Finding Your Photography Style

What do all your favourite photographers have in common? Simple: they all have their own specific style. In this post, we’ll chat about the best way to find your photography style in 5 simple steps.

Step 1: Photograph everything

In order to develop a photography style, you need to find out what kind of photography you like doing, or what you like shooting. Start broad at first, and just take photos of whatever catches your eye. The best camera is the one you have with you, so always have a camera or your phone at the ready. Over time, you’ll start noticing yourself naturally taking more photos of the things that interest you.

Ultimately, when you find something you like taking pictures of – street photography, architecture, wildlife, landscapes, etc. – you’ll be more likely to get out there and take photos of it no matter the weather or time of day. You’ll have a passion for it, you’ll be enthusiastic about it, you’ll be energised by it.

Step 2: Get inspired

If you want to be a writer, you should read a lot. If you want to be a musician, you should listen to a range of different music. The same principle applies to photography. Go onto Instagram and YouTube and find photographers whose work you like. Follow them, look at their work, critically evaluate it for yourself. Do you like their style, or even certain elements of it? Do you think their style is something that could inspire you to factor into your own work, or even to use as inspiration? Viewing other people’s photography is a great way to get inspired, and to get you thinking creatively. I’m inspired by James Popsys, Roman Fox, and Eren Sarigul for example.

I follow @jamespopsys @snapsbyfox and @erenjam on Instagram and YouTube for inspiration

Step 3: Review your photographs

As I said, you’ll notice yourself being drawn to particiular subjects or forms of photography over time. The best way to do this is to deliberately look back at the photographs you’ve taken for the last month, or 6 months, or a full year, whatever it may be. As you do this, ask yourself: is this a surprise? Do I enjoy taking, editing, and looking at this kind of photo more than other kinds? Am I more proud of these photographs than my other ones? If you answer yes to these questions, congratulations – you’re beginning to critically evaluate your photography and find your photography style.

Step 4: Pursue your new photography style

Once you’ve identified a style that feels like your own, chase after it. Take more photographs in that style, adapt it, shape it more to your liking, and keep pressing that shutter button. Over time, you’ll discover more about why you like that photography style, and continue to put your own creative spin on it. Ultimately, your photographs will eventually become unmistakeably yours.

Step 5: Find your editing style

Part of your photography style will likely extend to your editing as well. Do you colour grade your images a certain way? Do you work the highlights and shadows a certain way? All of this will contribute to your personal photography style. And if you’d like some editing tips, check out my blog post here.