Developing a photographic style is a complicated topic. While having a distinct visual style used to be more important for professional photographers, many hobbyist photographers now also strive to find their aesthetic niche. This great video discusses why this desire for a personal style is so prevalent, then dives into tips and perspective on how to actually formulate your own style over time.
In this insightful video, James Popsys explores the reasons why photographers want to have a defined style, like having a cohesive body of work, a sense of clarity when shooting, and a form of individuality. He emphasizes that finding your ideal style is an ever-evolving process as your tastes change and your skills develop. Popsys suggests not labeling yourself within one genre, consuming diverse inspiration sources, and analyzing why exactly you like certain photographic elements. He shares his own style criteria, like simplicity and bold colors, to illustrate how parameters can help shape your work.
While developing a style requires patience through constant practice and failure, keeping your specific taste preferences in mind can guide your growth. Popsys encourages avoiding frustration by accepting that this long-term process will likely never have a defined end point. According to Popsys, landing on a style that genuinely appeals to you is far more rewarding than trying to emulate someone else’s aesthetic.
For Popsys’ complete thoughts and advice on finding your ideal photographic style, be sure to check out the video above.
