The concept of a particular style or 'look' in photography is an opaque one. At galleries and exhibitions, especially, much can be made of an artist's style, but while it may be interesting, it often says little about what the creator is actually doing to produce content worthy of recognition. Unfortunately, as with many creative endeavours, when taking photographs, there's a risk of becoming preoccupied with how to craft a signature workflow.
We often start out inspired by a restricted subset of artists, based on our limited knowledge of the creative possibilities open to us, and this leads to us attempting to recreate the visual language of one or two photographers. This effect has been greatly amplified in the social media era, where a handful of users are favoured and elevated by algorithms. While this can be a good starting point for experimenting with advanced techniques, simply mimicking others restricts us from doing what feels natural in our own photo workflow. What we're left with is a pressure to produce similar content, while struggling to introduce something unique and creatively fulfilling. So, instead, why not consider the following three pillars for style success - commercial popularity; uniqueness and identity; and your engagement and enjoyment?
Over the next few pages, we'll explore how to create images that are both contemporary and commercially relevant, while still exhibiting your own creative preferences. The process of finding your style can be a fun journey that calls on multiple skills and allows you to use your kit in novel ways.
1 OVERCOMPENSATE EXPOSURE
A simple bias of the histogram can catch the viewer's eye
Bu hikaye Photography week dergisinin March 30, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Photography week dergisinin March 30, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
CALIBRATE YOUR COLOURS
James Paterson reveals how he captures stunningly colourful sunsets by using this secret weapon
ABSTRACT PORTRAITS
Mike Harris shows you how to use slow shutter speeds and multiple exposures to capture a series of motion-blur portraits
BREATHTAKNG IMAGES FROM ABOVE AND BELOW THE WAVES
A final hit of inspiraton: Ocean Photographer of the Year reveals stunning winning photos
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO AUTUMN
James Abbott reveals the secrets to capturing amazing images during the most eye-catching season of the year
CANON UNVEILS NEW PORTABLE, FULLY-WIRELESS PHOTO PRINTER
The Selphy QX20 is ideal for quickly printing your smartphone snaps on the go
FUJINON GF120MM F4 MACRO R LM OIS WR
This powerful medium-format lens is ideally suited to extreme close-ups
HOW TO...CLEAN UP A SCENE WITH AI
James Paterson shows you how the AI-powered Remove Tool can revolutionise your retouching
SHOOT AN '80S PORTRAIT
Jason Parnell-Brookes recreates the neon look of the 1980s using torches and hollow acrylic rods
THE BEST MONOCHROME IMAGE OF 2024 IS A REAL CRACKER
Black and White Photo Awards announces stunning selection of winning images
88 TIPS FOR GREAT BABY PHOTOS
From lighting to posing and pacifying, here's how you get the perfect shot