The Only Way to Find your Photography Style.

Head to www.squarespace.com/james to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code JAMES.
This print is only available for 1 more week: www.jamespopsys.com/store/lef...
The video I talked about: vimeo.com/85040589
Also check out Roman's great channel: / @snapsbyfox
This week I'm in Porto, Portugal for some photography, but I also want to talk about finding your style as a photographer, which is the question I'm typically asked most about.
Antarctica Workshop: geni.us/Antarctica2024
Arctic Workshop: www.aexpeditions.co.uk/photog...
New Presets: jamespopsys.com/mypresets
Books: www.jamespopsys.com/store?cat...
Prints: www.jamespopsys.com/store
Newsletter: www.jamespopsys.com/newsletter
---
My Gear: www.jamespopsys.com/gear
---
MUSIC:
Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself: fm.pxf.io/c/3154674/1347628/1...
MB01M7NGVFIH8FN

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

50% OFF ALL PRESETS FOR ONE WEEK ONLY: www.jamespopsys.com/mypresets Also I should've said I "was upgraded" to the family room. I didn't turn up on my own and decide to pay more money for a room with bunk beds, would've been weird...

[@richardturner81]

😂

[@Avinash-wg7xl]

Nikon ZF review please

[@spidersj12]

Don't label yourself... because it can be very hard to get the adhesive from the label off your skin..

[@PolishPoobah]

Dad is that you???

[@BlancGivre]

😆@@PolishPoobah

[@wylie_photo]

I wish you told me that before...

[@Ramu-10]

So, even if you try to remove that restriction, it'll be very difficult to become completely free and it'll stick with you for a while.

[@ej22_gc86]

Just use some IPA or WD40, no biggie-

[@SA1upsb]

1. Don't label yourself 2. Always be consuming (in order to be inspired) 3. What you like and WHY (identify why it is you like what you like -- be specific) 4. Keep inspiration specific (stick to the why of what inspires you so your don't get distracted) 5. Time (It will take time and experimentation to discover your taste and be able to recreate it)

[@markbaigent8373]

I had a 35+ career as a pro photographer. I didn’t have a style, I preferred to be adaptable as it gave me access to a wider range of work and experiences. I had multinationals, nationals and one man businesses on my client list. If you want to specialise having a style is useful, but life for me is about variety of experiences as well.

[@TheJ_G]

I think for me, having a style is a bit like having a dinner recipe you can repeat. You don’t have to eat the same thing every night though. You can have multiple recipes you can lean on depending on your mood, or the company you have over.

[@markbaigent8373]

@@TheJ_G that is the best description I have read 👏😎

[@feelfreefpv]

I have never had a style either, and never felt I missed it. I agree about what you said about the recepie ananlogy. Some of my most creative moments are when learning new ones. Of course I stay to the recepie that a client want more of, but that is not when I grow. /51yo photographer (about 15 years of professional career)

[@lukababu]

Maybe it's like the difference between a composer and a performer? Those with style compose and those of us who replicate and adore the style perform the work to match it

[@Nitidus]

​@@lukababu No, it's more like the difference between an artist and a craftsperson. In my country, if you do photography professionally, you actually have to declare yourself one or the other and it influences your tax stuff. Both are totally valid ways of working as a photographer, but regarding our subject here, I think an artist inevitably always has a style. That style can always change and evolve, of course, but as a serious, professional artist, you will automatically develop a way of expressing yourself that's recognizable. Whereas if you're more of a craftsperson, you have to stay flexible and adaptive because you are dependent on what style your client wants. If you shoot for a commercial one day and take school portraits on another, stylistically those are guaranteed to vary. They have to, it's part of doing a good job. As a craftsperson, people or companies come to you to make something how _they_ want it, mostly. As an artist, people come to you for something that's made in _your own_ distinct way. For the former, being stuck with a specific style is detrimental, whereas for the latter, it is mandatory.

[@csnyderphoto]

For years I've always called myself a landscape photographer, but still love shooting street, travel, wildlife, etc... Giving myself just the label "photographer" while still maintaining a style without genre is simply fantastic advice! James, thank you!

