An instantly recognizable style is the goal for many photographers. Imagine someone scrolling through social media and coming across a spectacular photo and thinking, "That must be (insert your name) work!" How cool would that be?
Remember, every photographer has a different audience and market, so your style doesn't have to be well known to everyone, just your faithful following, which grows over time.
Each photographer's style is a window into their view of the world, and everyone has a different perspective. Ten photographers could photograph the same thing, and they would all capture different results! A photographer's signature style consists of their original blend of composition, light, posing, colors, and overall emotions and feelings associated with their work.
Study your favorite photographers' work, and identify what draws you and what you love about it. What elements do you want to incorporate into your work and make your own? You're likely to find that your favorite photographers share some commonalities in their styles. The key is not to create carbon copies of their work but to let it inspire you and share your unique interpretation. Have a vision for the style you're working toward for clarity on the steps to take to achieve it.
Choose three words to describe your brand, and have at least one word be an emotion. When creating and curating work, make sure your photos reflect your brand words. Use your brand words as a filter for the work you share to ensure everything is consistent with your brand's message. If you struggle with deciding on three words, ask your audience and industry friends! It can be fun to see what word comes up the most.
Invent your own hero shots. Come up with a few signature photos to capture at every wedding or session, but push yourself to photograph them differently every time by adding some variation. The options for signature photos and their variations are unlimited! Capture the couple's hands, an almost kiss, or implement motion and movement. These will also come in clutch if your brain blanks out. And you know what? As your style evolves, so will your signature photos!
You don't have to put yourself in a box of a popular photography style. Create work you love that comes from the creativity and vision in your heart. As you continue to shoot and develop your skills, your aesthetic will emerge. Be patient and allow yourself to have fun while exploring the path to finding your look. The journey is every bit as important as the destination. Developing a style authentic to your view of the world is beyond rewarding and what you learn along the way is invaluable.
