Of all the steps I've taken to grow as a photographer, working out my style definitely has had the biggest impact. What are your thoughts on developing a personal style in photography?
I don't understand a thing about style. You either like something or you don't and you either portray it well or not...is this what style is? Just purchased an action camera. I have an idea of what I want to do with it but...I'll just play...
Great question! Style in photography is a bit abstract. It's not just about liking something or capturing it well. Your style is your way of seeing and portraying the world through your photography. It's how you choose your subjects, the way you work, the mood you create, and more. It can evolve as you experiment and find what resonates with you. Playing with your new action camera and exploring different ideas is a great way to start discovering your style. Good luck with it!
You are a really great communicator. Your “style “ is so evident in your videos and in your photography work. Thank you, and I hope you grow a big community here. You deserve it.
Thank you Scott for this video. For the past year or so, I have started paying attention to the very subject you are talking about. I call it the "why" of photography. In the "why" we find our "style." It is hard to pinpoint because it is different for each individual. My mind is racing in million different directions wanting to create visuals/images. I need to quiet it down to get to the essence of who I am as a photographer. It is very hard to do as we have to also choose and be specific. Looking at your work, I must say that you have nailed it. I love your channel and what you have to say. Actually I checked just yesterday wondering that I had not seen a new post from you... and today, you surprise me with yet another deep and thought provoking video. Thank you. Thank you.
You know what was EXTREMELY helpful to me, and I mean this, I recently decided to begin to take my photos to a public space and the project that I am working on is inspired by one of the clips you had in your art/film montage. I took that as the Universe saying "you are headed in the right direction". Thanks for that. I know it is an accidental bit of encouragement, but I very much appreciate it. I guess you and I have some overlap in the kind of art/film that we enjoy. Edit: Subscribed because of it. 😊
Your channel is a gem. I stumbled upon it today and binched all your videos. You are a great teacher, giving rare, truly insightful advice, especially about looking inward and finding what you want to create, not the other way around. I would say: create what you want, what gives you joy, and if it happens to be something people want to buy from you, great. If not, there's still the joy of making it. On a side note, and totally unrelated: which microphone do you use? A Røde NTG2, perhaps? (Just a very wild guess.)
Thank you for sharing your insights on finding your style. Many points that you’ve made around technical skills and new gear are spot on for me. I’ve been going through the journey of elevating my photography skills and have definitely been focused in those areas. One thing that I’ve done this past year that’s been an interesting awakening for me is doing a theme of work. For the whole year, I’ve made it a challenge to go out and capture the moon. I’ve never concentrated on the same subject for so long and in doing so I found that I would try different things because I was starting to get bored. I found that it’s doing those different things that made some of my images look more creative and interesting instead of technical.
Congrats on finding your style and your success. I just found your channel on a previous video and my first thought was ‘Ooh I like that style!’. Personally I think I found my style with my personal work some time back and I agree with what you say. I just wish I had more time to shoot for myself!
Another very useful and inspirational video, Thank you!!! I'm close in finding my style. About 2 months ago I put all my favorite travel photos from the last 13 years in one folder, to see what they have in common. Found out that the are bright, colorful and have a positive look to them. So this year will focus on that!!
Learning a lot here. I have a project/style idea in mind. I have a 6x6 TLR. (and dslr) - Q. Do you print your own prints? Large format? Or outsource? Equipment? Thanks.
I enjoyed your video and it made me have a few different thoughts. I can see why it's appealing to have a style, and have an ig that looks uniform. People know what they can expect. But don't you feel a bit boxed in? What if you want to go in another direction? Yes, I have commitment issues, at least in style camps. Like music, clothes, which language to learn. I feel I am still in the student phase of photography, where I am amazed when I take a good picture and I think it's a great picture, the best ever, for a year or so, but then looking back I can see it's rather average. I'm still getting highs from being able to take "good" pictures. I like trying different styles and types of photography. So I don't think I'm ready to commit to one style. But then again, last semester I committed to a project for portfolio class, and even if I wasn't ready for it, it helped me grow a lot. Maybe that type and style of photography will become my main style. I just want to explore life with my camera and do it in different ways. I think my ig reflects that. I should add, I don't know if I will become a pro photographer, so maybe I don't really need a style. (Just like when I sing when driving, I love being able to imitate all kinds of voices.) I'm going to keep thinking about this, and try some of your suggestions. They'll probably help me find the direction I want to go, how I want to use photography to express myself better, and figure out who I am.
Thanks for your detailed and thoughtful comment, Loraine. Personally, I don't ever feel boxed in-quite the opposite. I'm releasing 2 new series this year. Both are a departure from the work on my website and instagram feed but still true to my 'style' or artistic voice. The new work may look different but there's definitely some visual parallels to my older stuff. I think if we substitute the term 'artistic voice' for 'style' and consider that your voice comes from within, things make a little more sense. If we discover who we really are and what we want to say as photographers or artists, things start falling into place. Even if the subjects you explore are diverse, you have your own unique perspective. That perspective gets reflected in your photographs.