[@Nitidus]

Look at history's greats - almost all of them simply called themselves, "photographer." Is it still street or is it already documentary? Who knows. An exception might be those who almost exclusively shoot portraits - but then again, Henri Cartier-Bresson did a lot of those _as well as_ his famous street work. Especially if you do photography as an art form, genres really don't matter. What matters are only the photographs you produce. Everything else is more or less exclusive to the academic debate of the future, when scholars try to classify your different stages of work. In general, though, the vast majority of all-time greats simply acted under the umbrella of "photographers."

[@krispatterson4411]

I enjoy doing the same working on doing this for a living 🙏

[@matslarsson7463]

Brilliant… the whole thing you said about how to close the gap between your TASTE and your photograthic STYLE was brilliant 4:35

[@Njwanta]

This video really helped me. I need to take more photos of lawnmowers.

[@mikejankowski6321]

LOL!

[@RazeTheWeak]

I must say, this was one of the most inspirational videos I have seen from you in a while. You are probably in the top three regarding KZbin photographers that I follow, and this particular video came at a time when I was struggling with this very concept. A lot of the things you listed were already running through my head, but it was nice to have someone I look up to confirm what I was already thinking. Thank you, James.

[@chloescanlon1107]

Who are the other two lucky ones?

[@RazeTheWeak]

@@chloescanlon1107 Alan Schaller and aows.

[@dukeofoven]

Thanks James, thought provoking video. And not once was anybody distracted by the bed hair...much.

[@Hudson_Swan]

Always very interesting videos and inspiring too. Keep them coming James!

[@richardturner81]

Fantastic video James, appreciate the effort and thought that went into it.

[@louisburley1597]

I love this video. I’ve been in Arizona this week and the first day I struggled. I then said. I’m going to take the James Popsys approach and I had the most starred photos in my life. I took photos about the place not of the place which gave me 43 starred images. Normally I’d star 3-5 at the most. Thanks for being an inspiration for this trip. I wish I could share them with you xD. Cheers!

[@JERY_D]

Love that, I live in southern Arizona and the minimalist landscape is amazing here

[@mikejankowski6321]

But you can share them. Were you not paying attention to the Squarespace ad? 😂

[@louisburley1597]

@@mikejankowski6321 I don’t have a business lol. I’ve debated on it though.

[@mr.b7769]

Come to South Africa, James! We would love to have you.

[@ronaldippolito6785]

Outstanding, James - thank you

[@armeniojovenal7740]

nice to see you taking some photos in my hometown, hope you've enjoyed it!

[@DanaPushie]

Hmmmm... Style? I don't often think about 'my' style, so thank you for bringing it up and expanding on the subject. It's only upon review of my photos that I am reminded there are obvious recurring themes; frequent subjects, textures, shapes, atmosphere, locations, etc. Blog you say? That will be something I'll follow. Love your channel and work.

[@thelostvisuals]

Great video James, always love your outlook on these sorts of topics. Totally with you!

[@video-carl]

Love the ambition and clarity of this post

[@stephencross6474]

Your approach and take on photography is so relatable… amazing

[@kiotie126]

Awesome video. The best photography video on finding your style. I’ve watched a lot over the years and wanted to say this was one of the best, but it really is so clear and actionable. Nice!

[@tonyjhughes]

This is probably one of the most thought provoking pieces of photography content I’ve consumed in a long time! Going to get my notebook and watch this again, lots I need to introspect on it seems

[@D3lor34n]

Some good observations and thoughts in here for sure.

[@wekereke6572]

thanky you. the fourth one was really specific and useful ❤

[@prkanne1925]

Thank you - very thought provoking!

[@lindakavanagh3729]

Excellent coverage of this topic. Absolutely perfect timing for me at this point in my photography journey. Thank you.

[@fordfanjpn]

Good video! One of your best for sure. I’ll be coming back to this one.

[@nitheeshjr7666]

Awesome ❤

[@Ed-davies]

Loved this! One thing that is very you is high key photography, not just blowing out the clouds to clear the distraction, you have a very good talent of creating very simple shots that are bright and colourful no matter the subject.

[@edgardodj]

Thanks James. I really enjoy your videos as musch as your photos. It's so nice to hear your thouhts - just like some therapy :)

[@Dr.Mark.Marzinzik]

Thank you! This is indeed helpful! 👍🏼💚

[@leslieneill7773]

I love this, I have been struggling in recent times to figure out where I fit in and trying to work out what my style is, this video has given me more insight on what I naturally gravitate towards, great advice, thank you.

