The first question on the course questionnaire asked me to identify my current style of photography, and I sat there. Stumped. The instructor suggested spending some time googling styles to see what fit, and I did. My penchant for not setting up shots and for accompanying my images with written text pointed me toward genres like “documentary,” “photojournalism,” “reportage,” and “street;” but I soon learned a genre is not a style. What’s more, these descriptors were often intermingled and not conclusively defined. (Think, “Ask ten different people, and you’ll get ten different answers.” Who knew that street photography need not involve a street??) I found myself wondering why defining my style was even necessary, but my instructor said it was; so I’m going with my best guess: “informal.”
All of the above-mentioned genres capture reality and truth as does an informal style. Images are unplanned, unscripted, unposed, authentic, and accurate. The photographer spontaneously captures subjects he finds intriguing by paying close attention to his surroundings and documents scenes as they are without interference (often in less than optimal conditions). That’s me. Or at least how I see me. And my informal — unpretentious — style is further defined by the subject I shoot: domesticity.
Using a combination of composition, natural light, shallow depth of field, and contrast, I treat each of my images — my “non-set up shots of domesticity” — as a unique work of art, expressing my appreciation of God, family, friends, the natural world, and the comforts of home. Each, a prayer of sorts.
There you have it. My best guess — along with the magical light I discovered at the window this morning.
If you look at what someone loves to photograph, you will see what they love.
— Unknown
Hi Janet. It is such a difficult question isn't it? I was looking at investing in a new camera for my 60th very soon and was asked what sort of photographs I take in the shop - I couldn't even define my genre and came away feeling rather dejected. your thinking above makes a lot of sense and certainly rings true. Another word that I would use in association with your photography is 'natural' - although that may not be what you are looking for. I also associate your work with still life. I wonder what course you are embarking on ... exciting!
Janet, I am certainly no expert on photography but have noticed that I can almost always recognize that a photo is going to be yours before scrolling down to confirm my "guess". So, you definitely have style unique to you and which is very appealing. I think I agree with @helenhall that your photos often make me think "still life". I truly like today's offering with its beautiful bokeh framed by the window. You have a great way of noticing beauty in the things of your ordinary life and then capturing such in a way that becomes extraordinary.
Don't know about styles - just know what I like and there hasn't been one of yours that I haven't felt a meaning to. You create such beauty in the ordinary using light and bokeh - a style of your own that is definitely unique. (and an enjoyment to the rest of us)
I love this shot it’s similar to my style
Too …whatever that is. I like a picture to have a feeling of depth and light - maybe that’s what all pictures are supposed to
convey
@helenhall So good to see your name pop up! Thank you for taking the time to so thoughtfully comment. Good luck with your decision about purchasing a new camera. What a fun thing to do for your 60th! I, too, have a 60th this year in November. You’ve inspired me to think of something special to do for the occasion! Also, I so appreciate your input on my style. The course I am taking is online through Kim Klassen and called Elevate. It is an eight week course, and I am so hopeful that it will help me to learn and grow with my photography. Again, so glad to hear from you, and thank you. Happy Birthday (I know you said it is very soon)! :)
@bjywamer Hello, Barb! How kind you are to take the time to comment and offer your input about my style! I appreciate your words so much. They help me to understand my photography in a deeper way, which helps me in my quest to learn and grow. This is my fourth 365 project, although I am taking a more relaxed approach by only posting pictures when inspired rather than forcing myself to post every day. My goal with this project was to dig deeper and really shoot intentionally. Thank you again for your help!! :)
@milaniet Kind Milanie, your encouragement over the years has lifted me up! You’ve said such wonderful words about my photography, and I am so thankful for your support. There is so much joy and beauty in every day, and it often just stops me in my tracks and compels me to make a picture! I’m trying to dig deeper and shoot more intentionally in this current project, and I’ve been having so much fun with the eight week course I am taking —and it only just began this week! Thank you so very much for helping me to learn. I am thankful for every one of your comments.
