whats my style? - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM

06/12/2012 05:35:19 PM · #1

I've been thinking, that if i had a set style, that i might get clients, thus more income. But I honestly dont know which way to focus my attention.

Can you take like 5 min, and help me? Much appreciate!!

-Sofia

cowboy221977

Canon EOS-60D

06/12/2012 06:21:09 PM · #2

I have always loved your portfolio....Excellent photographer. I would say that you thrive on studio shots....I know that is not really a "style" but it's all I have right now.

mbrutus2009

Nikon D850

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 16-35 f/4 ED VR

06/12/2012 06:28:33 PM · #3

I too have been thinking of this... (for me).

As for your style, I'm going to agree with Adam, that your pretty dang good at studio shots. Things that can be set up, artificial lighting, glamorous clothing if need be, etc. It seems like you can really grasp the whole studio set up type shots... And that's what I see your "style" being.

I won't hijack your thread by asking people what they think my style is but maybe a little more down the road I will put up a thread asking what others think my style is. Lol.

:)

Alex_Petrini

Sony Alpha a7R III

Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM

06/12/2012 06:34:28 PM · #4

I don't think people should tell you what's your style, you should find it yourself. It's not a matter of convincing someone else that his/her style is like this or like that. Most of your images are portraits, so everyone would say that you're a portraitist, but the style is inside of you. Ask yourself and you will get the answer :)

Ozzie

Nikon D90

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR

06/12/2012 06:45:50 PM · #5

Ask yourself what you enjoy taking photos of, the most.

I've been asking myself the same question so I think I know which area to concentrate in now.

NiallOTuama

Google Pixel 2

06/12/2012 06:56:01 PM · #6

Is "studio portraiture" a style or a specialisation?

I think style transcends subject matter. Jagar is a good example for my thinking here. I can nearly always identify his style (and hence images) regardless of the subject matter or challenge. I think your style should shout out at us regardless of what you shoot.
I don't think its easy to find a style, and I certainly don't have one (yet!). But keep clicking and you should find yours.

I've also no idea how I'd even begin to describe jagar's style... it is not something that is easy to do...

Note, this coming from a styleless hobbyist with no interest in photography as a profession, so add salt as required.

Message edited by author 2012-06-12 19:08:01.

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

06/12/2012 07:02:14 PM · #7

Originally posted by NiallOTuama:

Is "studio portraiture" a style or a specialisation?

Exactly what I was thinking. Actually, Sofia, I don't think you've DEVELOPED a "style" yet, you're still exploring. As you should be, at your age. Seek clients who want to explore, and turn yourself loose.

R.

vawendy

Sony Alpha 1

Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS

06/12/2012 07:19:15 PM · #8

I think I disagree -- I always though of you as a glamor photographer. Your studio shots aren't just the typical school head shot -- glamorous would be the word that I would use to describe them.

bvy

Sigma DP1x

06/12/2012 07:26:28 PM · #9

One word came to mind upon viewing your portfolio. Class. You've got nothing if you don't have class. Tell that to your clients.

Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Canon Mount

06/12/2012 08:21:08 PM · #10

Thanks to all! Thanks robert! i just see some photographers who are may age, or at least around my age, that have already found their style, have an excellent workflow, and have already been published. I guess i'm getting a little down on myself.

As for

mbrutus2009, i think your are better at BW and landscape. But that is with a quick flip through.

Mike

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

06/12/2012 08:33:52 PM · #11

i think you need to figure out what it is that you like to shoot and develop a style to differentiate yourself. you will be happiest doing and shooting what you enjoy not what you are forcing yourself to do to get a paycheck.

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

06/12/2012 08:49:22 PM · #12

Originally posted by mike_311:

i enjoy photography people. beautiful and unique. but i'm finding it hard to find models (for free), and possible clients for such things... haha

EL-ROI

Canon EOS-450D Rebel XSi

06/12/2012 09:19:04 PM · #13

What's your style? Just look at your top 5 highest rated images. The only anomaly in that group is your jump shot! You seem to trend toward soft light glamour portraits. Color or B/W doesn't matter. You definitely like the softer light, yet still have contrast!

Mike

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Canon Mount

06/12/2012 09:26:31 PM · #14

Originally posted by ScooterMcNutty:

i enjoy photography people. beautiful and unique. but i'm finding it hard to find models (for free), and possible clients for such things... haha

join the club, im trying to build a portfolio myself.

i find it hard you cant get anyone to practice on, there are tons of people looking for a bargain and it doesn't get any better than free.

try posting an ad on craigslist, say you are trying to build a portfolio and will offer free sitting fees and offer them to buy the prints of the session with no obligation if they like them, or look for a mutual agreement with a model that you will take pictures for their portfolio that you can use in yours.

i have a few practice sessions next week and then its off to craigslist for help.

Message edited by author 2012-06-12 21:27:52.

fldave

Pentax K5II

Pentax DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6ED AL [IF] WR DC

06/12/2012 10:28:03 PM · #15

Sofia, check to see if there is a Meetup group near you. I have a few near me that offer classes or have meetups that focus on portraiture, modeling and fashion photography, etc. Do you have a cosmetology / hair-styling school nearby? There may be plenty of free models there.

I see you as a serious high fashion and editorial photog. Your use of dramatic lighting, class, and fashion flair set you apart from other portrait shooters here.

chazoe

Nikon Z7 FX

Nikon MF Micro-Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D PC

06/12/2012 11:00:48 PM · #16

Are self portraits a style?

Message edited by author 2012-06-12 23:01:10.

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

06/12/2012 11:28:18 PM · #17

Originally posted by chazoe:

Are self portraits a style?

Nah... Even "glamor" is not a style, but a specialization. A "style" would be a distinctive *way of seeing*. At this point, the best word I can find to describe Sofia's budding style is "elegance"; restrained sophistication, smoothly elegant lighting. She's *SMOOTH*...

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II

06/13/2012 12:40:18 AM · #18

Re-did my website. YET AGAIN! But i enjoy this redo MUCH more. Thoughts?

//sofiaphotog.com

Message edited by author 2012-06-13 00:40:37.

Venser

Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO M.Zuiko

06/13/2012 12:45:38 AM · #19

Much better.
The one I checked out earlier today was devoid of photos, or an easy mechanism to get to them.

I'm a programmer by trade, and I write code for some incredibly intelligent people, but you always have to dumb shit down to the lowest common denominator. Streamlining your website was a smart move.

CS

IAmEliKatz

Nikon D5

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

06/13/2012 12:56:31 AM · #20

Very nice!

Check your 'about me' page. It's still set as "Sample page"

SwordandScales

Canon EOS-6D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

06/13/2012 02:56:48 PM · #21

I think it can take a photographer a very short amount of time (once he finds something and latches on to it) to develop a vision into a full-fledged style. Joey L shows this in Faces of a Vanishing World. He has a certain technique which applies well to a great deal of images he now makes.

It can take a great deal of time to change vision into a style which propagates into each and every image you make (outside of the truly "out there" shots).

For you, Scooter, I believe you're making very fine self-portraits, and they certainly have a consistency in being technically excellent and beautiful, because they contain your person, but I don't believe you have a style per se. Is there something emerging? Yes. But, I don't believe you should force yourself to comply to a checklist of ideals in your images. The style will come naturally, because each photograph is a part of you.