[@AstroMechanic]

I like trying new styles and experimenting, but I have a style I know and enjoy. Also you and Roman! Both of you are so good!

[@juliewerner1553]

My head is more clear now and I don't have a cold. Thank you!

[@Charles_Coach_Photo]

Great video, I think you're really spot on with you definition and explanations about what is a photographic style !

[@Mtnhiker-ql7kl]

Your street photographs in this video were amazing! Thank you for my new label - outdoor photographer! I was struggling to define my work, so I appreciate it!

[@pier-lucbaillargeon3998]

The 5 steps are brilliant. It can help you find many other things besides your photography style: love, education, career, etc. Thank you James for all your thoughtful videos.

[@quadrupleheart]

Love this! Great advice.

[@zrnki]

Hi, thank you for this video. I'm kind of rediscovering myself in terms of photography and this video is very helpful. Like you said...you are leaving me with more questions than answers 😀

[@otakugains6900]

I’m new to photography but I find myself trying out all sorts of different styles and it honestly makes the journey so enjoyable. This was a great video to learn from and further push me to be a bit more creative

[@jamesvoiss7122]

Thank you, James. I really appreciate the down-to-earth presentation and the practical impact of your thoughts. You’ve given me some meat to chew on!

[@JFW5358]

One of your best in terms of the advice given, thanks James. I visited Lisbon, Porto and places between in September. Loved Porto. Was on a group tour which meant I had very little time to explore but Porto is very photogenic.

[@PhilHawkshaw]

This applies to so many areas. Chefs for e.g. any business that’s looking for their grove. Bands and musicians. Anything creative. It’s a fantastic approach anyone can adopt. I’ll be adopting it. Love it. Thanks James.

[@RuiCBGLima]

I wasn´t expecting you start the video with my city... weirdly cozy and exciting at the same time!

[@ImagesbyAsh]

Another great video, James . One that really resonates with me as I navigate my journey to identify my tastes and style. The tips are extremely useful. I love the term - Outdoors Photographer

[@leanderhoefler576]

The photographers I look up to the most all have one thing in common. They can shoot basically any genre, scene or subject but in their unique way and it blends in perfectly with the rest of their images. For me that is the highest skill a photographer can have. Turning every scene into their own perception of the world and make it immediately recognizable. I am definitely not where I want to be on that journey, but that is my no. 1 priority when it comes to developing my skills as a photographer. And speaking as a professional: I think a style might be even more important than a fixed genre. If your style is distinctive enough people will hire you for how you shoot and not just for the things you shoot. PS.: Some fantastic photography from Porto there, James!

[@michaelmurray6500]

I've always loved YOUR style of photography! I can't really place why, you're right about that being hard to do, but the way you edit them is very pleasent to look at. I get a lot of inspiration from you. :)

[@wxyz237]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@Clipper024]

One of the most helpful videos, James, at least for me. Your advice reminds me to view other's work to recognize what I like in their photos, to better identify a picture as you see it.

[@stevebrown3955]

Your videos are enjoyable, I believe, because people perceive you as genuine. I perceive you as being genuine, and appreciate your perspective on the kind of photography you share as well as the advice you give.

[@SubiKinubi]

I find it very interesting that when I watch one of your videos, especially when a bit of time in between, so I can binge, I often find myself going to my pc and then importing a heaps of photos I thought I’d never do anything with, mainly because, you think differently than other people and photos I thought weren’t that good, are surprisingly better than expected when you don’t follow the “rules” so much, thank you James 😊

[@ChadWilson]

The pic of the person sitting on the bench, with the brief bit of tree branch in the foreground to illustrate depth...I love it!

[@grapesodatravels]

This thumbnail is possibly my favourite James photo, ever! Couldn't fully explain why but it's beautiful, contemporary and dramatic. Oh and beautiful.

[@robertnelson3179]

Great process you outlined I will save the video to review later today. Love some of those shots you made of Porto my wife tells me Portugal is a beautiful place to go to.

