Photography Tips

Photography tips – what is your style?

Posted on by StacyCK7 Comments on Photography tips – what is your style?

I am curious as to what others think of as good, hang-on-the-wall-type of photography.  I would love to hear your thoughts.

Here’s a few of mine…watch out this may get long winded and boring.

There are basically two categories of people – those that “get” photojournalistic work and those that don’t.  I think some see my photojouralistic-bent type of photography as a glorified snapshot.  There are people who like studio photography and want that featured prominently in their home and those that want more “life moments”.

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I prefer my style to a JCP/Sears/Picture Picture type of portrait…obviously.  The reason I like this style, is that it simply portrays my children as they are…these curious little beings, with occassional mood swings, that are cute as heck.

I have been thinking for a few months on how to define my style.  I love the photojournalistic style mixed with occassional posing, but I have done the more “portrait sitting” type, as well.  Overall, I want to use light to create a mood and capture natural expressions.  Can I tell you how much I dislike fake smiles??

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I wouldn’t put all of my photos up on the wall, certainly.  In order for me to see these types of shots as “wall worthy” there has to be a few elements to them:

  •  Great lighting overall and catchlights in their eyes;
  •  Tack sharp…or has a reason why it isn’t;
  •  Good composition, color balance, and great black and white conversions; and
  •  A mood has been created and it evokes some sort of emotion in me.

Your assignment  (should you choose to take it!) is to take some shots that work towards the style you want to achieve, have achieved, or a portfolio of shots that you feel represents your best moments and showcases your “style”.

7 Replies to “Photography tips – what is your style?”

  1. You know, photography for me has as much to do with art as with “getting a good shot”. My dad doesn’t like my composition because I cut off heads and such. But it’s not always the head that is telling the story, is it? One of my recent favorites is here: http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Juliestew/504916/
    And yep, she’s missing part of her head but the focus was on her expression and love for her horseys.
    Here are some more favorites:
    http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Juliestew/501133/
    The first one…I love the way my eyes enter the photo and finish (land) on her feet. I love her feet.
    The last one is just my all time favorite right now. He speaks volumes to me about being a princess and childhood.
    Hey, thanks for asking what we like!!!
    Julie

  2. I tend to agree with you. I find that I lean towards a more photo journalistic style with my own photos and with what I like in other people’s work. I’m not opposed to the occasional posed studio shot, and I’ve seen some that I truly wonderful. I just prefer the more casual look. I agree totally with what Julie says about photography being art.

    My parents, especially, but several people that I know are quick to point out that “that’s not centered” or “he’s not looking at the camera” and anymore I just reply with “I know. That’s my style”. Alot of my photos I like to think of as landscape photos with a person as an element, rather than a photo of a person in a landscape. Get what I mean?

  3. You’ve certainly made me stop and think. I’m not sure what my style is. I definitely shoot and prefer casual, spontaneous captures…not a pose’em and ask’em to smile kind of gal. When shooting things or scenes it is the light, beauty, color, contrast, stirring of emotion or maybe symbolism that makes me click. Wow, lots to think about here.

    I’m still learning so much. Maybe I don’t have a style, but you’ve gotten my brain whirling.

  4. Wow – this is a great discussion, I need to stop and really think for this one and spend a little time on it this week!

  5. Stacy, I have a request: if it’s not too much of an intrusion, could you snap a couple quickies of your actual walls w/ the framed pics? I’m always looking for and thinking about ways to hang my many frames. It seems I can never get it “just right” – that overall look. I’d love to see how you put it all together.

    Thanks! Dawn

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