Janet, The course you are taking sounds fantastic and I love that it has you exploring 'your style'. This is something that I too struggle with personally, defining my style. It is nothing like yours, but I feel in some ways we are similar in our approach, yet with very different outcomes.
I have no way to describe your style as it is not like anything else I have seen. I am always captivated by your photos as they have such beauty and depth, but I have to be honest, when you did your experiment and did not share your thoughts with your photos, I felt a disconnect. The photos were still very beautiful, yet the magic for me was less. They just didn't touch my soul in the same way they do, when you share your thoughts and words.
I believe that your style is 'Soul Inspired', linking a deep thought with visual representation. A Visual Story teller. It is a mirror reflecting your inner journey and voice, so beautifully and authentically.
I am not sure how you feel, but for me, when I add photos to my 365project and don't take (or have) the time to write and share my thoughts, the photo just does not feel complete for me personally.
What I always love about your photography and your 'personal style' - which you do definitely have, but I just can't name it - is that it always makes the ordinary, extraordinary. It always puts a spotlight on the light and noticing the little moments. It gives gratitude for everyday moments and authenticity in the moment. I believe you are drawn to teach others to see the world through a different lens and you do this by marrying your words and photos together. For me they inspire deep thought and contemplation and bring me closer to appreciating the life I have.
That is such a hard question! I'd guess my style is "candid", but your description of "informal" certainly "suits me" well. Even my photos of family and friends are best described as candid...without posing or even looking at the camera (although it is nice to "catch their eye").
I do enjoy your photos and am glad you have continued to post here. God always uses your photos (and words) to get me thinking. Thanks for being used.
@kgolab Hello and thank you soo very much for sharing your touching — and helpful — words about my “style.” I really appreciate your honesty, and you’ve certainly helped me to learn by providing your valuable insight. It makes me happy to know that you enjoy my pictures and my words because, like you, combining the two is what feels complete. My inner voice longs to be heard, and putting words down with my pictures feels right and good and fulfilling. To know that doing so inspires you truly warms my heart. Your encouragement is always so appreciated. I love the way you express yourself. I truly admire your writing style — along with your gorgeous photography, too. Thank you again! Your kindness reaches across the globe and inspires me to grow kinder. I’m so glad we connected here on 365.
@thewatersphotos Hi, Gary…I love your candid style of photography, and I’m so grateful that you took the time to comment on mine! Your images have a unique and wonderful authenticity about them that I really enjoy. I’m so very thankful that you like my words and pictures and, most of all, that you find them inspirational. To God be the glory! Thank you again for your very special words.
June 23rd, 2021
Leave a Comment
Sign up for a free account or Sign in to post a comment.
Too …whatever that is. I like a picture to have a feeling of depth and light - maybe that’s what all pictures are supposed to
convey
I have no way to describe your style as it is not like anything else I have seen. I am always captivated by your photos as they have such beauty and depth, but I have to be honest, when you did your experiment and did not share your thoughts with your photos, I felt a disconnect. The photos were still very beautiful, yet the magic for me was less. They just didn't touch my soul in the same way they do, when you share your thoughts and words.
I believe that your style is 'Soul Inspired', linking a deep thought with visual representation. A Visual Story teller. It is a mirror reflecting your inner journey and voice, so beautifully and authentically.
I am not sure how you feel, but for me, when I add photos to my 365project and don't take (or have) the time to write and share my thoughts, the photo just does not feel complete for me personally.
What I always love about your photography and your 'personal style' - which you do definitely have, but I just can't name it - is that it always makes the ordinary, extraordinary. It always puts a spotlight on the light and noticing the little moments. It gives gratitude for everyday moments and authenticity in the moment. I believe you are drawn to teach others to see the world through a different lens and you do this by marrying your words and photos together. For me they inspire deep thought and contemplation and bring me closer to appreciating the life I have.
I do enjoy your photos and am glad you have continued to post here. God always uses your photos (and words) to get me thinking. Thanks for being used.