How Do I Develop My Own Style?

[@Acquavallo]

I'd say the best way to develop your own style is to do personal projects. Photograph without the expectation it will go into a magazine. Just make art for the sake of art. That and embrace your point of view. Allow yourself to play in your work. Maybe find some pre-made subjects of projects to do (Like the Photographer's Handbook from Aperture) and see what you can bring, what point of view you can bring through your photography.

[@bcomhaire]

I've been taking pictures for more than 30 years but only really started looking at photography as a way to express my view on the world in the past 2 years! Looking at the work of other photographers helped me discover that photography can be whatever you want it to be. You get so used to seeing what popular media tend to classify as 'beautiful' or 'good' pictures, that you think that this is the only right way. It's like listening to pop radio stations every day and then think you understand what good music sounds like! The Egglestones, Parrs of this world but also the wonderful Belgian photographer Bieke Depoorter, have shown me that photography can be so much more. Studying these photographers was extremely liberating, not that I want to copy their styles but to open my horizons. With regards to developing your own style, stop worrying about it! I didn't think I had a style until recently a fellow photographer told me that she liked my 'style'. No idea what my style is exactly, but it certainly made my day!

[@JamieWhiffen]

How I've recently been developing my photographic skill and style is by being within the process of Project365. For the last 178 days I've been taking great looking photos everyday and I'm starting to notice patterns in my best images. I've seen a significant improvement in my photos and I'm not even half way yet - try taking a photo everyday for 30 days and see where it gets you, if you see your style improving move onto 2 months before tackling Project365.

[@nathanking3493]

Yes! Style is something that organically grows out of a body of work, not something an artist stumbles upon. I was often frustrated that my images did not have any stylistic threads holding them together when I started photographing not so long ago. After just over a year of applying serious discipline to my photography I am seeing the beginnings of a cohesive style in my work. My contact sheets (I am an analog photographer) are more focused, with each frame more in harmony with those before and after. My keepers are beginning to speak to how I view the world. You really need to tune out the noise and photograph what YOU connect with. Nothing else is important.

[@thephotovideoshow]

Style is organic. It can't be forced. People should just shoot what they love to shoot and most times, the world will say "this is his/her style" - but trying to consciously create a persona or style is acting, not photography :)

[@stokioutdoors]

I do agree very much ! I found it to be most satisfying to just shoot the way you like best yourself. As Ted said - takes time... ;)

[@Kleinbiology]

Just yesterday I was discussing this topic with a good friend and model. I told her how I constantly wonder where I am going and why I do this (try to make art) and the only reason I can give is because there is something in me that makes me unable to NOT do it. I regularly turn off the noise Ted (Never your channel). I love what you said 'A copier (machine) is not an artist'. Hoe true! Just be yourself. Find your path and follow it. As Dr Suess said 'Be yourself because no one is youer than you'. (Not an exact quote). Great episode, very thought provoking, thanks

[@mercuriallimit]

One thing I just found out, it may seem like a no brainer but it's something that comes from being paying attention to the details of a photograph that you like. It's "the aesthetics" of a beautiful photo, meaning that, whatever makes you think the picture you're looking at is beautiful. Sometimes it's the lighting, the color, the tone, or even all of it, but ask yourself "how" all those elements actually work together. One thing I just learn recently was it's actually the harmonious of the tone, the color, the lighting, etc. I have a style that love vibrant colors, and love gradual tones of light, so I tried to avoid subtle tones and desaturate colors, so I overlooked the aesthetics of the overall image, sometimes vibrant colors doesn't always suit that particular picture. Learning to color grade my photos actually taught me to be specific on my choosing of colors but using gradient map. To summarize, trust in your artistic instinct, do not overlook just because you think it's not your style, just try it out, do the extremes. If you feel that a picture is perfect you will feel at peace, if not you will feel agitated. Your style constantly evolves, embrace it.

[@aaroncadena6398]

well said

[@tomtimor9789]

Do, what you like to do, do not force yourself in situations you not comfortable to prove your style. If something is not right for you, walk away. This way you will become a "natural". If your style will be different from the other people's styles ? There is probably half a billion digital photographers nowadays and everyone wants to be unique.

[@ashutoshvashisht]

Truly agree with you Ted... Your style is a reflection of your creative mind... It is good to look at what photographers around the world are doing but when it comes to creativity all you need to do is close your eyes and start imagining things.. the subject that you want to shoot.. how you want it to be light up... think of the image that you would want to make... and then work real hard to make it possible.... trust me it is one of the most satisfying thing in life... creating an image that you envisioned.

