If you want to be taken seriously as a photographer, it's crucial to find your own signature style—and fast! Luckily, there are lots of ways for you to do just that, so read on for some great tips on how to find your photographic identity.
It's no secret that style is a big part of photography, and what separates the pros from amateurs are their unique perspectives and points of view, which come through in every image they take. And if you want to be taken seriously as a photographer, it's essential to find your own signature style—and fast! Luckily, there are lots of ways for you to do just that, so read on for some great tips on how to find your photographic identity.
Develop a Portfolio
The first step in
creating a portfolio as a photographer is to assemble your images into a cohesive set. Think about the theme, mood, and message you want to portray, and then go through the photos you have.
o Are they all on the same topic?
o Are they of similar colors?
For an artistic portfolio, make sure that your images are cohesive within themselves and different from any other work out there. For a journalistic portfolio, make sure to include multiple shots of subjects from different perspectives and angles.
Find Your Style
The world of photography is vast and varied. It goes beyond capturing the perfect moment and includes everything from digital imaging to time-lapse photography, surrealism, architecture, landscape, or even painting with light. The possibilities for creativity and expression are endless, and it's up to you to bring your own perspective and style into the mix. Here are some different ways you can find your voice as a photographer:
o Experiment with different types of photography like a portrait (live models), landscapes (landscapes in addition to landscapes in water), macro (close-ups), etc.
o Take pictures in various locations - urban areas, countries, mountain ranges, ruins, oceanside, etc.
o Try photographing people in different settings, like at the beach or an amusement park.
o Try photographing people when they least expect it, without them posing for you.
o Take pictures of still life objects in varying light conditions (night/day, indoors/outdoors).
Embrace Your Creativity
To put it simply, you should be creative. All photographers aren't limited to one form of photography, but they try out different things and see what works for them. If you're bored, then try something other than what you usually do. Don't be afraid to push boundaries, try something new, and above all, have fun!
Experiment with Different Types of Photography
Experiment with different
types of photography. You'll find that something may intrigue you or spark your interest in an unexpected way. For example, you might try pinhole photography and discover that it's not for you, but it leads you to explore vintage photography. The best way to figure out what type of photography suits your personality is to experiment with lots of different techniques and genres.
Network
You don't have to spend your whole life focusing on just one type of photography! It's vital to network with other photographers. You'll meet people who are into the same things as you, which can lead to collaborations and mentorship relationships. Engaging in this kind of relationship encourages you to take your work to the next level while learning new techniques from someone who has already done it. It can be challenging to find other photographers at first, but here are some places you can try:
o Local workshops or classes
o Flickr groups related to photography
o Social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram
o Meetup groups for creatives in your area
-"Directly" asking people if they know any other photographers
Get Feedback
Do you ever get feedback from other photographers about your work? Sometimes it feels like people are trying to put you in a box, but it can actually be beneficial!
Push Yourself as a Photographer
It's important to push yourself as a photographer and try new things that you never thought of before. You can also use photography as a way of expressing yourself and showing the world what you see. If you're already taking pictures, try experimenting with filters or new angles. If you have ideas, don't be afraid to put them into action!
In Conclusion
You learned the importance of finding your style and bringing it into everything that you do. Now that you know how to find your voice as a photographer, what are some other things that will help bring out your unique perspective? Experiment with different genres or styles (e.g., black-and-white photography) to determine which ones work best for you. Once you've found something new and exciting, share it on social media! That way, not only will others get an idea of who YOU are as a photographer, but YOUR creativity and individuality can also inspire them.