How to find your photography style

In this video we explore some concepts and ideas to put in practise to work on our photography style. Thank you so much for watching & thank you to Squarespace for sponsoring this video.

Links to my work

Video Breakdown
00:00 - Intro
00:49 - What is style?
01:40 - Style & Originality
05:30 - Squarespace
06:15 - Intention & Meaning
09:31 - Inspirations & Influences
10:41 - Be true to yourself
14:10 - Conclusions

Footage
Photographers in Focus: Alec Soth
Photographers in Focus: Martin Parr
New York Streets with Daniel Arnold

Artist(s) / Song(s)
Missed Potential by Faux Sala

“To photograph: it is to put on the same line of sight the head, the eye and the heart.”
Henri Cartier-Bresson

Copyright disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research.

Under this guidance, I’ve created content which is guided towards the education, celebration and promotion of said photographs and photographers who have contributed immensely to the art of photography.

An effort is made by the presenter, verbally and through the usage of links (in the video’s description) to encourage the audience to explore the work presented beyond the video and engage with said content through books, articles and relevant links to each photographer’s own social media.

Therefore, I believe the inclusion of said images, footage and other sources can overall add depth and appreciation for the subject of the video whilst also enriching the visuals and dynamics of the it. All within what is within the fair use scope and YouTube’s policies.

How to find your photography style
By Tatiana Hopper
October 2021

[TatianaHopper]

Hey everyone just to let you know this time around the squarespace segment wasn’t a sketch since I thought it would disrupt the flow of the video! Joking, square tat is pulling a double shift at McD’s 😉

[fotoconcept]

Since I started watching your videos I have concentrated on getting back into shooting again. I put my camera down a few years ago because I ran out of love. I lost love for shooting because of popularity. I wanted a photo that would make it big. Now from listening to you and watching your videos, I found out that's not what I was shooting for. I started shooting for the people instead of myself. Now I want to create art not just pictures. Thank you for your videos and the research you put into other artist to inspire me to grab my camera and shoot again. I've realized that it takes awhile to capture what it is that people will respond to. And maybe some day someone will find my work and exploit it to the world. Thanks.

[munyachawora]

Nothing short from outstanding. While most you tubers focus on gear etc, you focus on the "practice" of photography and thoroughly research past photographers who practiced photography. Thank you so much for your work!

[teacherdude]

I so agree with Hopper's point of view. Your style will evolve out of the sum of your experiences, influences, experiments and just, plain luck and that takes time.

[ReimannPembroke]

This was a great video! I think with all of the stimulation we are bombarded with and constant pressure to be unique or innovative, we can sometimes get down on ourselves and our work. I think it’s important to keep the process as simple as possible. Experiment, find what you like, figure out why you like it, and then pursue that. And if your taste and style starts to change, be comfortable with that and continue the hunt. Cheers T

[jeremyparr]

Jeremy Parr top video this has given me some great tips thank you for you video yours truly Jeremy Parr😁

[winslow_j]

Been really diving deep inward lately to figure out what my style is, what’s not working with my work right now and why I don’t feel connected to it…your reminder of our style being from our personal experiences in life instead of just an aesthetic was huge just now for me. Thanks so much! 🙏🏻

[fukutaichou]

10:42 is so true, and should be repeated more to remind not only aspiring photographers, but anyone who delve into creative work whether that may be as a professional or as an enthusiast.

[IllKeepALightOn]

Blown away by the audio quality here. So gentle on the ears, but perfectly clear at the same time. Appreciate the effort!

[rakeshusharamkulkarni]

Perfect Explanation...Style starts evolving when the eye which looks outside through viewfinder first looks inside through mind, heart and soul and then see the same glimpse in outside world and press the shutter silently, happily and peacefully walks ahead...Art gets created without any Purpose...

[davidroseman]

You are extremely reflective and down to earth at the same time. Wonderful essay - as usual your words really resonate with me. Thank you for sharing some of your own wonderful work. Viewing these photos makes one feel as though we are accessing your dreams, which is one sign we are in the presence of an artist.

[Jackbrsp]

Amazing talk! I see style as a construction much more than an adoption. You design, you plan, you buy the tools, you invest time and effort, brick by brick you go building it over time. Rare are the times you love it. When you're not rebuilding it all again, you're demolishing it to the ground until you find *THE* style, you're own thing. The one that kickstart you're heart again.

[benjones]

I think you summed it up best, in the end you find your own style. First of course you learn from the others that went before you. But as you live your life you have your own taste in fashion, visual interests, your approach, and what works and doesn’t. How it all continues to grow creating your own style the more you photograph! You find that you put more of yourself into the photographs as you grow.
The only rule I have, is there are no rules!

[Mike_Wazowski_z]

I look at style in a similar way to accents. Everyone has one they just don't know it until someone points it out. And they have to put in the time for a style to develop just like an accent would. I like to make the comparison because photography is always referred to as a visual language.

[olympusOM]

Seeking inspiration is a endless thing. The journey is the reward!

[terryclark]

Great insightful vid as always! Style in photography is what develops when you stop chasing a style. See the world through your eyes and create from your heart. Stop thinking and start feeling. The path is there if you let go and allow yourself to wander, wonder, and explore. There is no map or shortcut. Our journey is but our own.

[developingtank]

I found your channel about a month ago and I’ve really been enjoying your videos. The content actually has value unlike so many photo related videos on YouTube and isn’t paced for zoomers which I thoroughly enjoy (fellow Tarkovsky fan who enjoys a slow burn). As someone who feels in a creative rut lately, this was a good watch. Thanks 🙏

[spektrograf]

Thank you for this video. Your library has been a delight to sit down with a cuppa to reflect and focus. I've just recently had the opportunity to have the mindspace to get back into the art again, but this time with far more focus and intent than in my past. Your videos have been an important part of encouraging the exploration and space to get there.

Thank you! 🙏

[erwinfriedrich]

Thank you so much for this video. To me, photography is mostly a wonderful tool to express my mindset. It is a very personal thing and does not expect applause from elsewhere. But I am also grateful to all these wonderful photographers that inspire me because they resonate with my own mindset.

[ravidlander]

Truly appreciate the way you address these important topics, not only relevant to photography in my opinion.