Friday, August 21, 2009

What's My Style?



I've been trying to discover my photographic style lately, going through all my favorites from flickr, looking at my own work, and poring over blogs that I love. I know it sounds kind of strange to think that I don't know my own style, but I tend to shoot a ton, pick out the best, and then let the individual photo "tell" me what direction my processing should take.

But I'm not sure if I have a definite "style" yet.

So my question is this: Do you go out to shoot with a definite idea in mind -- what you want to create -- and is it part of your style, or do you simply let the moment and the image dictate the final result?

15 comments:

Bonnie Zieman, M.Ed. said...

The moment is everything. Cannot imagine being confined to a style. I suppose a style does emerge - but I can't think of it consciously. Whatever your style is - I love it!

mdvelazquez said...

I still haven't found my style. I shoot everything too. How I process depends on what I am going to do with it. If it is for work, I have a style that I need to use. If it is for me, I let the image or my mood dictate direction.

Marcie said...

Funny you should ask that question today. I've been pondering some of the same. For me - it's always about the moment..but I do think - over time - we develop our own ways in which we see and process that particular moment.
I think you do have a beautiful style that is clearly and distinctly your own.

Char said...

I was convinced I didn't have a style either until a photographer I love and trust told me that I do. LOL

You definitely have a style woman. And the moment will draw you too it over and over. I like to think of yours as modern rustic with a hint of vintage at times. You know what will prove you have a style? Take a shot - think about how you would process it - and then go totally against all thoughts on it. What I have found when I do that, is it feels all wrong to me. :)

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

I'm sure I don't have a style since photography is very new to me...a lady commented on my blog recently sayint that I "painted with my camera". I thought that was very neat.
I can say that your beautiful photos have greatly influenced what I try to do...Hopefully emulation is the ultimate compliment!!! I love your "style"!!!

ELK said...

mary ...i do not think I have a style..I shoot slowly and thoughtfully ...things that interest me but never planned...i may not always comment but I am always inspired by you!

Barb said...

Hello Mary,
I'm still in the learning phase, so I shoot many, many photos. I definitely don't have a style. However, I believe the title to your blog indicates what you perceive as your style. Your photos are beautiful and an inspiration - a sharp focus with a nuanced blurring to soften the image.

Caroline said...

Oh gosh, not sure if I have a style either. I too love to visit other photo blogs for inspiration. Yours and Char's (ramblins) inspire me so much. I don't go out with a preconceived idea of what to shoot...nature just takes it course. Each photo ends up telling it's own story...

Unknown said...

Have you ever used the workshop, The Artist's Way? It's a little intense, but I learned volumes about my shooting...and how to make the most of the creative moment...Smiles.

Sue said...

I shoot by the seat of my pants...and work with the best ones LOL.
I di my first "photo shoot" (for want of another name) of my friends baby. I loved the mum's reaction to the pics...and that made me happy. You can see them here..
http://stampingandscrappin.typepad.com/photoaday_2009/2009/08/aug-20-2009-a-new-career-i-think-not.html

LOL///have to start somewhere...

olivia said...

I think my style is still evolving ... I've learned a ton and continue to be inspired. When I'm out shooting I'll often have an idea of how I'd like an image to look (so that I select the right aperture, ss, metering mode, etc.) especially when I'm challenging myself to try something new. When I'm just shooting for the fun of shooting, I have a fall-back style I suppose. But definitely, still learning. :)

Country Girl said...

Every now and then I shoot with a definite idea in mind. But more often, or I should say most often, I shoot things that catch my eye. When I look at them on my computer, I begin to see them in my mind's eye, how I think they should look. Sometimes they need to stay exactly as they are.
I've always thought you had a style. I don't know what it's called, though. I call it Mary's Way. Your landscapes, in particular, are dreamy and beautiful. I wish I could take landscapes and do with them what you do. It's a gift you have, my friend.
I'm excited for you in this new class you're taking. I wish I lived closer to you. I could learn so much from you!
(And we could go to your favorite antique shop).

Joan Elizabeth said...

Mary, I admire your floral and rural scenes. I went through your blog from top to bottom a few weeks ago with a view to learning something from it. The progression of your work has been quite remarkable and a distinct style has been emerging. Take a look at other people's flower pics and then another look at your own ... you will have to admit your's have a real edge. I think our style begins to emerge out of what we see -- other photographers see different things in the same scene. However we do have to push ourselves out of our comfort zone not so we will end up doing that type of photography but because it informs our favoured type of photography and our skill deepens ... I think that is the way we eventually find our voice.

Deborah Godin said...

You really made me think with this question. Like many probably do, I know I shoot quickly sometimes just to "get it recorded" but when there's time, I always go for a really simple composition. I studied Chinese and Japanese art and that's influenced my eye a great deal. And I feel something similar to that in your work, if that's not assuming too much to say so.

Carolynn Anctil said...

Oh, I definitely do my best to capture what my eye sees. I'm not always successful. I blame my camera. *smile*

Do any of us really need to have a style? Wouldn't that hamper our creativity if we felt we had to adhere to a 'style'? Just wondering.