Sunday Spotlight On: Seeking Out Your Style

Admit it, we all like to think that we have style behind the camera and during postproduction. Some of us do, and some of us are still searching. When looking at your favorite photographers work, you would know their pieces from across the room. Photography is almost like high school; we gradually go on to the next level after we have accomplished all that we need to know on a lower level. Being stuck will not benefit us in this medium because we want and need to go to that next level. As students, we are still learning each time we enter class and when we pick up our camera to apply a new technique.

Sacred. 2014. Quiana P Jackson

It is okay to fail

Failing is not always bad. It teaches us what we have to correct. Failing is something that we all will face because not every style is for us. As we pick out clothing that we purchased and match it up with another clothing item that we purchase, sometimes it does not go together. We start over again, the same as in photography.

Shadow a photographer

If you are just starting out, shadowing someone who is more experienced can be beneficial. You will be able to learn the ropes and begin to see how things are done on a professional working level.

Work with a different subject

Working with different people as we build our portfolio is highly recommended. By having different subjects, it makes it easy to practice with different looks.

Write down your ideas

Create a journal of ideas that you find interesting and begin to create a concept. When you have these ideas written down you can imagine the way that you intend to go about bringing these ideas to life.

Ask and ask away

Ask someone who shoots what you are interested in to give you his or her honest opinion. If you ask for their critique, it can only make you better and you can begin to see what others think of your skills.

Have thick skin

Not everyone is going to like your style or probably not even get it. It is important to be able to take criticism once it is given. There are some harsh critics out there and being able to take their words either good or bad can be turned into motivation to either readjust, keep moving on with your style or to go back to the drawing board. 

Research, research, research

I cannot think of anything in this world that has never been photographed. While doing research, see what others have already done and then shoot it in a different way.

Sometimes it’s okay to break the rules

Who says that you have to play it safe ALL the time? Try different perspectives, angles, editing, crops and scale. It is those photographers who have became successful because they had the courage to go after their own style and bend the rules a bit. Some may not understand at first, but there are new styles popping up all the time!