[@rejeannantel1185]

I totally agree with you here Ted. Getting rid of the "noise" is a must. While closely examining other people's work can help you find what you like and what you may have thought you dislike, there is a time where you got to "try" things for yourself in your own way. You will find out, without thinking, that you will automatically be inspired by the works which "touch" you. I would suggest to get out of your "comfort zone" and experiment. I used to shot for "sharpness" and discovered that some "blurred" images also speak to me. While I have found that some people do the "blurring" in editing software, I would advise against it, at first. You have got to find a way to capture images from within your "camera" that speaks to you. Avoid choosing an ordinary image to give it your own style with post-processing - keep that for later. There are primary rules you need to know to grow as a photographer. First learn "How YOU See"(what makes you different). Second, "Know your Camera" - know what you can do with it. There are more power within your camera (or better yet - behind the camera, "you") than any editing software. Once you find the path that works for you, then you may think about using that editing software to heighten your style. And yes it takes "time". But here "time" is also associated with "maturity". So the way you see the world has a lot to do with the "maturity" part. And yes it is hard work. It's easy to suggest methods to develop as a photographer, but we must constantly work at it - much like a "writer" fighting the "blank page". Nice episode Ted.

[@crzy4canines]

as a fledgling photographer, with no real training, just advice from folks accomplished like you, some by chance meeting and some by choice, I would like to thank you for this enlightening vid!! helped me put it all into perspective!!

[@DavidMeyerPhoto]

That's a good question and it's being asked over and over again in many places on the Internet. Nobody found the final answer quite yet. People tend to focus on the skills and photographic experience based definition of style. Or, in other words, on shooting in this or that visual, technical style (low or high key, grainy or crisp clean, wide angle or compressed). On creative influences. This stuff is important and is a big part of personal style. But I think that the "style moment" starts showing up when you come to realize there are bits in your images that come from moments in your past life you almost forgot about. You start understanding why those appeared in your images. Your image may look similar to one taken by somebody else (that's the influence, or the surface of style bit), but you know what is really there. I think there is a lot of understanding yourself, where you're coming from, what makes you tick, when it comes to developing your personal style. Technical skills and creative influences are what allows you to reach inside you and unearth stuff waiting there.

[@ImperiousImages]

I completely agree about getting rid of the noise (Something Zack Arias discusses frequently). It's very easy to constantly check your favorite photographers instagram, flickr, 500px, etc. and become a CONSUMER rather than a CREATIVE/CREATOR. For me I found it beneficial to 1) Commit to not checking any of those sources for a period of time and 2) Commit to a series of personal work/style for a longer period of time. And in regards to standing out, consistency is important. The people who follow you, and share your work with others do so because you're the photographer that makes "______ kind of images." If you're following the trends of others and alternating your styles, your core of followers can never develop.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Truth is we're all born with our own unique style and interpretation. Problems begin when we start to consume the advice and influence of others. Then it's no longer our unique style.

[@billchandler237]

Shoot what you want how you want. But shoot, shoot shoot. You will develop your own style. Learn to throw out the rule book sometimes also. Rule of thirds, Vortex etc.

[@dancingbear662]

I have shared this video with several people, none of us are photographers ... but the message is wonderful for all artists. My take-away was to find something I like in my work and build on that. I usually can point out very easily all the mistakes and places where I could have done a better job. Much better to find what I like and go from there. Thank you again for such an inspirational message.

[@truthteller1-v7x]

I don't look at any body else work...me and my partner just go out and shoot what we want. Art is in the eye of the beholder...don't waste your life asking other people what they think because you won't get any where in life. Photographers are the worst people to judge your work as I've heard from someone who goes to a photography club....there is always a person who knows every thing and will run your work down..Take your own exposures and be happy with what you do. Lifes to short.

[@TheStateOfEarth]

something that helped me was to recognize themes that i naturally gravitate towards, and then go out looking to make the best pictures within that theme. every photographer will already have in their own work a particular style, what's difficult is to recognize and emphasize that style.

[@Claymish]

I think its important to note that photography is a completely unique medium of art, in that it relies on being able to capture the real world. However that's not really the point. Unlike painting or music, photography is just the interpretation of reality, the camera just copies what is in front of it, a face, a tree. Its up to us as photographers to take that to the next level. Its actually where I see a large divide in the photographic community. I see many pictures around the place (I make a conscious effort to avoid most work however) mostly on beginner and amateur photo sharing groups, that seem to miss the point. There comes a point when you have to realize that the final product is a piece of art. That picture of a tin can on the street isn't interesting to the viewer, it might have been cool when you were walking along the street, but you're just pointing a camera at a cool looking thing without any thought into the final product (Went off on a rant there, oops) I guess my point, if I had to make one. Was that personal style comes from practice, obviously, but also from realizing that while there are tens of thousands of pictures shot a day, of just about everything in the world, how you shoot yours and how you present yours is going to be different, once you realize that you're not just taking a snapshot of the scene in front of you, but creating a piece of artwork.

