Developing Your Photography Aesthetic: Helpful Tips to Get You Started
By KBR
If you're reading this, you probably have an interest and some experience in photography and are seeking to take your career to the next level. But maybe you need advice on how to develop your own personal photographic style. That's where we come in! In this blog post, we will give you 7 important tips to help you get started on developing your own unique photographic aesthetic.
Photo by petrroudny | Adobe Stock
Study Photography Technique
First, you need to focus on honing your skills as a photographer. It is important to learn professional techniques, such as lighting and composition. Practice makes perfect – so take lots of pictures and experiment with different camera settings. Take classes or online tutorials for further guidance. This is probably the most important part of the entire process. If you have a strong foundation, you will grow effortlessly.
Find Inspiration
When thinking of what to create, do not forget to look for inspiration from other artists and their artwork. Study the styles you admire, and look for elements that you can incorporate into your own work. Find professional photographers or artists whose work resonates with you, and take note of the techniques they use. You can also find inspiration from other mediums, such as music, paintings, fashion, and more. Ultimately, photography is art, so consider that when creating your vision boards and concepts.
Collaborate with Artists
Do not be afraid to reach out to models, makeup artists, stylists, and other artists who might be able to help you create the look or environment you want for your photos. Collaborating with others is a great way to expand your network and develop your skills as a photographer. If you are aiming to have that “editorial look” as a photographer, working with models and stylists is a must.
Photo by Andrey Kiselev | Adobe Stock
Share Your Work
Take lots of photos and share them with your network. Sharing with others will help you get noticed and will help you build a following. By creating your own unique style, you will create a fan base who vibe with the art you love to create.
Offer Affordable Sessions
Once you are comfortable calling yourself a professional, start offering affordable sessions to your friends, family, and social media network. By doing this, you can get more people interested in your work and build up a client base. You can also use these sessions to practice, refine your aesthetic, and earn finances to invest back into your art.
Never Stop Creating
Once you are feeling like your style is developing into a unique aesthetic, focus on creating! Continuing to practice is a great way to articulate your style and is key in developing a professional photographic aesthetic. Your artistic aesthetic will constantly change over time, so it is important to never stop creating and never stop growing as an artist.
Increase Pricing Over Time
As your work becomes more professional, you can begin to increase the prices for your sessions and the art you are creating. This will help ensure that you are charging a fair price for professional-level photography and could even lead to higher-paying jobs in the future. Ultimately, clients get the quality they pay for, so do not sell yourself short.
Photo 50483512 © Wavebreakmedia Ltd | Dreamstime.com
As you begin to receive recognition and consistent pay for your work, look out for publication or marketing opportunities to elevate your portfolio. Finding an agency or art organization like Contagion Media can also be extremely beneficial for growth.
Developing your style may be the most challenging part of being an artist, but it is the first step to immense growth in your artistic career. Follow these tips and with hard work you will be well on your way to becoming a next-level professional photographer!
