In my perusal of articles from Professional Photographers of America, there is always one about defining style as a creative professional. The usual components which define a photographer's style involve light usage, adherence to digital effects (colors, filters), innovation of angles, personality or approach to subjects, and prop color coordination (attire, backgrounds). I get inspired when I read what other photogs say defines their style, but after the inspiration I come across a personal conundrum.
What is my style? Can it be defined? Does it need to be defined? Is there more to it than that?
The answer is: There's more to it than that. When I ask my clients what they like about my images, they usually say things like the quality of lighting or the naturalistic posing and atmosphere choices. Those are things I inherently look for in scenes, but I wouldn't say they define my style because every atmosphere and every subject is different.
The cookie cutter photographer feels the need to define her style so that the client has a preset idea of how her own images will look based on how she has shot other clients. Fair enough. The photog would also use that style definition to design her branding (look and feel of the website and products) so the client can relate colors and styles with emotions. I like that. It's a tactile way of relating to people when they know nothing about you. But setting one's style to a preset doesn't cater personally to each individual client. I like personal catering!
What I often tell clients is rather more like this. My style is quiet, natural and observant, but I cannot truly define it for you because you define it for me! Ha! So there. I do direct you according to atmosphere, but your locations define the style. Your attire defines it. Your colors and personal chemistry define it. I can't say all events look the same, and I can't say all babies have the same personality. This is my take on photojournalism. The style comes from atmospheric specifics unique to my subjects. We're talking metaphysics here! Moods and atmospheric elements that only exist the day I shoot and never recur the same way ever again. Did you know that the atmosphere is literally changing by the minute? There are no two same sunsets ever in the history of the world!
I like diversity. I eat it up. I like the fact that even if an event plays out the standard roster, there will still be something different and unique about it every time.
Some photographers feel they need to rejuvenate their ideas by looking at other photogs' work. I take that with a grain of salt. I don't want my ideas to look like someone else's. That doesn't mean I won't agree to do a requested shot a client has seen done [a million times] somewhere else. Innovation doesn't come from imitation. It comes from stepping aside and allowing my brain to come up with something rather than xeroxing it from somewhere. I'm more inspired by scenes I can experience first hand. I want my work to shine on its own without being borrowed from someone else. That's chain store stuff ;).
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