[@DavidMeyerPhoto]

Hamish Batten I'm a bit unsure of the usage of the term "art" in today's world, especially photography related. To the extend of avoiding the term "fine art" and replacing it with "interior design". No offence meant to any person calling themselves "fine art photographer" (I did that at some point too and truly believed that). In a way, everybody needs to define what is they are doing, find their place, somewhere they fit comfortably in. I think one of the problems is not that everybody is a photographer these days (if having a camera and liking to take photos is the definition, then many people are and good for them), but everybody is an artist. Which some people believe to be a perfect term to embrace whilst shooting blank photographs showing absolutely nothing (then they become the misunderstood artist) or when shooting images which do not ask any important questions and barely show some mood or serve as a decoration on a wall. I feel that the most important role of art is to question the existing order, investigate the world and ask questions. It can be very difficult to decide on the difference between the snapshot and art. What about some of the photos by Egglestone? The Tricycle is great, but he has some images that would be classified as snapshots and largely ignored by people who wouldn't recognize the name. Same goes for Martin Parr. Both very interesting photographers, who made extensive use of what could be seen as snapshots in defining their style. But they did insist on shooting in a certain way as a way of challenging the art world and creating visual commentary on the world and society surrounding them. When somebody today photographs an ashtray or a bent tin can, or the contents of a trash can, it's just a random snapshot, one of the millions of similar ones. Meaningless imitation which doesn't ask any questions, doesn't comment on anything. What I want to say is that many people focus on trying to create "art" or something they can call "art" as opposed on either being a curious observer and relentless investigator of the world around or finding a common denominator between what they have inside and the society. I think that reaching inside you and asking who you are is one of the important steps on developing one's style. And this is something that has to be repeated over and over again as we change and mature.

[@Claymish]

David Meyer I agree with what you say. However I think Egglestone and Parr both have an interesting compositional quality to them (Parr less so) and they both obviously took that style and ran with it. That leads us to the point, if something is in a gallery, does that automatically make it art? No. Obviously not. But I think that their "snapshots" have something to them. Even if I can't quite put my finger on it.

[@DavidMeyerPhoto]

Hamish Batten When it comes to Egglestone and Parr, as you might have guessed, I'm not a huge fan of their work. But curiously, I find it still inspiring in many ways. I may not like the business of Parr's images or composition in many of Egglestone's ones, but I'm able to find things that will inspire me in their photos. And, returning to the subject of style, another interesting thing is that they are both very different photographers. There's not mistaking one for another :)

[@SebastianTramsen]

David Meyer it is not a single photograph (that you might like or not) that make people like eggleston or parr "big", it is all the effort and time and their ability to make series, books and so on with an consistent quality (aka their style). when i tell someone about eggleston (i admire him huge!) i just dont bother trying with one picture, i will show a whole book.

[@DavidMeyerPhoto]

bastilegend Yes, I know that's a single photo that matters. Tricycle is just an example of probably one of the best known photos by Egglestone. An "iconic" shot. Another one would be The Red Ceiling, which, I think, is absolutely brilliant and it had a huge influence on the way I see the world.As I mentioned, I do feel inspired by their respective bodies of work. I've learned a lot about using colour or importance of insignificant and mundane from their photos. I like the very British sense of humour present in Parr's photographs. So it's not like I'd like to say they are not good or have no place in the galleries, both have well deserved place there and both are extremely important to the history of photography. I just have no desire to emulate their style nor subjects, but both are great photographers and I do appreciate their work. It's just there are other photographers who had more influence on me.

[@schalkras5003]

By copying someone else, i merely learn what I intuitively like. As I master the copies that I like, I start to excel beyond the copy and shape it the way I like. I remember using the super zoomies, it was hard to create that smooth depth of field effects. With a DSLR that was quite simple to achieve. And through my learning curve with super zoomies, I started doing things better on a DSLR that when I would just have learned starting with a DSLR. The tricks to push the boundaries, can also be applied to a DSLR. And I know it's over simplified, but for me it's about keep doing what you like. Copy or not, at some point you will excel beyond the copy into something that is unique just to your work. What is my style? I don't know, I keep on discovering new things I like :) It sounds like the style issue for some is more a question of how do I make money out of this? Which have a completely different answer. For that you need to find the overlap between what you like, and what others like so much they are willing to pay for it.....