[@toomuchroom.studio]

Is your channel the best channel on KZbin? Reasons being: Insightful, thoughtful, commentary. Being able to say the quiet bits out loud. Consistently funny. The fluffy microphone matches your beard colour and texture. Oh, and the photos. Fode-me... the photos. Keep on doing what you’re doing, always and forever.

[@stuart1159]

I’m currently doing an OU course on finding your genre and style, which gives a basic overview of genres and approaches to photography. Really useful to listen to how you developed your style - Thank you.

[@diegopescia9602]

James, I love that you make videos about photography and not of photography. A very subtle but important difference. Thank you for sharing your videos and spreading your knowledge.

[@domidarko1166]

Just found you and loving your content already. I've always been very interested in the 'art' and 'style' side of photography. About 13 years experience but never post online due perfecting a few styles but never deciding on what 'style' I want to define my work. I think a persons style can be very subtle, techincally influenced by small tweaks to the curves tool and HSL and may not show in one photo but will in a body of work. Environmentally, for me it's often due to the type of light I shoot in and time of day or weather type which I find is a big factor. Physically, it can be subtle differences in my lens choices regarding composition and lens coatings/filters but this isn't a huge factor. Emotional, it can sometimes be influenced by a persons life experience and view of the world, and how they prefer to tell stories visually. People seem to gravitate to a style too quickly and often copy what they see online before becoming experienced in the 'art' of photography. Lately this seems to be cinematic editing with desaturated colours and a blue tint, particularly street style. Nothing wrong with doing that, I just don't think its lends itself to being unique or will withstand the test of time. Forcing a style for every photo also never works so it's not always possible to have consistency across all scenes. Light, contrast, colour are always different, hence why most presets rarely ever work.

[@TrevorDyck]

I appreciated this. It's definitely helpful perspective to hear as I'm working to improve my craft.

[@lpark8]

Thanks!

[@kultyurgeym]

I love it. Perfectly fit for me. I love your videos and your art too.

[@steveschnetzler5471]

Did the porto, Lisbon thing in August. Loved Porto most, great small streets, that sometimes open up into great views. Very 3 dimensional place, hills, bridges and such. Thanks.

[@PedroThomaz]

Hey its Porto! Welcome to Portugal James!

[@J_masters_photography]

James just wanted to say thank you for all your videos, but especially this one. I've struggled a lot recently and your videos have been a massive help in inspiring me to get out and take photos. Whether that's on my phone or my camera. I don't have the most expensive setup and that initially worried me and put me off taking photos. But your videos have made it look fun to just go out and take photos. Being out has helped. Thank you

[@tuhtty]

Great advice James, I always thought I needed to put myself in a box but now I can see that style is more important! I will just be a photographer now!

[@railroadandindustrialsky-wv8ns]

Thanks James. Great advice. I especially like the idea of creating a list of things I like to help define my style. I’ll give it a go.

[@JackieDElia]

Great points. Exactly what I did yesterday shooting images for an upcoming video. I had one lens and went out with my own style in mind. Mainly with a focus on light, color and composition.

[@adrianbeese2150]

Boring? never !, inspiring, entertaining educational always. Thanks James

[@1abaxi]

Perhaps the most relevant and important video for ANY photographer.. beginner or advanced..Thank you, James.

[@Mel-95]

Really makes you think, which your channel does quite well. Thanks for showing us six example of the ideas that make up your "style." Very helpful to see the idea in action. And because of that, no...I did not doze off watching you talk from your laptop. Enjoy Portugal.

[@JonnyWhitlam]

Really enjoyed this. Looking forward to making my own list!

[@JamesChurchilljr]

Excellent . Your best imho.

[@rogerhampton2844]

Thought provoking and hopefully helpful.

[@sandr6769]

Imo once you estabilish and become aware of recurring themes that become apparent in your pieces, a style starts to develop. It may be intentional, may be subconsious, but there are common elements that will come up once you start reviewing the photos. Because these patterns are you, as you said - inspirations, movies, photos, books, abstract conotations and perspective on the reality. I really like this introspective part of your vlogs, how to find the depth in act of photography and I really appreciate your works, because they resonate with my view on photography. I find them humble, honest, harmonic, open for interpretation and non-intrusive - people featured in photos are more of a part of the nature, embedded within the world than the main characters.

