One of the most exciting yet overwhelming parts of being a new photographer is discovering your unique style. In a world overflowing with visual inspiration, it’s easy to feel pulled in different directions—light and airy, dark and moody, true-to-color, film-inspired, editorial, documentary, cinematic… the list goes on. But here’s the truth: there is no right or wrong style, and it’s completely normal for your approach to evolve over time. The most important thing is to create in a way that feels authentic to you.

Photography is an art, and like all artists, photographers go through different phases, explore various techniques, and refine their voice over time. Your style isn’t something you choose overnight—it’s something that develops naturally through practice, experimentation, and personal growth. Here are some tips to help you find (or refine) your photography style while staying true to yourself.

1. Shoot, Shoot, and Shoot Some More

Nothing will help you find your style faster than simply picking up your camera and shooting as much as possible. Photograph everything—landscapes, portraits, street photography, details, motion, stillness. The more you shoot, the more you’ll start noticing patterns in what you’re drawn to.

Ask yourself:

• What subjects make me feel most excited? (couples, families, nature, ect. )
• Do I prefer controlled, posed images or raw, candid moments?
• Am I more drawn to natural light, or do I love playing with artificial lighting?
• It’s OK to reach out to people and asked them to model in exchange for photos. Sometimes we need that space to just create and try something new with no pressure!

Your answers will help you start narrowing down the elements that define your approach.

2. Experiment with Different Styles & Techniques

It’s completely okay to try different styles before settling into what feels right. In fact, you should! Play around with:

• Shooting in black and white vs. color
• Different editing techniques (muted vs. vibrant, warm vs. cool tones)
• Various lenses and focal lengths to see how they affect your compositions
• A mix of posed and unposed shots
• Spend some time on youtube learning the different elements to your editing software. No matter how boring it seems. Taking the time to know how to utilize Lightroom + Photoshop properly can allow you to create whatever you are envisioning

You might find that you love the documentary-style feel of candid photography, or maybe you gravitate toward cinematic compositions with dramatic lighting. Every experiment gets you closer to finding your thing.

3. Study Your Own Work

After a few months of consistently shooting, take some time to review your portfolio. Look at the photos you naturally gravitate toward and ask yourself why you love them.

• What colors, tones, and moods stand out?
• Is there a consistent way you compose your images?
• Do you tend to capture certain types of emotions or storytelling elements?

Your subconscious is already making choices—recognizing those patterns will help you refine them into a more intentional style.

4. Find Inspiration (But Don’t Copy)

It’s great to follow photographers you admire, but instead of trying to replicate their work, analyze what you love about it.

• Do you love the way they use light?
• Are you drawn to the emotions in their images?
• Do you like their use of color and composition?

Use these observations as inspiration, but always filter them through your own perspective. Over time, you’ll incorporate different influences into something uniquely yours.

5. Edit Consistently (But Give Yourself Freedom to Grow)

Your editing style plays a huge role in defining your photography style. Finding a signature editing process can create cohesion in your work, making it instantly recognizable.

However, don’t be afraid to evolve! Many photographers tweak their editing over time as they refine their tastes. Growth is good—it means you’re progressing as an artist.

6. Don’t Be Afraid to Change Styles

Many photographers feel pressure to stick to one aesthetic forever, but the reality is that growth is natural. Just like painters go through different artistic phases, photographers do too. What feels right today may not feel right in five years, and that’s okay.

It’s completely valid to shift from moody to light and airy, from posed to documentary, or from weddings to commercial work. What matters most is that you’re always creating in a way that feels true to you.

7. Lean Into What Feels Most Creative

At the end of the day, your photography style should be a reflection of what excites you. If you ever feel boxed in by a particular aesthetic or trend, take a step back and ask yourself:

• Am I shooting in a way that truly excites me?
• Am I making creative choices that feel natural or forced?
• What kind of work would I create if social media didn’t exist?

Photography is art, and art is meant to evolve. Your only job is to keep exploring, creating, and staying open to the endless possibilities of growth.

Finding your photography style isn’t about fitting into a mold—it’s about discovering what feels most you. Try new things, experiment without fear, and most importantly, trust your instincts. Whether your style stays consistent for years or shifts along with your creative journey, the key is to always remain authentic to yourself.

Your best work will always come from a place of passion, not obligation. So go out, create, and let your photography evolve naturally—just like every great artist before you.

Xo