[@DarkAngelEU]

Developing your own style means defining what photography means to you. Is it vernacular, is it more in the moment, about communicating ideas, finding that golden moment where everything aligns into a perfect composition or just making happy moments? As already pointed out great photographers (often called artists because of this) understand that photography isn't an actual depiction of reality. Just like painting or a drawing it's an image, it just looks very real because of the process and the tools used to create this image. Once you actually believe this ALOT of photographs become obsolete or even a waste of film and you WILL start thinking / about ways to make this ironic truth work to your advantage. The answer here is alot of work, find what works for you because it's hard to force a certain style upon yourself. Even more so, if you are afraid you aren't a good eg street photographer you should go out there and try because often these things will make you the best. Why? Because often you are afraid of not being good enough, so out of this fear you will actually create your own style. Doing what you love will often make you just look like those that you love already, you'll become an emulation of styles. So find your dragons and slay them mercilessly, find what you love and let it kill you. Best of luck and love

[@toddavis8151]

I think that one problem that people run into is that a lot of photographers and viewers seem to be quite stuck in their ways these days. If you come out with a style which doesn't fit the mould you will be quickly cut to shreds. Eg, for some strange reason i struggle to shoot in wide angles, i like things to be close and prominent. At first i tried to change that because i knew that especially for portraits it was not the done thing to do. It took me a long time to embrace what i was doing as my perspective.

[@marcocastellano2851]

It is like ANY creative endeavor. ALWAYS be shooting, ALWAYS be editing. Music, Photography, even coding begins with imitation (to learn and discover) - recreate art you find to be excellent, along the way you will learn techniques and discover what you like and don't like. After a lot of hours of imitation and work you will develop your own coding, directing, shooting, editing, etc style.

[@censiblelife]

Very true, explore, focus, and identify yourself to create your style.

[@ioioioiooioioi]

I love Kristina Varaksina's method of creating style, having an artistic compass, "what matters to you as an individual?" women's rights, immigrant rights, LGBTQ+, etc. Do you like bold colors? Do you find inspiration in nature? Architecture? Are you intimate or cold? Etc.

[@AMBrikaer]

Thank you again Ted for a great video! The Art of Photography Personally I think style in photography (or whatever) isn't something to develop. You already own your style, you just have to recognize it. The only thing is: you just got to love what you're doing. If photography is your passion, you'll see your style sooner or later. Having said that: I'm curious what other photographers think on this subject...

[@SproutsForDinner]

I agree that loving what you are doing is very important, if not essential; but I think that developing a style is a different concept to having a style. We all have a style in photography, it just may not be all that unique or distinctive. I think it's important to recognise that changing, and I dare say improving, one's style is a useful objective in and of itself.

[@spencerbentley_creates]

This has quickly become my favorite youtube channel. I'm a self-taught fine art and portrait photographer and I can't express to you how insightful and inspirational these videos have been for me. Your brief history lessons on important photographers of the past and present has really given me a range of perspective on the art form that I just didn't have before. It really makes me look at my own work and inspirations in a new light. And that brief piece of advice you gave at the end has inspired me to seek out a photography class. Hearing things like that makes me realize how important it is to learn from experienced and accomplished photog's like yourself. Keep up the amazing work, people like myself are truly benefiting from it.

[@treefallleaves6711]

Where can I see your photos?

[@zampination]

I'm a beginner in photography but i always had a passion for composition that was exclusively in my head without any influences from outside as i didn't almost ever watched other photographers work at all. It just wasn't my priority to appreciate the art of photography at that time. Now i mainly focus in quality and technique and when i'll master that first then i'll try to express my own style. First quality even if it's not an original style of shooting. I'll master PRO quality work in my pictures and then style will follow. Thats the way i see it. Cause if you think about it anyone can take a B&W pic without be concerned so much about noise or blurriness these days. What you can see stand out easily from the crowd is quality in picture and professionalism and then you can see art and style stand out from the casual PRO shooter who's main portfolio was about getting job deals. like a pyramid. amateur

[@dennisogden1546]

The secret if there is one is to learn how to operate your camera know its capabilities and what the lens allows you to capture . This can be learned via study. The Art is developed by practice, old adage is "1 per cent inspiration 99 center perspiration" if you want my best advice is spend all day taking photos. till you get to see a photo before you take it... Great video the and i understand Photo copier statement. loved it !!!

[@jamestarry4814]

Great advice-especially "turning off the noise", I never look at 500px or Flickr, rarely look at other photographers websites either. If I do its usually work that I personally dont do like Landscapes or Portraits. And yep, it can take a while to devlop a style, took about 4 years to get a 'style' for my work and started a project last year that over the course of about 6months has changed and adapted to what it is now. Lots of work, but lots of reward when it does click.

