DISCOVERING YOUR PHOTOGRAPHIC STYLE BY LOOKING BACK AT YOUR EXISTING WORK

Discovering Your Photographic Style by Looking Back at Your Favorite Work

Everyone, from budding photographers to professionals, seeks a distinctive style that sets their work apart.

But how do you discover that unique touch?

One powerful method is to look back at your favorite images and learn from them

Why Looking Back Matters Reflecting on your past works provides a treasure trove of insights. Over time, our style evolves, whether subtly or significantly, and revisiting old photographs can reveal patterns and preferences we might overlook in the daily hustle. And don’t just focus on the best work, look at the work that didn’t make the cut as well.

• Benefits of reflecting on past work: This not only boosts confidence but also pinpoints areas of growth. Recognizing progress is motivational and highlights the journey.
• The evolution of style over time: With each photograph taken, a piece of the photographer’s soul is captured. Over time, these fragments form a cohesive story, revealing a style evolution.
• Note which images did not get chosen: What you leave out is many times as important than what you put in. You learn more by making bad images than making good images. Figure out what it is that you did not like, and that can help shine a light on the work you did.

Steps to Discover Your Photographic Style

Finding your unique style is a journey, not a destination. And it is constantly evolving.

Here’s a roadmap to guide you:

1. Compile your best works: Gather photos that resonate most with you. They are the mirror reflecting your innate style.
   • Implementation: Dedicate a folder or physical album. Regularly update this collection and reflect on why each image earns its place.
   • Explanation: Try writing a little exposition on why the image makes you feel good about it. What can be reused in the images you haven’t taken yet to help you make them better?
2. Identify recurring themes or subjects: Whether it’s sunsets, portraits, or street photography, recognizing patterns helps solidify your niche.
   • Implementation: Sort your images by theme. Note the frequency of certain subjects or scenes. This reveals your innate leanings.
   • Examine the rejected images: What themes did not make the cut? Is there a specific subject matter that you are not good at working with? Do you need more practice to level up that niche? Or does it not really matter?
3. Analyze the technical aspects: Examine elements like composition, lighting, and color grading. This dissection uncovers your technical tendencies.
   • Implementation: Use editing software to break down the settings and adjustments of your favorite photos. Look for common techniques or preferences.
   • Processing preferences: Are there color grades you seem to especially like? Are there techniques that you are not familiar with that can help you improve?
4. Observe emotional patterns: What feelings do your photos evoke? Joy, nostalgia, or perhaps melancholy? Emotions play a pivotal role in style definition.
   • Implementation: Sit with each photo. Journal the emotions they stir. Over time, you’ll see emotional themes emerge.
   • Try it witht the reject pile as well: Finding out what turns you off or is emotionally unappealing is a master class in your style.
5. Seek external feedback: Sometimes, an external perspective can pinpoint things we miss. Constructive feedback is invaluable.
   • Implementation: Join photography groups or forums. Share your work and ask for honest feedback regarding style and patterns observed. Be critical of who you allow to critique your work though, having negative input that is inappropriate and based on something other than your work is a massive waste of time.

Refining and Evolving Your Style Your style is fluid, shaped by experiences and learnings.

As you grow, so will your style.

• Continual learning and adaptation: Embrace new techniques and genres. This adds layers of depth to your work.
• Embracing change while staying true to oneself: Change is inevitable. But amid change, the essence of who you are as a photographer should remain evident.

Discovering your photographic style is akin to self-discovery.

It’s an ongoing journey filled with introspection, growth, and evolution.

Embrace the journey, trust your instincts, and let your style quietly flow over all the work you do.