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How To Find Your Photography Style: 5 Quick Ways

BySam

When you’re just starting out, the idea of trying to find your photography style can feel overwhelming. 

It’s easy to think you need to have it all figured out right away. But here’s the truth – there’s no rush. Photography is a creative journey, and your style will develop naturally as you explore and grow.

I remember feeling overwhelmed when I started, thinking I had to find my unique look right away. 

But over time, I realised that it’s more important to focus on enjoying the process. The more you shoot, experiment, and try new things, the more your style will begin to take shape on its own.

As Oscar Wilde said, “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” In photography, just like in life, the key is to stay true to what excites and inspires you. 

There’s no need to force a style or rush the process. Your photography style will naturally emerge as you spend time capturing what you love, and it will evolve as you grow.

So let’s take the pressure off. 

There’s no right or wrong way to do this. Instead of worrying about finding your style, focus on what draws you in and makes you want to pick up your camera. 

Your style will come together in its own time.

Before we get started, I wanted to share my freebie with you if you’re also new to photography. 

It’s my Free Landscape Photography Toolkit.

It covers the basic elements of exposure so you can start taking better photos – Fast!

 It’s packed with practical tips and checklists to help you capture beautiful scenes with more confidence, starting NOW!

Promotional graphic for a 'Landscape Photography Toolkit' featuring a sunset view of a lighthouse. The toolkit includes an Exposure Quick Start Guide, 7 Practical Checklists & Info Sheets, and an On-The-Go Camera Settings Cheat Sheet. A 'Free Download' badge is present, and a button at the bottom reads 'Send Me The Toolkit'.

What Is a Photography Style?

A photography style is like your fashion and interior design choices. It’s the way you approach photography and edit your pictures.

~ Expert Photography

When trying to find your photography style, it’s important to understand that your style isn’t the same as your genre. 

Genres like landscape, portrait, or street photography refer to the subject matter you’re capturing, while your style is about how you capture it.

Your style reflects the choices you make when composing, lighting, and editing your photos. 

It’s like your personal taste in fashion or home décor – individual and unique. 

Over time, as you shoot more, your style will naturally develop, becoming a reflection of how you see the world.

For example, imagine you’re standing at a scenic viewpoint with a group of photographers. 

Some might capture the entire scene, while others focus on a small detail like a waterfall. 

Each photo is different because each photographer brings their own perspective, and that’s what creates their unique style.

Your photography style is simply an extension of your perspective, and it will change as you grow and evolve.

Developing your photography style doesn’t happen overnight, but here are a few practical ways to help guide the process.

A vast landscape of a rugged cliff face surrounded by lush green forest. A thin waterfall cascades down the cliff, and the sky is lit with a soft golden hue from the rising sun.

1. Find What Inspires You

When you’re just starting out, one of the best ways to develop your style is by finding what inspires you. 

Whether you browse Instagram, Pinterest, or photography websites, pay attention to the images that really catch your eye.

Once you’ve gathered a collection of images – whether digitally or even printed – take a step back and look for patterns. 

What do they have in common? 

Maybe it’s the lighting, the colours, or the subject matter. 

For instance, I found myself drawn to photos of wide, open landscapes with dramatic skies, which helped me realise that’s what I wanted to focus on in my own work.

By understanding what you naturally gravitate toward, you’ll have a clearer idea of what elements to focus on in your photography.

A collage of 15 scenic seaside images, each labeled with names like "The Tower," "Standing Strong," and "Surreal." The images showcase a variety of beach landscapes, lighthouses, and seascapes during vibrant sunsets and dawns.
Collage of some of my images – clearly I like colourful

2. Follow and Learn From Others

There’s no shame in learning from photographers you admire. 

In fact, it’s one of the best ways to grow. Follow those whose work you enjoy, whether on social media, blogs, or YouTube. 

Pay attention to how they compose their shots, how they use light, and how they edit.

It’s natural to imitate others at first. 

But as you continue to practise, you’ll find yourself adding your own twist to the techniques you’ve picked up. 

That’s when your own style starts to shine through.

I remember following a few landscape photographers and being amazed at how they captured light during the golden hour. 

I tried to replicate that in my work, but over time, I developed my own way of using light that felt more authentic to me.

3. Try Different Genres and Styles

You probably already have a genre you love, but don’t be afraid to try different things. 

Sometimes it’s by giving something totally unexpected a go that you realise what truly excites you.

I remember trying bird photography once. I bought a fancy zoom lens and thought I’d give it a crack. 

But after a few tries, I quickly realised it wasn’t for me. 

Bird photographers have serious patience, and I knew pretty soon that landscapes were where I wanted to be. 

Even though it didn’t work out, it helped me figure out what I didn’t want, which is just as useful.

So, give different things a try. Even if it’s not what you end up sticking with, it’ll help you get closer to what really makes you happy behind the camera.

Two rainbow lorikeets sitting closely on a tree branch. Their colorful plumage of red, orange, blue, and green pops against the blurred green and brown background of the tree and leaves.
Two vibrant rainbow lorikeets perched on a tree branch. Their feathers are bright shades of green, blue, red, and orange, contrasting beautifully with the green leaves and tree bark around them.