[@garymanning4402]

Thanks Ted, fluent as usual and well balanced guidance. For me the frustration is when after finding the right setting you don’t manage to capture what moved you to take the shot. Sometimes it happens by accident but it would be nice to have the skill to get a better hit rate. Too may people are on rapid fire taking 100’s of shots to try and get the one good image but in this there is no satisfaction. The discipline of a film background makes you work so much harder to get the shot right with one take. Is immensely satisfying when you achieve that, Gary

[@BenjaminHarris612]

This is the best photo only channel. Hands down.

[@FelixGA9]

you can definitely do many things to develop your style.All artists strive to understand their palette. This is one area you can consciously develop your style. In fact if you are unhappy to produce generic work you will have to thoroughly understand your tool set which requires shooting and plenty of critical analysis . The conclusions you come to influence your choices next time around. your style is a conglomeration of decisions you make based on your past experiences. Example ‘ if I’m choosing to do portraits. First I would learn the classic light set ups. Rembrandt, split, butterfly, loop. I’d learn how to do those with my gear. Then I would see the variations in those , broad or short so Rembrandt broad vs short , loop broad vs short etc. I’d see what that looks like with my gear. Then I’d decide again how much fill do I want if any. Then sit down and test that. After all that I will have a good grip on lighting portraits and I will naturally refine what I like and when I like it. Art and science have been married forever. Ansel Adams developed the zone system to have repeatable control over his “palette”. Practice your art study the results find ways to improve your weaknesses your “style” will be developed and refined during the process.

[@gabrielrosa4211]

I think the best way to not copy someones style is to work constantly on yours.

[@JustenStoodley]

My 2cents... really learn your gear. Feel completely comfortable shooting in 'M' so you really understand how light and the machine interact. I don't always shoot 'M' but the lessons learnt enable me to take better pictures. When you know your gear, you struggle less with technique and are better equipped to approach photography purely from a creative standpoint.... Long Live Film ;-)

[@samuelbettinelli3059]

I think that the issue with the competition and thinking about the amount of photographers out there and how better they are is as well a EGO problem , I admit that is hard to overcome , I am dealing with it . seen for example that some one how has just started makes beautiful pictures, should makes you more motivated and happy for that person but some times it doesn't , so I think that is the first feeling to get reed of .Maybe thinking to be a beginner even if you are actually not or you know already quite a lot about photography will make you learn much faster and gather in much more creativity. probably humility is the key to our personal succes

[@hollywoo81]

I guess eventually you develop your own style whether you're aware of it or not, but being in the art cosmos myself (albeit in the graphic design side) it's a bit of a sting when you are trying to carve a niche for yourself and you hear the names of big artists in a way like "you will never reach their level, only hope to imitate them". I'm branching out into photography through seminars and a lot of personal research and it begins to feel as if there is nothing new to offer, just another notch in an already expansive genre. Whether it's analog or digital, reporting or landscape, impulsive or planned, I get stuck in a mindset of "what's great has already been done".

[@chipfreundnc]

Ted, I believe you have touched on this subject of developing your personal style before, and Karen's question is one I having been struggling with as I have picked back my camera after many years. I am not pro, but may be some day. My initial love of photography came from my grandfather back in the 1970s when I was a teen and stayed with me through college, and on and off, mostly off, through the years since. As I am rediscovering photography and learning from folks like you, one of the first things I have noticed is that the world likes to label or compartmentalize photographers, landscape, wildlife, portrait, wedding, architectural, street , photojournalist,...you get the idea. So one aspect of a personal style, I would think might start with the type of work you do, or what you like to shoot. My thought has been to pick area, maybe two, and focus on developing my craft within it, and then branch out. Thoughts?

[@hac_tv9235]

Great video! It really inspired me to analyze my previous works/photos and build on the aspects I like from them.

[@shinobgaming528]

Yes and as big as the world may seem the only eyes you need to catch is the ones who see your work. So many times ive mentioned a photographer who even my teachers have no clue about. Take the stepd to go the extra mile with your work and i guarentee if your natural talent can hang with your work ethic success will come.

[@EdwardFielding]

Your style will come from your interests.

[@PreeminentbrandsNet]

Edward Fielding I love your quote

[@Chubz2020]

Edward Fielding

[@Eric_Rossi]

Bam. Well said. Style just happens.

