Trying to figure out my style (or if I even have one yet)

So I'm just going to open myself up to all kinds of fun, I'm sure by asking this question, but I'm at the point where I would like some opinions.

I'm including 4 photographs that are my favorite type of picture to take. I really enjoy taking candids, capturing unscripted moments, and I hope that I'm producing more than snapshots. My friend adored these, but she's ... my friend.

I'm wondering if anyone sees a style, an eye, emerging? Are these more than just snaps? (and yes, I realize there are some problems with the crops - that's what I get for taking a 50mm into a crowded hotel lobby on NYE, but I sure do love that 1.4. I'll do better next time).

Sydney, can you list 5 styles that might fit? I'm wondering why you're asking others to define your work. This is not a criticism, because I've been there myself. In my case, it was a lack of confidence and hesitancy to put a name to my work. What about you?

Rachel, in my case it's definitely a lack of confidence. I really like doing what I think is called candid, maybe called lifestyle, but I don't know if I'm hitting the mark or just taking snapshots. My friends certainly react to my pictures as if they are much more than snapshots, but I don't know. I know that at least right now I'm *not* interested in studio or formal, posed work. It just doesn't excite me. But capturing a moment, an expression on someone's face, an interaction that may have passed unnoticed does. I'm still so new to photography I don't know the right words for the kinds of pictures I like to take. I'm hoping they don't fall into the dreaded "snaps" category. I want to do more.

Ok, I'm going to give some advice (from one newbie to another): Don't worry about it. Do what you do for you. If you like it, no one else's opinion matters. (Easily said, but harder to do. I'm NEVER quite happy with my own stuff.) Your concerns are premature and a distraction. But, if it helps any, I'll say this: You definitely have an eye and you do not take "snaps."

That's great advice, Rachel. I'm hitting the 6 month mark since I started shooting, and I think I'm having a bit of an anxiety attack. Thanks for the encouragement.

Sydney, I've been shooting two years more than that. I still haven't scratched the surface of knowing what I need to know.

Sydney,

I can only say that I find your picture sympathetic. You like people! Just try to photograph only what interests you and then photocopy the picture or print it on cheap paper and mark it with a pencil or crayon what you like about it and where you would like more room and so forth.

Keep a 3 ring folder with these cheap paper scribbles and the print on good paper and think about what you might do better next time. So gradually you well get to know what gives you the biggest thrill and what you need to do better.

As you post here, we can give you feedback and a suggestion of a book or two of pics related to what you like to do.

Don't worry about your "style", it will show. First, you must work and enjoy yourself and work more!

Asher

as far as style and eye goes, I've found that over the years it tends to evolve and slowly get into different looks. At times I used to produce the high contrast strong compositional photographs (heavy to one side of the frame), and then other times more and more I notice that I seem to go for the more loose and subtle compositions (sometimes even borderline center compositions with a bit more extra space all around) and in the processing with more attention to fine detail in the tonality, more delicate than something with stronger contrast. Not really a conscious or determined change, but something that I've slowly noticed my work leaning towards, which seems to ebb and flow every few years to something different.

I'd just shoot and adjust your shooting and processing to what you thing looks best, you'll eventually (probably when looking back on it) see that you had a pretty strong theme as an average of your photographs. I wouldn't make a conscious effort to define your style, unless you have a style in mind that you wish to emulate

And on the note of looking back at your work, I would highly suggest printing your photographs. I've found that alot of digital shooters don't ever print their photographs. There's just something about looking at a print (especially when looking back on your work) that evokes more pleasure than looking at digital versions on a monitor. I enjoy looking back on my passed work when I bring out the boxes of 8x10 prints a few times every year, that's when I get a strong sense of where my photography has evolved, both digital and film.

Daniel Buck said:

And on the note of looking back at your work, I would highly suggest printing your photographs. I've found that alot of digital shooters don't ever print their photographs. There's just something about looking at a print (especially when looking back on your work) that evokes more pleasure than looking at digital versions on a monitor. I enjoy looking back on my passed work when I bring out the boxes of 8x10 prints a few times every year, that's when I get a strong sense of where my photography has evolved, both digital and film.

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I've taken the liberty of bolding your statement! I go one step further, as outlined above and photocopy the print so I can disrespect it and mark it up with a red crayon as to where things should be changed. Prints are the start. Until that's done, one really cannot appreciate the quality.

Asher

This is exactly why I post here - solid constructive advice without sugar coating it. Thanks to all for the excellent suggestions and encouragement.