Developing a Unique Photographic Style | On My Way To Success

Developing a Unique Photographic Style

As a photographer, it's important to have your own unique style that sets you apart from the rest. But how do you develop your own style? What makes a style unique? And how do you avoid copying other photographers?

To help answer these questions, we've gathered advice from some of the most influential photography books, including "The Photographer's Playbook," a collection of assignments and ideas from some of the world's leading photographers.

What Makes a Style Unique?

A unique photographic style is one that reflects the photographer's personality, vision, and creative approach. It's a way of seeing the world that is distinct and recognizable, and that sets the photographer apart from others.

According to Alex Webb, a Magnum photographer and author of "The Suffering of Light," a unique style is "something that is difficult to describe, but you know it when you see it." It's a combination of technical skill, creative vision, and personal experience that creates something new and unexpected.

Finding Your Voice

To develop your own unique style, you need to find your voice as a photographer. This means exploring your own interests, passions, and experiences, and using them to inform your work.

One way to do this is to start by shooting what you love. As David Alan Harvey, a Magnum photographer and author of "Tell It Like It Is," explains, "If you're passionate about something, if you're interested in something, if you really love something, then that's the way to go."

Another way to find your voice is to experiment with different techniques and styles. Try new things, push your boundaries, and don't be afraid to take risks. As you explore new ideas, you'll start to develop your own unique approach to photography.

Avoiding Copying

While it's important to draw inspiration from other photographers, it's also important to avoid copying their work. This can be a difficult line to navigate, but as John Paul Caponigro, a fine art photographer and author of "Adobe Photoshop Master Class," advises, "You need to learn from the masters, but you can't copy them. You have to find your own way."

One way to avoid copying is to focus on the elements of a photographer's work that inspire you, rather than trying to duplicate their style. Look at the way they use light, composition, color, and subject matter, and try to incorporate those ideas into your own work in a unique way.