How I Discovered My Photography Style
I explored various styles to determine which excites me most and which I find less engaging.
I assessed the effort required for each style, identifying which ones are more challenging to complete and which are easier for me.
I also pay attention to the feedback from my audience and clients.
I incorporate my style into my work and paid projects.
I explored various styles to determine which excites me most and which I find less engaging.
I took photos of products, people, streets, animals and landscapes when I started photography. I took on many photography jobs and realised that if there is no emotion or story behind my pictures, it is not for me. Product photos are the least interesting style to me, and even though I can get the job done, I struggle with it and am incredibly exhausted at the end of the day. On the other hand, if it is a lifestyle product session with people and emotions in it, I will be pumped and full of joy. Note to self: I need to photograph people and emotions.
Beautiful sunset, moment, love
I assessed the effort required for each style, identifying which ones are more challenging to complete and which are easier for me.
Over the years, if I spent too much time on a certain style and still got the job done, it was not for me. Maybe it’s because of my lack of knowledge or practice with that particular style. I may not be interested in being better at that style. I may not be interested in it, and if I push through it with my limited knowledge and techniques, the relationship with my client will be affected. On the other hand, once I had identified my love for photographing people, emotions and stories, everything felt like a breeze. The long working hours felt short, and I was eager to edit the photos immediately.
Photo taken by me during a live concert
I also pay attention to the feedback from my audience and clients.
This part is extremely important. After paying attention to my audience or client’s feedback, I concluded that my observation and experimentation were correct. I need to photograph people, emotions and stories. Even though I had no experience with fitness photography, my clients could tell that my strengths in taking photos of people would benefit them. In short, we are our worst critics; it takes others to reveal our strengths and weaknesses. Please pay attention to comments and feedback; they are your answer to finding your unique style. (They know us better than we know ourselves, haha!)
I incorporate my style into my work and paid projects.
Most of the time, paid jobs can be tedious because they don’t allow me to express my creative style fully. In most cases, it is about honouring my client’s direction and pouring life into the images to help their businesses connect with the right customers. If I shut myself up and follow their orders without having a touch of my style or creativity, I might lose my passion once and for all. To play the long game, I need to produce the best work for my clients and, at the same time, leave them with a tough of my unique style or personality.
Baby Drive - Photo taken in Santorini
Summary:
Everyone is unique, and it is up to us to identify our strengths and weaknesses. Paying attention to our weaknesses will affect the lifespan of what we do unless we want a change to transform our weaknesses into strengths instead. If this is not what you will do, work on your strengths instead, improve them, and be the best version of yourself.
Thanks for reading!