[@theartofphotography]

***** we are undoubtedly influenced… that's natural ;-)

[@Eric_Rossi]

***** Well said and I agree totally!

[@nathaliewoodruff1496]

Eric Rossi

[@nathaliewoodruff1496]

Focusing techniques in photography

[@knottastu]

thanks for saving me 5 min

[@BlackDreadBoy]

U have to make a conscious effort to improve your photo taking process with composition and lighting style there is no one way to do it..try shots and set ups that takes you out of the comfort zone you wont start seeing your own style until you start to master your creative thinking and photography processes

[@ricardorgomez]

One of the best explanations of the topic I've seen. And people didn't have to buy a book or go to a seminar about it. Well done.

[@semanuelp]

To Karen: PASSION.. Really PAISSON will take you there. The problem is that people want immediate results. Most important thing: photograph to please yourself not the others. Be always an amateur (even if you want to go PRO) and force yourself to be out of your confort zone so you can grow. Don´t mind the equipment, unless you go PRO of course.

[@andrastringer9239]

2:25 You speaking about being unique. I have a tought about this: yes, everybody is unique. But therefore it is not a value by itself. I think style basically means using your uniqueness to create something valuable.

[@zackwidup3701]

I think it's a good idea to spend SOME time studying the works of people who are considered great photographers so you have an idea of what a great photograph is and why. It also helps to know what others have done so you DON'T end up copying their work, even by accident. But don't spend a lot of time on it - get out and take photos! As Ted says, develop your own style.

[@GreenJay]

Kind of late here, but thanks for this. As someone that's attempting this crazy place called KZbin, I've been struggling to find 'my style'. Lately I've been trying to take MORE inspiration from other KZbinrs to try and find my style. This video allowed me to realize that I need to stop trying to do what others are doing/saying to do, and just do... Me. I know what I'm doing isn't photography, but I was really able to get something from this. Thanks again. ~Jaden

[@tylerbrock439]

Can you define a beginner? Let me explain, I have been head over heals for photography ever since I was seven and my dad bought me my first camera. Now in the past 16 years I have had to change my focus to my family (got married, I have 2 boys the oldest being a little over a year and half.) Fast-forward to the present and I am back in photography school but because of taking breaks and coming back and forth to photography I feel like a beginner. So I guess a better question is... Is a beginner photographer based on experience or comfort level? Because I feel like I am in my comfort zone. When am I ready to come out of this comfort zone? Great video by the way.

[@davidrothschild8913]

I think you have to try to copy but being unique is effortless

[@theartofphotography]

David Rothschild it is, but easier said than done ;-)

[@lewisallrightsreserved7879]

"They used to say my work was dark... but that was before I removed my lens cap... now it's even darker." "I once shot an elephant with a Leica in my pajamas, how he could afford the Leica, I'll never know..."

[@shanestark7709]

When people say you must "work at photography" what do they mean by work? Do they want you to try learn all you can from others and then find what really brings you enjoyment and fulfillment in your photography and then move forward with that? I just feel lost as to what direction to take with it. Almost like having to many choices and no idea where or how to start.

[@madman3891]

This is a great video, and your advice can easily be used by any artist.

[@rorrt]

I see your point. But I have to say I disagree, I think for as many photographers as there are. Really big, successful photographers that is, there are similar styles that crop up. Like, the best Angus McBean work, looks a bit like the best Cecil Beaton work, which looks a little like David Bailey at his best. Or like the 8th Avenue street photographers, they're all similarish. I could find any photographer, and find another person making very similar work. With those 2 photographers not being directly inspired by one another. Or of course inspired by painters. So In the end, even if you try your hardest to block out the noise. Your photos will inevitably look similar to another photographers work, just because there are millions of photographers out there. Or maybe its not that important to have a "unique artistic style". But just a style... *But thats just my take on it, results may vary

[@TheHamNinja]

Agree completely. In the past I have looked at others work to be inspired but also look for techniques that I haven't thought of to solve a problem. I've taken those, practiced the technique (simple as tossing a snoot on a strobe outside) so that it's in my toolkit. I'm trying to spend more time on some personal projects and just practice for the joy of it. Sometimes disaster but I have accidental success too. :)

[@Arzenteart]

Regarding developing your style, you can only photograph who you are the richer your life experiences the richer the work. So get out and experience life and the photography will follow.

