Developing your style as a photographer

In this show Marcus tells us about style, what it is and how it can be used in your business. Marcus says having a style means that if someone looks at your work they can tell it’s your due to the style. Marcus gives these photographers as examples of photographers with a very unique style.
Martin Schoeller
Madame Yevonde

What makes a style? It could be a technique, it could be using black and white, using flash or your viewpoint, Another example is Edward Burtynsky who is a landscape photographer and uses ariel shots.

The advantages of having a style

If you have a particular style then customers know what to expect when they book you. It can mean you can command higher fees as you can become an expert in that look. But that can mean that you need to reach a wider audience so the relevant people who like your style can find you and work with you.
Developing a style
How can you develop your own style? Marcus recommends printing out some portfolio pieces, maybe your 100 favourites. Then lay them all out on the floor and start to arrange them to find common themes. In this way you can discover your own style through exploration. Another approach is reflecting deeply on your work. Reflection is important in all areas of business, and in life. And it’s important to make time for that. Another approach to developing your style is showing your work to others and discuss it with them. There are events where you can do this, take along your portfolio and talk to someone about your work. Developing a style is not an overnight thing, thing is something you develop over time, and never stop working on.

Style versus brand
How do you get the balance between your style and the style of the brand? If your style is too fixed does it mean you cannot with some clients? There is a balance here between your style and the brands style and how much you can adapt your style and how much you are willing and able to do this. Remember you don’t have to show work that’s not in your style (apart from the client you did the work for).