve learned this year.  One way I’ve explored my own style is to spend sometime analyzing what it is I LOVE about other photographer’s work that I respect and admire.

For example: I love Tara Whitney’s work.   I always knew I loved her photography, but recently as her images flashed across my screen I realized what it is I love about it so much.  You can not copy her style; her style is capturing the essence of her subjects.  That’s it…Eureka!  It goes right back to the reason I got into photography!

For me, photography is about showing connection, love, personality, and the essence & spirits of my subjects.  That’s my goal in every session.  I’m not always successful, but if I fail in this area it’s because I didn’t connect with my subjects and that’s my issue…not theirs.

Here’s a little sneak peek to the welcome page for my website which is STILL in the works (it’s a labour of love at this point and getting close to being ready!)

A Photographer’s style is not a Photoshop action you apply to a photo. It’s a feeling and a mood.  It’s bringing to life the subject captured in your photo and doing so YOUR way.   There are several ways you can do this in photography, and the fun part is finding your style to do it.

So, try this…just for fun!  Go to Flickr and start surfing!  Search “Love” for example.  If you find an image that speaks to you, spend some time figuring out WHY it speaks to you.  What is it about the photo that connects with you?  Is it the colour, the composition, the emotion from the subjects, the mood, the time of day it was shot, etc.  Write it down.  Find a pattern in what you love in a photograph and then apply it to your own photography.  You’ll find your style in no time!

But most importantly get out there and get SNAPPING!  Snap anything and everything.  Snap people, animals, things…in different settings and different lighting situations.  Which photos do you love, and which do nothing for you?  Why?  What is it you love or don’t love about the photo?

Have fun and find your style that is uniquely you!   Feel free to comment and tell me all about it 🙂