[@jamesurzykowski4918]

Thank you Ted for the hard work you put into this program. Having watched most of your series I look at what I consider the best of the early days of photography, before digital photography. Just taking a picture of a person on the street may not mean anything today. Move ahead a century the clothing style, maybe the mode of transportation that maybe in the background, or the building that is no longer there tells a lot about the time period the photo was taken. You might be able to describe it in words but a picture is worth a thousand words. Do you like documenting flowers, birds, or bugs? Do you like the challenge of still life's and the associated lighting? How about portrait or wedding photography. Those are actually historical events. One of my modern day favorites, sorry I don't remember his name, was a man traveling the southwest photographing cowboys using the tin type method of photography. His images are great and who knows how to do tin type photography anymore? It all comes down to personal taste. Shoot what you like and try to develop the best technique when you go out to shoot.

[@gamingguru2k6]

I find making the most of what I have, is what is helping me develop my own style.

[@michaeldidomenico7]

I watch others and then if I get the chance, I ask them questions. This way I learn what is good for me, and what doesn't work. I trust my own instincts.

[@macruise]

Well said Ted. I agree with plenty of what you said. We already have our own style/s and refocussing on our own work and process and coming to terms with the realities and vagaries of this life now is where it is at (for me anyway) - Great work again !

[@ramblinman77]

Excellent and informative video, thanks for sharing. I've been thinking about personal style quite a bit lately. This is just my opinion and I'm basing it on my own personal interest in landscape and woodland photography, but I feel a good part of it starts with or from your environment. If you are forced to work with a particular region for instance, you learn to look for angles and views that you would normally overlook. In this you develop a certain intimacy with the place and are able to start seeing way more than you ever did before. Being a total amateur like myself I watch videos on here to get tips and ideas to improve upon my work. It's like free online courses. As far as my personal style, I look for and try to portray my interpretation of an "Enchanted Forest." Deep, dark, and mysterious.

[@TheKeeperoftheGarden]

Ted... you're a star! Thank you a million for teaching us all about what really matters in photography.

[@TNMYcFan182]

I kinda have an issue where I'll look at one of my images and love it, be happy and proud about it but the more I look at it the more I think of the imperfections whether that be slightly better composition or whatever. I start to hate it so I have to look away, maybe stop for a little while or edit another few images and come back to that one later. I'm always really hard on myself.

[@AnthonySforza]

I'd honestly say that taking the two or three photographers that inspire them the most and kind of blend them together until something that's wholly theirs comes out of it. Where it looks as though they may have been inspired by X photographer or Y photographer, but it's something different and not a direct copy of them. This may take some actual practical application before it evolves to that point, though.

[@stephenhopkins1068]

Style happens with hard work. Tons of hard work. It shows up at some point and stays as long as you work hard.

[@aideecepeda4217]

Thank you for this video!

[@peshrawable]

translate your feeling which came from your thinking to the image is your style

[@Callsigngrizzly]

You know I disagree to a point. The way you make it sound is as if people are only looking up to one or two photographers and copying them. Instead, you should be looking at DOZENS of photographers. Every time I go to the library I take out a random photo book and look through it, maybe take it home. Look through the work, see what I like and what I don't. When I stumble on an artist I really like I write them down. I've been doing this for a couple years now and I have a list that's around 50 people long. I take little bits from each one of them and can see them in my style. I'm not copying them. I just recognize themes that I enjoy through these people and focus on them. The stillness of Michael Kenna, the light of Joel Meyerowitz, the repetition and lines of Michael Wolf, the spontaneity of Lee Freedlander. Without looking at these artists I wouldn't have been able to as easily recognize themes that I enjoy, even in my own photos. So I disagree. Look at art, look at A LOT of it. Write down the ones that stand out to you. In time you may notice that those themes carry into your own photos in new and marvel ways. Looking at my profile picture I see light and color from Joel Meyerowits and the line and shape of Micheal Wolf. But it's not a copy of either of them, its my own.

[@AlexHemarios]

Thanks Ted, another nice and honest peace of work! Well done!

[@kimberlyvalera4018]

I am into photography and some people tell me there is no reason to go to college for what I love doing but im not sure because I could learn things so im wondering would it be a waste or not. I truly don`t want to copy anyone`s work. So what do you all think I should do?

[@kawasemimedia9651]

Ted, what you said in this video really resonates with me, in everything that I do. Thank you!

[@alexcheetah79]

At the same time you can't force yourself to be unique or else it will become obvious in the work you create, style has to come natural.

[@stephenelliott7071]

Great advice, and something that can easily be overlooked.

[@MarkLeonTanner]

Thanks Ted... I suppose I'm lucky in that I never had any interest in doing what others do... Please keep these wonderful videos coming... They are appreciated...

[@osasenoma-owens5072]

Your level of wisdom is inspirational!!! God bless you 😊

[@moidutoiphotography8427]

Great advice, thank you, thank you.