For me it's really hard to find my "style". I love shooting everything and im even all-time hired Photographer/Videographer. But i shoot in my free time, landscapes, wildanimals, urban, portraits... pretty much everything. Therefore i can't use same style for landscape as for wildlife... and im so unsure what to so :D.. Instagram doesn't love me for that, because i don't have any specific "niche" but instead all of them..
Thanks for sharing your thoughts...I checked out your work, and it's good!! I can understand where you're coming from. But for me, style is more about my artistic voice rather than just a visual look. It's totally fine to shoot different subjects. Style is more about how you shoot, not just what you shoot. It's like having a signature way of seeing the world, no matter what the subject. I'm releasing a couple of new series this year, and while they might look different from what I've done before, they still feel like 'me' and I think you'll still see parallels to my other work. So, keep experimenting. Your unique perspective is what will ultimately define your style, not just the subjects you choose.
@@scottfrenchart Thank you for your time Scott 🙏🏻. I understand what yoy mean and with your answer i can understand it even more (for me specifically) and im gratefull for it. Definitely sticking with you for your next videos ;) 👍 your style, videos and way of talking are clear, focused, informative and peaceful. You will definitely grow even more.
If you've watched some of my other videos, you may have heard me say that I use instagram more as a gallery space for the work I want to sell. I only post what I consider to be my best images. I didn't release any new work this past year so I didn't post (I imagine my following would have grown more if I had been posting regularly-although it still almost doubled). I will be releasing 2 new bodies of work this coming year so stay tuned.
Of all the steps I've taken to grow as a photographer, working out my style definitely has had the biggest impact. What are your thoughts on developing a personal style in photography?
I don't understand a thing about style. You either like something or you don't and you either portray it well or not...is this what style is?
Just purchased an action camera. I have an idea of what I want to do with it but...I'll just play...
Great question! Style in photography is a bit abstract. It's not just about liking something or capturing it well. Your style is your way of seeing and portraying the world through your photography. It's how you choose your subjects, the way you work, the mood you create, and more. It can evolve as you experiment and find what resonates with you. Playing with your new action camera and exploring different ideas is a great way to start discovering your style. Good luck with it!
You are a really great communicator. Your “style “ is so evident in your videos and in your photography work. Thank you, and I hope you grow a big community here. You deserve it.
Wow, thank you! I appreciate the kind words :)
Thank you Scott for this video. For the past year or so, I have started paying attention to the very subject you are talking about. I call it the "why" of photography. In the "why" we find our "style." It is hard to pinpoint because it is different for each individual. My mind is racing in million different directions wanting to create visuals/images. I need to quiet it down to get to the essence of who I am as a photographer. It is very hard to do as we have to also choose and be specific. Looking at your work, I must say that you have nailed it.
I love your channel and what you have to say. Actually I checked just yesterday wondering that I had not seen a new post from you... and today, you surprise me with yet another deep and thought provoking video. Thank you. Thank you.
Thanks for much for the kind words Boris! As always, greatly appreciated. Good luck with your own journey.
You know what was EXTREMELY helpful to me, and I mean this, I recently decided to begin to take my photos to a public space and the project that I am working on is inspired by one of the clips you had in your art/film montage. I took that as the Universe saying "you are headed in the right direction". Thanks for that. I know it is an accidental bit of encouragement, but I very much appreciate it. I guess you and I have some overlap in the kind of art/film that we enjoy.
Edit: Subscribed because of it. 😊
Thanks, that's great to hear! I glad to know it was helpful :)
Thank you so much! It inspires me to pursue learning photography 🥰
I'm so glad...Good luck with it!
Your channel is a gem. I stumbled upon it today and binched all your videos. You are a great teacher, giving rare, truly insightful advice, especially about looking inward and finding what you want to create, not the other way around. I would say: create what you want, what gives you joy, and if it happens to be something people want to buy from you, great. If not, there's still the joy of making it. On a side note, and totally unrelated: which microphone do you use? A Røde NTG2, perhaps? (Just a very wild guess.)
Thanks so much. Yes I agree about creating what gives you joy. My mic is a A Røde NTG :)
I am SO grateful that I have found your channel. Thank you again for uploading this. Every word feels like a wake-up call. I'm in.
Welcome! Glad to have you here :)
Please make more videos! I am listening some just for your calming voice, even if the video isn't perfectly relevant to me. Thank you!!
Haha…thank you, I will :)
Hello. Hope you are doing well. Just waiting next video. Grettings
Thanks! Hope you’re doing well too. New videos and a few other things coming soon.
Thank you for sharing your insights on finding your style. Many points that you’ve made around technical skills and new gear are spot on for me. I’ve been going through the journey of elevating my photography skills and have definitely been focused in those areas. One thing that I’ve done this past year that’s been an interesting awakening for me is doing a theme of work. For the whole year, I’ve made it a challenge to go out and capture the moon. I’ve never concentrated on the same subject for so long and in doing so I found that I would try different things because I was starting to get bored. I found that it’s doing those different things that made some of my images look more creative and interesting instead of technical.
Thanks for watching! Glad it helped. Sounds like a great approach you’re taking. Good luck with it.
Many of your comments are resonating with my own feelings about photography. I think this might help to give me some direction.