[@takemyvicture]

Ive been there! Loved Porto.

[@on_philm]

I love your style James!! Cool video :D

[@SteveD518]

Always good stuff.

[@gianmarcopaglia7386]

hi james, love your videos :) just started taking pictures with an old iPhone X in my free time and I only recently decided to start looking for a second-hand camera to keep up with this new passion. your videos, regardless to what they are about, are amazing, they are helping me a lot.

[@myPixelFactory]

I just discover your channel and watch 2 of your videos. Pretty accurate and very interesting . Not so technicaly focus, more what is photography rather than how to make photographies, very good content.

[@mameaw14]

Thank you

[@GeorgeRazoare]

Very interesting video, good points.

[@dxflow3271]

Nice video. I have noticed that you have impacted my approach to images... and funny enough you mentioned it in your video. That is your approach to skies. I was tending toward always feeling like I needed to darken down my skies, but in watching your videos I feel freed up a little to let them be light and bright. So, thanks!

[@1079jose]

Welcome to the North of Portugal!

[@willypaul70]

Brilliant James, the biggest issue I’ve faced as a photographer is how to respond to someone who asks what type of photographer I am. I usually provide all the labels, but best not to do that. I think we fall into that trap as a result of marketing which would suggest we need to narrow our focus and audience to clearly identify who we are and what we do. Quite a dance to learn! Thank you.

[@kadenwitt]

3:50 that image is inspiring. I honestly am a huge fan of your work and have been for 5+ years but this is a photo that feels like an uncaptured memory

[@thomasgronwall5039]

Thank you. This was very helpful. Makes a lot of sense. I instantly got it. Bingo! Now I will always try to understand WHY I like some images (my own, as well as others). That’s the key, I think.

[@geoffmphotography9444]

It's an interesting point. I've found that over time my focus has narrowed down to a certain look and content of photo in both black and white and colour that suits me. Good video that with some great photos.

[@wilfs1196]

Roman sent me ! I subscribed. Retired senior, hobby photographer, in Canada. More videos to watch this impending winter, albeit rainy so far. Also had the opportunity to Photograph in Lisbon & Porto plus a Douro Riverboat cruise vacation.

[@TranslatorTuber]

Ooh, I love this new intellectual James. Let's have more of him, please.

[@susanmeyer8885]

Great advice!

[@6xxStativ]

I don't usually comment on videos, let alone ones that I watched a few weeks ago, but I just had to drop by to say thank you. This may very well be the most eye opening video regarding photography I've ever watched. It pretty much instantly led to photos that I like much more. And to think that at first I was like: "not another style-finding video". But I like you work, so I watched it anyway. I've been photographing for fun for many years, I know what I like to photograph, when I look at my instagram it does look somewhat cohesive, so I wasn't really looking for a style. But I've often felt there is something missing. I followed the 4th point and I decided to examine photos of some of my favourite photographers more closely. And then it struck me - there are things that I actually don't like that much, but what they have in common is the almost monochromatic colour palette. So I checked my own favourite photos and lo, they were also almost monochromatic. So I changed the way I edit photos and I like the results much more now!

[@PolishPoobah]

Simplify the complicated and take the bottom bunk. 👌

[@laurencedunkley8097]

Thanks James, very insightful and thought provoking, I just enjoy photographing what I enjoy seeing and doing it justice. I’m coming round to enjoying your image ‘style’ too! Hopefully we’re see some more of Porto, never been , but would like to one day.

[@adventurecoalition3690]

Thanks for the thought provoking video 🤔

[@johannaknowles8569]

Thanks that was a really helpful video 😊

[@dillank3240]

Good one!

[@andrewhumphrys5548]

Nice one, oops, sorry. Good one James.😉

[@FluidBlow]

I really enjoyed this video and as a beginner music producer too this helped me too

[@PrototypeSourri]

Ahhh lovely Porto! Recently been there, in Lisbon and Nazaré for a personal photo trip, such a beautiful place. Liked it more than Lisbon to be honest. Great video as always!

[@gamantri6540]

great videa! Thanks

[@mortenthesbl5535]

Great video - I like that these are things you can work on even when you can't get out for some reason. And cool that you team us with Roman - a great inspiration! Just tell him that you want the bunk every other night :-D