4. Reviewing Your Own Work

Another great way to develop your photography style is by looking back at your own photos. 

Take some time to go through the images you’ve taken so far. Which ones are your favourites? 

Do you notice any patterns in what you’re drawn to?

Maybe you find that you prefer photos with moody lighting, or perhaps you’re always capturing wide, open spaces. 

By reviewing your work, you can start to see recurring themes in what you like to photograph. 

These patterns are the building blocks of your style.

Don’t overthink this process. Just focus on what you naturally gravitate toward. 

Some things to consider can include:

  • Subject – are there common subjects you like to photograph? People, buildings, flowers, birds etc.
  • Movement – do you like action shots or static scenes?
  • What about focal length? Do you like close up or more room around your subjects?
  • Angles and composition – do you like to shoot from above, below or straight on?
  • Atmosphere and lighting – is there a particular time of day or season/conditions you prefer? Do you like to have everything sharp in the photo or prefer softer backgrounds?
  • Colour – Are there any particular colours or tones that frequent your collection? You may prefer black and white over bright, colourful scenes. This can often come through in the way you edit your images as well as when you are photographing in the field.

For example, when I look through my favourite images, I notice that I’m often drawn to big landscapes and dramatic skies. 

This has helped me refine my style over time and focus on capturing scenes that inspire me.

A coastal scene with waves crashing against rocky outcrops under a dramatic, cloudy sky. The warm golden light from the setting sun illuminates the water and rocks, creating a stunning contrast.
I’m lucky enough to live near the ocean, so seascapes feature heavily in my portfolio

5. Staying True To Yourself

It’s easy to look at other photographers and feel like you need to shoot or edit a certain way. 

I’ve been through that myself, thinking I had to follow a specific style or approach. 

But all that did was make me second-guess my own choices and take some of the fun out of photography.

What I’ve learned is that your photography is yours – it’s personal. 

What you love capturing is what matters most. 

Don’t let comparison take away the joy. Just focus on what excites you, and your style will come naturally.

The Role of Editing in Developing Style

Editing is a big part of how your photography style comes together. 

The way you process your photos – whether it’s boosting the colours, creating a soft look, or adding contrast – helps shape the overall feel of your images.

When you’re editing, think about what you want your photos to show. 

Do you like bold, vibrant colours, or are you drawn to softer, more natural tones? 

For example, I like to keep my landscapes looking true to life, so I tend to enhance the natural light and colours rather than making the edits too heavy.

The best way to figure this out is to experiment. 

Try different techniques and see what feels right for you. 

Some people love dark, moody looks, while others prefer bright and airy photos. 

Over time, the way you edit will become part of your style, without even thinking about it.

But every now and then it’s good to have a play and do something totally different.

Black-and-white image of a narrow city alley with dozens of birdcages hanging from wires overhead. The perspective draws the eye towards the sky between the tall buildings, and a person is seen walking in the distance.
I’m not normally a big fan of black and white but it can work well in cityscapes.

Your Photography Style Will Evolve

Your photography style isn’t something you figure out once and stick with forever. 

It’s going to change and grow as you do. 

What you love photographing today might look completely different a few years from now, and that’s perfectly normal.

Just let it happen. You don’t have to lock yourself into one way of shooting. Photography is about enjoying the process, and your style will evolve as you do.

Practical Tips for Beginners

Here are a few quick tips to help you as you work on finding your style:

Here are a few quick tips to help you as you work on finding your style:

  • Shoot as often as you can: The more you practise, the more you’ll figure out what works for you.
  • Try new things: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different genres, techniques, and editing styles.
  • Look for patterns: When you review your photos, see if certain themes or styles keep popping up.
  • Take your time: There’s no rush. Finding your style is all part of the fun.
  • Follow your gut: If something feels right to you, go with it. Your style will come together naturally.

In the end, don’t worry too much about it. Your style will develop in its own time – just enjoy shooting and let it come naturally.

Promotional graphic for a 'Landscape Photography Toolkit' featuring a sunset view of a lighthouse. The toolkit includes an Exposure Quick Start Guide, 7 Practical Checklists & Info Sheets, and an On-The-Go Camera Settings Cheat Sheet. A 'Free Download' badge is present, and a button at the bottom reads 'Send Me The Toolkit'.

Conclusion

Finding your photography style is something that will happen naturally as you keep practising and exploring. 

There’s no need to rush or stress about it. The more you get out there and shoot, the clearer it will become. 

You’ll start to see patterns in what you enjoy capturing, and over time, you’ll find your photography style coming together.

Remember, your style isn’t set in stone – it’s okay for it to change as you grow and try new things. 

Photography should be fun, so focus on enjoying the process and letting your style develop as you go.

I hope this has made the idea of finding your photography style feel a bit lighter and more enjoyable. 

Keep experimenting, keep shooting, and let your style unfold naturally.

That’s it for now – Keep Clicking

Other Helpful Articles:

Sam is the creator of joywithphotography.com, a website dedicated to helping newbies Discover the joy of learning landscape photography – without the overwhelm. Based in Australia, Sam combines her passion for photography to bring you tips, insights and experiences to help you take better photos without all the technical jargon so you enjoy the journey.

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