[@eArcHu]

As much as I love this channel, this episode felt a bit shallow. I think a photographer should repeatedly step out of her/his comfort zone, self-reflect and compare to the best of the best, and then return to her/his world. So how about - getting professional feedback (not only competitions, but artists as well), - apprenticing for a photo master, - aiming for consistency, - experimenting with different styles, subjects, techniques, technologies, etc., - look for inspirations, - stop looking for inspirations (hehe, this was actually mentioned^^), - etc?

[@kayteejohnson1202]

What did you mean by "turn off the noise" ?

[@diveactive]

Started out in 1978 And still I feel I have no (" That's the work of Gary Bridger") I try to be creative. Took an OCA course hoping to get BA, that felt like a brick wall. Lost in the confusion of all that is. been told I should find a subject to specialise in. Done everything from underwater/macro/street/wild life / got to find a set for my ARPS . God help I love all my work but cannot find a separation.

[@fitou143]

Interesting perspective on this subject, the comments below and this subject are a topic for photographic discussion all of its own. Still as they they say go out and take pictures then go out and take more pictures.

[@RonohRonohRonoh]

I don't know why anyone downvoted this, it's really good advice!!

[@holgerslaghuis9496]

I think it's not the right way to look for your own/unique style. It's important to find something you like. Or something can do best. Or something you would like to find out how to do it. After some time you might find out that you've got your own style without searching this way.

[@holgerslaghuis9496]

I don't think that all the photographers you introduced to us (I am very thankful for that) have ever thought:"I've to find my own style." They did what they liked or were interested in or what they meant that they could do best. I'm sure this way they developed their style.

[@JosephCovingtonPhotography]

Are you still thinking about doing a video on stand developing?

[@leonardobravo]

Very interesting as always!! Thank you very much!!

[@andrewford80]

Great advice. Thanks

[@augustog9095]

Great video. Thanks for the advices! Amazing channel Tedd

[@MichelleCoxPhotography]

So much great advice here!

[@NextFilmsCo]

I don't think you should ever copy, rather, I think you should study why someone made the decisions they made to capture that image. That, I think will open up the door of enhanced creativity in all of us. Knowing why something is done allows us to understand conceptually, the reasons why something was done one way instead of another allowing is to make informed decision regrading what we are looking to accomplish. Just my thoughts...

[@tellme238]

Thank you needed to hear for myself 👍💯

[@Ghost_Electricity]

Great advice. All art is self-portrait.

[@friedricengravy6646]

Man! After watching many episodes, realized I was not a subscriber 😳 Easy to do…… Just reminding my fellow comment thread people, SUBSCRIBE, if u have not already. I assume it really helps any channel u choose to enjoy. Thanks again Art Of Photography, still digging the content. Plenty for me to catch up with lol as Im late to the party! 🥳

[@Ron_C]

It could almost be said that one has to find their own style (it is already present) and then develop.

[@iwagandiwadhiras6930]

Your video more like a short photography course to me. Thank you for sharing :)

[@brionniochoa6082]

I'm sure that there are people out there that become copy machines but most artists that I know Myself included will emulate our favorite artists whether that be photography or painting but it is inevitable that you will find your own style , unless you consciously want to copy that person, artists do not have to consciously trying to find there's Style, that's putting way too much thinking into it and not letting your natural artistic mind create., I guess the advice holds true some, but I believe that you're viewing demographic is a bit more sophisticated.

[@rayharmacinski4934]

Sorry, Your style will be someone else's style too.. you may not realize it at first but you will eventually run into someone who is doing what you are trying to accomplish and maybe has been doing it for a long time.. I started out doing black and white images and it is still what I prefer to do. I had an instructor say that color hides and black an white reveals.. I meant it to mean "Your mistakes" I shoot a lot of different things but I love to just shoot objects that people walk past and take for granted. .. But I have myself run across a few other photographers on line who are doing the same thing. So if you are trying to support yourself you will be very limited starting out in what can generate a steady (semi-steady) income Wedding and portrait photography, and the business end of that enterprise will eat up a lot of your time.

[@pjloveten]

Love this!

[@esobeegarage]

Hi, Ted. I'm a little worried that you may be endorsing particular channels now (via your video description). Please just stay solo! I wouldn't even mention DigitalRev, that fro loser, or any other channel for that matter because we come here to get away from all of that "noise". We come here to see you and you only.

[@SebastianTramsen]

great video. the general conclusion should be "spending A LOT of time". not talking about about weeks or months. talking about years! todays society is so rushingly fast that this basic thing (time) is forgotten by many people. style can't be googled!!

[@jeantubbaliphotography4764]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video...

[@thebolivianguy64]

Brilliant video!

[@anastasiak.810]

thank you!