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Find Your Photography Style
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Are you struggling trying to find your photography style? It can be as confusing as how to find your own personal style. Follow these tips which will help you evaluate your house, wardrobe, and other things you like to help definite your personal photography style.

How to find your photography style

Take a look around your house.
When you look at your house, does it feel like home to you? What about it makes it feel so comfortable and “you”? For me, I know I love neutral decorating (lots of whites, off whites, beige or grey, and if I didn’t have my husband to consider, there would be many more touches of soft pink than there are now!), subtle textures and a general feeling of softness and calm. The style in my home really is indicative of my photography. Not only does my home inspire my photographic style, but it also makes a great platform for my pictures. I would be really uncomfortable trying to make images in my home if I had painted each room a crazy bright color and covered the walls with decorations and knick-knacks.
But that is just my own personal style. Perhaps bold colors are your thing, or really prominent textures, or very minimalist and modern furniture. Just spend awhile looking at the rooms in your home and deciding how they do, or do not, speak to your personal style. What about your home makes your heart say “this IS me!”?

Check out your wardrobe.
While you’re looking through your home, make a stop at your closet. Do you feel like you have a personal style with your clothing? What colors are most prominent? Are you a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl or do you fully accessorize and do your hair and makeup every. single. day. ? For me, this exercise is not quite as indicative of my photography style. I’m currently trapped in a SAHM wardrobe that is totally uninspiring to me, but I have an idea of what I would like my clothing to look like, and it does actually line up with the direction I feel my photography is heading in. Perhaps you aren’t pleased with your wardrobe either. Spend some time browsing the pre-made outfit sections of any online store that appeals to you. What is it about the outfits that you like that reaches out and grabs you? Color, texture, contrast, simplicity, avant-gardes-ness, whimsy, clean lines, boldness? Consider making a list of adjectives that describe your style preferences.

Collect images that speak to you on Pinterest.
Pinterest.com is a fabulous tool for creating a visual collection of images that you love. You can sort your pinned images into various genres or subjects and it is easy to pin from major commercial websites or from smaller blogs. Once you have made a collection, look at the group as a whole and scan for any patterns or repeating elements. A good exercise to try is to take one image that you absolutely love. Determine what it is about the picture that is making you feel so connected to it. Perhaps it is the use of light, the processing, the emotional connection you feel to the subject (s)… it could be any of a number of elements. Use the image as inspiration for an image of your own. Don’t copy, or recreate, the photo, but try to replicate the portion of the image that you most enjoy. Your version of the picture might not look anything like the original, but it should give you the same kind of feeling when you look at it.

Make a list of emotions that you feel most strongly.
Some of my friends are happy go lucky people. They see the world in shades of bubblegum pink and rainbows. If these people tried to adopt an angsty, constrasty B&W style of photography, they would likely have a very tough time owning their images and feeling like they were being true to themselves. Remember, though, that just because you have as style, it does not mean you can no longer experiment. We are all constantly changing and so your exploration of your photography style is never-ending.
Ultimately, though, your style should transcend any of these exercises. I want someone to be able to look at one of my photographs and say “That was taken by Megan.” When someone has a firmly established style their images originate from a place inside of them that is uniquely theirs. The thoughts I have shared can help you crystallize your thinking about your personal style, but it is up to you to figure out how to translate it through your lens.

If you would like to read another post by Megan click HERE. Be sure to check out her inspiring blog – Megan Cieloha.

18 Comments
  • June 27, 2011 at 10:11 AM

    This was awesome, Megan! Thanks so much for putting style all in terms that we can understand and relate to daily!!

  • June 27, 2011 at 10:16 AM

    WOW! Those are some awesome pictures. Great tips! :)

  • June 27, 2011 at 12:25 PM

    Very inspiring! Thank you!

  • June 27, 2011 at 12:48 PM

    Thank you Megan- what a wonderful article. I have been thinking a lot about what my photography style is and this article was so helpful. It seems so overwhelming to “choose” a photography style but after reading this article I realize that doing what come naturally is best. I now realize that it isn’t about finding a style but instead showing the world what things look like through my eyes.

  • June 27, 2011 at 3:12 PM

    Beautiful photos and very inspirational Megan! Thank you!

  • June 27, 2011 at 3:17 PM

    Love this!!! Great article.
    I adore her work!!!

  • June 27, 2011 at 10:00 PM

    Awesome pictures and great photography.

  • June 28, 2011 at 10:07 AM

    this was a great great post!! I thought about my photography style as I read this…I too like soft colors but, bright colors definitely are more my style..,my wardrobe, my personality. I love bright colorful pictures that evoke fun, passion and excitement. Great ideas in this post!!

  • Sunni
    February 22, 2012 at 11:37 AM

    Enjoyed this article and photos. My favorite colors are white, pink and black. I love soft, dreamy pastels (such as the palette in the first photo). My home reflects this (some shabby chic), as does my photos (personal and wall hangings) and some clothing. Yet I love black jeans, cowgirl boots, a soft, over-sized black boyfriend jacket – and let’s not forget B&W photography. I always find myself drawn to B&W and soft pastel photographs. I find the home to be a treasure trove for creative ideas for my personal photography. Thanks for sharing! : )

  • July 25, 2012 at 10:09 PM

    lovely photography

  • angela buckner
    April 30, 2014 at 9:17 PM

    Thank you so much. I kind of realized my style but this just put it all in place. I never thought about my home and wardrobe being tied to my photography style but it’s so true and the best thing I realize is that it’s soooo me and that’s why I love classy serious portraits in black and white and soft neutrals. A lot of color is sometimes distracting to me when I edit. And if you looked at my closet you will find only small bursts of color and my home is in soft beachy colors. I think the best thing is that I don’t have to wonder about why I don’t particularly like busy bold photographs! They are beautiful but that’s not what catches my eye.Thanks for sharing.

    • May 2, 2014 at 2:37 PM

      Isn’t it funny how the two cross over – wardrobe style and photography style.

  • April 30, 2014 at 10:34 PM

    Thank you for such great information. I’m excited to figure out what my style is now! I love your blog :), it was recommended by several bloggers… Now I know why!
    Look forward to visiting again soon :)

  • May 1, 2014 at 7:21 AM

    This was a wonderful post. I really believe this is true and was on point when it came to my style of photography. I do love stepping out of my comfort zone but you can tell my style of photography is indicative to the lifestyle I lead. Great post! http://Www.catalyticcamera.com

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