If you are a photographer or have been looking for a photographer recently, you may hear them talk about their photographic style quite a bit.
But what does this mean and how do you find your own? I'm sure you've heard of photojournalism (shooting moments with NO posing), traditional photography (completely posed), and lifestyle (which is a blend of the two).
But a photographer's true style is more than just a description of their shooting method.
It encompasses the whole look of their photographic art.
Below are four questions you can ask yourself to help determine what your style is.
The first question to ask yourself is "What do I like to shoot?" This can sometimes take a while to discover especially if you're new to photography.
Most photographers discover that there is one subject in particular that they really enjoy shooting more than any other.
Sometimes that weddings or newborns or maybe it's kids and families.
Whatever you prefer to document directly affects what your style is.
The way you photograph kids is completely different from how you would document a bride and groom.
So knowing this can prove to be a huge indicator of your style.
The second question you should ask yourself is "Where do I like to shoot?" Though this may not seem like a contributing factor to your style, it can play a role in the look and feel of your images.
For example I love shooting outdoors, preferably in a park, forest, or reserve.
Somewhere beautiful and natural.
But one of my good friends loves to shoot in grungy, dirty, dilapidated areas.
The locations she likes to shoot coupled with the grunge overlays she adds to her portraits sets her style apart from my more natural, pretty, and soft artwork.
Another question that is good to ask yourself is "How do I like to shoot?" This is a two-fold question really.
How you shoot can involve your equipment.
Do you shoot digital or film? Natural light or strobes? All of these play into your style.
Another way to look at this question is do you prefer more traditional portraiture with heavy posing or more candid moments.
These are two very different shooting styles and play a huge role in determining your style.
The last question to ask yourself is a bit deeper: "What moves me?" I'm sure you've looked at other photographer's work.
When you see an image that stirs you soul and makes your heart flutter - what is it you like about it? Are you drawn towards intimate moments? Maybe tight crops of eyes leave you in awe or thoughtful looks from kids.
Maybe you personally love black and white imagery or maybe instead it's richly colored images that leave you inspired.
Whatever it is that moves you and fills your soul with passion - that is the biggest part of what your style is.
Learn it.
Embrace it.
Harness it.
And then express it in your own work.