5 Tips to Discover Your Unique Photographic Style
Are you looking to develop your own artistic style and stand out from the crowd? If so, you're in the right place!
Developing your own artistic style is what sets you apart from other artists in your medium. However, it can be challenging to know where to start. Initially, we focus on learning the basics of photography without honing in on a specific style. As we gain more experience, our own creative expression gradually emerges. Trial and error is a crucial part of developing your style, as it allows you to experiment with different approaches and techniques to determine what works best.
Building a unique style takes time, dedication, and practice. Fortunately, with online learning platforms and tutorials, there are more resources available than ever before to help you learn and develop your skills. Practical application is critical in photography, so it's essential to take pictures of subjects and genres you want to excel in. By repeating this process, both your skills and style will improve.
Here are some tips to help you create and develop your own style of photography:
1. Draw inspiration from your past work
Comparing your previous work to your current work can help you evaluate your progress, see what you've improved on, and what still needs work. It's a way to benchmark your skills and see how much you've grown as a photographer.
2. Learn from the Masters: Study the Techniques of your Favorite Photographers
Find photographers whose work you admire and study their style, composition, use of light, processing, and how they convey emotion or artistic expression through their work. Studying these photographers can be incredibly helpful in learning new techniques and discovering what works for you. Don't hesitate to reach out to them and ask for advice, as most artists now offer online tutorials or guided tours.
3. Try out various post-processing techniques to find your own unique style
As you learn and grow, you'll discover new editing techniques that you can combine to create your own unique style. Continuously experimenting with different techniques can help you find what works for you and enhance your style.
4. Be receptive to new ideas and ways of doing things
As you grow and gain more experience, your artistic expression and vision may change. Be open to these changes and embrace new forms of style and techniques to facilitate your personal growth as a photographer.
5. Find a style that excites you
Don't force a style just because it's popular or trendy. Embrace a style that you love and enjoy, as it's essential to be happy and proud of your work. Your style is personal, so seek out what works for you and what brings you joy.
Focusing on a specific discipline helps you to narrow down techniques that are essential for that type of photography. For instance, if you want to master landscapes, you need to learn how to use filters and perhaps the proper use of long exposures. By targeting your learning in this way, you can become better in the simplest and fastest way possible.
That’s it for this week, till next time,
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Perhaps the point is also learning to see different
I ran into #5 some time last year and it's totally redirected my family portrait work. So much so that I'm re-doing the whole portfolio.