Discovering Your Photographic Style by Studying Your Best Photos
Everyone, from budding photographers to professionals, is looking for a distinctive style that sets their work apart.
(I am on a hiatus from the valley heat, so all the images are from this road trip up to the cool mountains of Utah.)
But how do you discover that unique touch?
Let’s start by acknowledging that your style is not what you shoot, it is how you shoot what you shoot.
There are many different approaches to shooting architecture for example. Your approach and presentation reveal your style.
It isn’t what camera, or which set of presets you use. It isn’t about your popularity on social media, or whether you shoot with flash or not.
All of these can be a part of your style, but the mix includes; POV, lens choice, color palette, angles, approach to subject matter, relevance, humor — or the lack of it — , context, and so many more.
I am often asked how a photographer can find their style, and it can be a difficult subject if we look at it outside our own work.
Creating a Style vs Finding a Style
When we attempt to create a style, we can only look outward.
“I like his style”, or “I want the same look she has”, which can only lead to copycat styles.
Ain’t nobody got time for that.
Cloning only means that you will be a second-rate copy of what you decided was your style.
Let’s find our style the holistic way… from within.
You must push yourself to make as many photographs as you can, and with as many techniques as you can muster from all those hours watching YouTube and taking workshops. (You know who you are.)
The best method I know is to look back at your favorite images and learn from them. When you discover the 100 images that you are the most excited about, you are much closer to finding your personal photographic style.
Why Looking Back Matters
Reflecting on your past works provides a treasure trove of insights. Over time, our style evolves, whether subtly or significantly, and revisiting old photographs can reveal patterns and preferences we might overlook in the daily hustle.
And don’t just focus on the best work, look at the work that didn’t make the final cut as well.
- Benefits of reflecting on past work: This not only boosts confidence but also pinpoints areas of growth. Recognizing progress is motivational and highlights the journey.
- The evolution of style over time: With each photograph taken, a piece of the photographer’s style is captured. Over time, these fragments form a cohesive look, revealing the evolution of their style.
- Then, note which images did not get chosen: What you leave out is often as important as what you leave in. You actually learn more by making bad images than by making good images. Figure out what it is that you did not like, and that can help shine a light on the work you did.
Discover Your Photographic Style
Finding your unique style is like a road trip on my motorcycle; no real destination. And constantly evolving.
Here’s a roadmap to guide you:
Compile your best works: Gather photos that resonate most with you. They are the mirror reflecting your innate style.
How to do this: Dedicate a folder or physical album. Regularly update this collection and reflect on why each image earns its place.
Expand: Try writing a little exposition on why the image makes you feel good about it. What can be reused in the images you haven’t taken yet to help you make them better?
Use a pencil and a notebook: Write it down.
What works?
What doesn’t?
How could you make it better?
If you had to shoot it again, what would change?
Does it look like something you want to represent you?
Does it fit into your other shots well?
Identify recurring themes or subjects: Whether it’s sunsets, portraits, or street photography, recognizing patterns helps solidify your niche.
How to do that: Sort your images by theme or subject matter. Note the frequency of certain subjects or scenes. This reveals your preferred choice of subject.
(When we start out as photographers, we shoot everything. And there is nothing wrong with that at all. However, you will find that certain genres feel more in tune with your personal vision, and you will naturally gravitate toward them.)
Examine the rejected images: What images did not make the cut? Is there a specific subject matter that you are not good at working with? Do you need more practice to level up that niche? Or does it not really matter at this point?
You have time.
Analyze the technical aspects: Examine elements like composition, lighting, and color grading. This dissection uncovers your technical tendencies. Go as deep as you think you can.
How to do this: Use editing software to break down the settings and adjustments of your favorite photos. Look for common techniques or preferences. The “Info” pallet in Photoshop is a great teacher. Print random images from your folder and check if they match in color pallet, compositional approach, and sharpness.
Processing preferences: Are there color grades you seem to especially like? Are there techniques that you are not familiar with that can help you improve?
Observe emotional patterns: What feelings do your photos evoke? Joy, nostalgia, or perhaps melancholy? Emotions play a pivotal role in style definition.
How to do this: Sit with each photo. Journal the emotions they stir. Over time, you’ll see emotional themes beginning to emerge. These are a very large part of your style.
Try it with the reject pile as well: Finding out what turns you off or is emotionally unappealing is a master class in developing your style.
Seek external feedback: Sometimes, an external perspective can pinpoint things we miss. Constructive feedback is invaluable.
How to do this: Join photography groups or forums. Share your work and ask for honest feedback regarding the style and patterns observed.
Be critical of who you allow to critique your work though, having negative input that is inappropriate and based on something other than your work is a massive waste of time.
Not everyone has the right to critique you. If they are not in the struggle, or only seek to belittle, pass on them. Find those who are engaged, working to make art, and take notes. (There’s that whole notebook journal thing again.)
Refining Your Style Your style is fluid, and shaped by experiences and learnings. Let it evolve, let it breathe.
As you grow, so will your style.
Discovering your photographic style is like a massive self-discovery exercise.
It’s an ongoing journey filled with introspection, growth, and evolution. And if you are lucky, committed, and smart, that journey can be one of adventure and self-awareness.
So embrace the journey, trust your instincts, and let your style quietly flow over all the work you do.
Hi, I’m Don Giannatti, a photographer and mentor for up-and-coming photographers. You can find me on my website, Don Giannatti, and at my Substack site, where I also publish for creative people.
