So, you’ve picked up a camera. Maybe you’re just starting, or perhaps you’ve been shooting for a while but feel stuck. You’re wondering: What kind of photography is my style? What kind of photographer do I want to become?
The truth is, photography isn’t just about mastering aperture or nailing the perfect composition. It’s about why you pick up the camera in the first place. You might have been inspired by some cool photos you’ve seen on social media, wanted just to keep some memories, or just wanted to take nicer photos. Whatever the case may be, I found the key to growing in photography and finding passion in it starts with looking within. It’s a bit cringe, but hear me out:
1. Start with Your “Why”
Photography I see it as just a tool for your creativity, it’s not necessarily your “passion”. When I was in university, I finally got a part-time job, which I thought would be my dream job. I got to work in one of Canada’s largest studios. I thought, this is great, I’ll work my way up and eventually become my dream “A Photographer”. It turns out the studio was focused on commercial products. Every day we’d just shoot hundreds of products, led by a creative director. I quickly realized, wow, there is no life in these photos, and I don’t like this at all. So you can understand what I’m trying to get at. Your camera is just a means to capture what you’re truly passionate about.
- Ask yourself:
- What do I want to preserve?
- What stories do I want to tell?
- What makes me feel alive when I shoot?
- What in the past did I take pictures of a lot (even the ones taken on your phone).
For me, it started with preserving memories. At 13, I borrowed my dad’s point and shoot film camera to capture moments on a school trip. The images didn’t turn out well, some were blurry, but they were authentic. They told stories and captured memories that I still look at to this day. Over time, this love for memories led me to documentary photography, travel, and portraits.
Your “why” might be different. Maybe you’re drawn to the quiet beauty of landscapes, the energy of street photography, or the intimacy of portraits. Whatever it is, your interest and curiosity are the foundation of your photography.
2. Experiment to Discover What Excites You
When you’re starting, don’t box yourself into one genre or style. Experiment with everything—portraits, landscapes, street photography, abstract shots. The goal is to discover what excites you.
Experimentation is key to finding what you love. Try capturing a wide range of subjects, and pay attention to what feels most fulfilling. When I first started out, my friend Jensen used to ask me to out and shoot nature all the time. Although I enjoyed it during the time, I was trying to improve in photography and I do appreciate a nice sunset photo. In the long run, I just didn’t “love” it.
- Analyze your results: What worked? What didn’t? Why?
- Take notes: Keep a journal of your experiments and reflections.
Over time, you’ll notice patterns in what you’re drawn to. That’s where your unique style begins to emerge.
“Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever… It remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.”
– Aaron Siskind
3. Shoot What You Love (Not What’s Trending)
It’s easy to get caught up in Instagram trends or mimic photos that get a lot of likes. But here’s the hard truth: Shooting for others’ approval is a fast track to burnout.
- The Trap:
- Chasing social clout.
- Mimicking styles that don’t resonate with you.
- Losing sight of what makes photography meaningful to you.
- The Fix:
- Shoot for yourself first.
- Experiment with different genres, but pay attention to what excites you.
- Ask: Am I shooting this because I love it, or because I think others will?
Real inspiration comes from work that causes an emotion that moves you, not from likes or followers. Seek out photographers or artists whose work resonates with you on a deeper level, and let that guide your creativity.
4. Your Personality Plays a Role
Photography isn’t just about what you shoot—it’s also about how you shoot. Your personality can guide you toward the right niche.
- Are you outgoing and social?
- Street photography, events, or portraits might be your jam.
- You thrive on interaction and capturing candid moments.
- Are you more introspective and quiet?
- Landscapes, still life, or fine art photography could be your calling.
- You find beauty in solitude and slow, deliberate work.
There’s no right or wrong here. The goal is to find a style that aligns with who you are.
5. Practice with Intention
Once you’ve identified what inspires you, it’s time to put it into practice.
- Set goals: Focus on a specific subject or technique for a week or month.
- Challenge yourself: Try shooting with one lens, in bad weather, or during the “harsh” light of midday.
- Reflect on your progress: What did you learn? What would you do differently next time?
Intentional practice is crucial. You can read all the tutorials in the world, but nothing beats getting out there and shooting.
6. Let Your Style Evolve
I find many photographers jump to finding a style too soon. Whether it be for Instagram esthetic or following a preset. Your style isn’t something you can force—it’s something that emerges over time. More importantly, find what you love to photograph first, your style will follow suit. Certain ways to convey your feelings through photos will come about as you improve your photography, and from there you can find a common theme and style. If you focus on style first, you may be skipping out on building a strong foundation. When you do find one:
- Don’t rush it: Your style will develop as you grow and experiment.
- Be patient: It’s okay if your work doesn’t look “unique” right away.
- Stay true to yourself: Your style should reflect your personality, passions, and perspective.
Your style is always evolving. What matters is that it feels authentic to you.
7. Master Your Mind, Master Your Craft
At the end of the day, becoming a better photographer isn’t just about technical skills, colors, emotions, stories—it’s also about becoming a better version of yourself.
- Stay curious: Keep learning, exploring, and pushing your boundaries.
- Embrace failure: Every “failed” shot is a lesson in disguise.
- Shoot for yourself: Don’t let social media likes dictate your creativity.
- Staying Committed: There’s a real joy to building something and watching it grow in the long run.
- Building Confidence: Whether it be confidence in your work, or confidence to take photos out in a busy public area, as you work on your confidence, your photography will naturally get better too.
Your camera is a tool for self-expression. The more you grow as a person, the more your photography will reflect your unique vision.
Final Thought: Start Shooting, Start Exploring
Finding your “why” and developing your style isn’t something that happens overnight. It’s a journey of self-discovery, experimentation, and growth.
Grab your camera and start shooting. Explore what excites you. Reflect on what you learn. And most importantly, stay true to yourself.
Your unique style will emerge—not because you forced it, but because you allowed it to grow naturally.
What’s your “why”? Share your thoughts in the comments or tag us on social media with your journey. Let’s grow together as Students of the Frame.
