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Why finding your photography style might be bad advice

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I’m sure you have seen lots of articles advising you to find your photographic. These same articles probably also frequently encourage you not to copy other photographers. In fact, I’ve even shared videos and other articles on this website of this nature.

But there is a danger in trying to find your photography style too soon. And there’s also a temptation to try to rush the process, perhaps before you’re ready. In this article, I want to explain why I think that trying to find your photography style too soon may be bad advice for many people and could be holding you back.

Stop caring about other photographers’ work and start shooting what you like

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Just like fashion, photography has its own trends too. And more often than not, you’ll see people who follow trends get more feedback and recognition on social media. Does this mean you should follow trends too? Should you rely on other people’s work? According to Steve O’Nions, this is not the path to take. In this video, he discusses why you should take photos your way and stop caring about how others do it.

On presets: photographic style cannot be “canned”

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Conversations around photographic style have always felt a little odd to me for a few reasons. It’s something I get asked about a lot by my students, as they feel that without a style, a visual signature, then they will fid it very difficult to differentiate themselves from other working artists. So much of today’s communication is done through brands and visual identity that it’s a natural response for photographers to seek to find some way to make these things work for them, and as so much of the photographs themselves act as both product and advertisement many are looking to make their brand inherent to their images.  

How to create a photography style

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You have found your style when you can’t do anything else. It’s your default your normal nature. Style comes when imitation and influence perish. Its something that becomes one… you, yours. Defining your style or finding your style is a life’s journey. I hope you are always evolving and changing, never stagnant when it comes to your style. But at the same time hold onto its structure, it’s roots, its essence. So where does one begin? How does one create a photography style?

It’s impossible to be unique, but here’s how to find your own style

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You’ll often hear that it’s important to find your unique style if you want to be a successful photographer or filmmaker. But Matti Haapoja argues that being completely unique is impossible. In spite of it, he believes you can still develop your own style and be a successful creative. Sounds odd, doesn’t it? Well, it actually makes sense, and Matti discusses some of the things you need to be aware of if you want to create a recognizable photography or filming style.

A three step method for improving like a boss

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Clark Terry was one of the world’s best jazz trumpet players and educators (I guess he could DO as well as TEACH… who knew). He is also well known for stating the artists creative cycle in three short words: Imitate, Assimilate, Innovate. He was speaking toward musicians, but I am a strong believer that it is also applicable for photographers, designers, illustrators, dragster drivers, authors, animal trainers.

In short – it is simply how creative people learn to do what they do.

Scarcity vs abundance… it really is your choice

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Do you shoot with an “abundance” mental approach? Or is your choice to shoot from a mental state of “scarcity”?

It makes a difference, you know. It makes a difference in how you approach your subject matter. It makes a difference in the way you see the world. It can have a dynamic effect on your imagery, and on the work that you do in post.

Scarcity breeds contempt and anger, while abundance nurtures awareness and action.

Is it important to have your photographic style, and how you can develop it

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Would you say you have a recognizable photographic style? Do you think it’s even important to have it? This is the topic I’ve been thinking about a lot, and in his recent video, Joe Edelman gives some fantastic points about it. He discusses the importance of having your style in photography, as well as various tips how to find it.

The Secret, Misery And Bliss Of Finding Your Signature Photographic Style

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Lindsay Adler is a New York Based photographer, author, educator, all round glamorous pro photographer celebrity and social influencer. Lindsay kindly penned this brilliant guide on how to find your own signature style and why it really is a critical part of being a successful professional photographer…

Stop Chasing Success. Seek Significance

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“I cannot believe that the purpose of life is to be happy. I think the purpose of life is to be useful, to be responsible, to be compassionate. It is, above all to matter, to count, to stand for something, to have made some difference that you lived at all.” —Leo Rosten

Financial success is a powerful motivator. And it controls the lives of many. It chooses occupations. It dictates how time, energy, and resources are spent. It influences relationships, schedules, and families. To some, it even becomes an all-consuming passion that leaves broken people and morality in its wake.

Unfortunately, it is not the greatest call we have on our lives. In fact, compared to significance, it fades quickly.

Consider the limitations of success:

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