Thanks for sharing, John. I'm glad it was helpful.
Your TH-cam videos have a style that I like :)
Thanks, I appreciate it!
Congrats on finding your style and your success. I just found your channel on a previous video and my first thought was ‘Ooh I like that style!’. Personally I think I found my style with my personal work some time back and I agree with what you say. I just wish I had more time to shoot for myself!
Thanks so much! I appreciate it. Yes, finding more time to shoot is always the challenge.
This is so great, thanks so much for sharing your wisdom in photography!
My pleasure! Thanks for watching.
Scott, this video is AWESOME and is just what I needed. thank you!
Very welcome! Great to hear!
Great discussion. I was typing about being proactive as you said it, and you said it so much better!
Thanks so much! Glad it was helpful.
Another very useful and inspirational video, Thank you!!! I'm close in finding my style. About 2 months ago I put all my favorite travel photos from the last 13 years in one folder, to see what they have in common. Found out that the are bright, colorful and have a positive look to them. So this year will focus on that!!
Sounds like you're well on your way. Good luck with it!
Thank you@@scottfrenchart you're videos really with this🙏🙏
Another informative, inspirational and engaging video. Thanks.
Thanks so much! I'm glad you think so :)
Learning a lot here. I have a project/style idea in mind. I have a 6x6 TLR. (and dslr) - Q. Do you print your own prints? Large format? Or outsource? Equipment? Thanks.
Glad to hear it! I have a 17 inch wide printer for test prints but I use a number of different POD companies for print orders.
Thanks for talking about this! I’ve been struggling myself with that very question! How do I sign up for the email course on style discovery?
Thanks for watching! There’s a link in the video description where you can sign up.
Very interesting, thank you !
Glad you enjoyed it!
I’m definitely searching for my style. Some grea ideas here.
So glad to hear it! Thanks and good luck!
@@scottfrenchart Thank you.
I enjoyed your video and it made me have a few different thoughts. I can see why it's appealing to have a style, and have an ig that looks uniform. People know what they can expect. But don't you feel a bit boxed in? What if you want to go in another direction? Yes, I have commitment issues, at least in style camps. Like music, clothes, which language to learn. I feel I am still in the student phase of photography, where I am amazed when I take a good picture and I think it's a great picture, the best ever, for a year or so, but then looking back I can see it's rather average. I'm still getting highs from being able to take "good" pictures. I like trying different styles and types of photography. So I don't think I'm ready to commit to one style. But then again, last semester I committed to a project for portfolio class, and even if I wasn't ready for it, it helped me grow a lot. Maybe that type and style of photography will become my main style. I just want to explore life with my camera and do it in different ways. I think my ig reflects that. I should add, I don't know if I will become a pro photographer, so maybe I don't really need a style. (Just like when I sing when driving, I love being able to imitate all kinds of voices.) I'm going to keep thinking about this, and try some of your suggestions. They'll probably help me find the direction I want to go, how I want to use photography to express myself better, and figure out who I am.
Thanks for your detailed and thoughtful comment, Loraine. Personally, I don't ever feel boxed in-quite the opposite. I'm releasing 2 new series this year. Both are a departure from the work on my website and instagram feed but still true to my 'style' or artistic voice. The new work may look different but there's definitely some visual parallels to my older stuff. I think if we substitute the term 'artistic voice' for 'style' and consider that your voice comes from within, things make a little more sense. If we discover who we really are and what we want to say as photographers or artists, things start falling into place. Even if the subjects you explore are diverse, you have your own unique perspective. That perspective gets reflected in your photographs.
For me it's really hard to find my "style". I love shooting everything and im even all-time hired Photographer/Videographer. But i shoot in my free time, landscapes, wildanimals, urban, portraits... pretty much everything. Therefore i can't use same style for landscape as for wildlife... and im so unsure what to so :D.. Instagram doesn't love me for that, because i don't have any specific "niche" but instead all of them..
Thanks for sharing your thoughts...I checked out your work, and it's good!! I can understand where you're coming from. But for me, style is more about my artistic voice rather than just a visual look. It's totally fine to shoot different subjects. Style is more about how you shoot, not just what you shoot. It's like having a signature way of seeing the world, no matter what the subject. I'm releasing a couple of new series this year, and while they might look different from what I've done before, they still feel like 'me' and I think you'll still see parallels to my other work. So, keep experimenting. Your unique perspective is what will ultimately define your style, not just the subjects you choose.
@@scottfrenchart Thank you for your time Scott 🙏🏻. I understand what yoy mean and with your answer i can understand it even more (for me specifically) and im gratefull for it. Definitely sticking with you for your next videos ;) 👍 your style, videos and way of talking are clear, focused, informative and peaceful. You will definitely grow even more.
Thanks! I appreciate you watching :)
2nd...ed
You didn't post for a year now on your Instagram. What gives?
If you've watched some of my other videos, you may have heard me say that I use instagram more as a gallery space for the work I want to sell. I only post what I consider to be my best images. I didn't release any new work this past year so I didn't post (I imagine my following would have grown more if I had been posting regularly-although it still almost doubled). I will be releasing 2 new bodies of work this coming year so stay tuned.