Every great photographer has a style—a visual signature that makes their work instantly recognizable. But here’s the truth: you don’t start with a style—you discover it through practice.
If you’re a beginner wondering what your “look” is or how to find your creative voice behind the camera, this guide is for you.
Let’s explore how to find your photography style, step by step.
1. Shoot Everything (At First)
When you’re starting out, don’t worry about sticking to one subject or genre. Try it all:
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Portraits
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Street photography
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Nature and landscapes
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Product or food photography
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Pets
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Light and shadow
Why it helps:
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You learn what excites you most
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You explore different lighting, framing, and editing
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You collect reference points for your future style
The more you shoot, the more your preferences will reveal themselves.
2. Study Photographers You Admire
Who inspires you? What type of photos make you stop scrolling?
Do this:
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Follow photographers on Instagram, Pinterest, Behance, or 500px
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Save or screenshot photos you love
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Create a folder or mood board with recurring themes
Then ask:
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What do I like about this? (Color? Mood? Composition?)
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Is the lighting soft or dramatic?
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Is it clean and minimal or raw and emotional?
You’ll start seeing patterns in what draws your eye—and that’s a clue to your style.
3. Notice What Comes Naturally
When you look back at your favorite photos, notice:
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What you tend to photograph
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How you frame things
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What types of edits you gravitate toward
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If there’s a color or mood that keeps appearing
Your style is often already there—you just haven’t named it yet.
4. Create With Intention
As you gain experience, stop shooting randomly. Start asking:
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What do I want this photo to feel like?
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What story am I telling?
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What lighting and colors support that feeling?
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How do I want people to react when they see this?
Shooting with emotion and purpose is the difference between a good photo and a meaningful one.
5. Experiment with Editing Styles
Editing is a big part of your style. Try editing the same photo in different ways:
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Bright & airy
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Dark & moody
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Warm vintage
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Desaturated
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Black & white
As you play, ask:
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Which version feels most like “you”?
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Which style matches your subjects or stories best?
Eventually, your editing rhythm and preferences will become part of your visual signature.
6. Don’t Force It—Let It Evolve
You don’t need to pick a style and stick to it forever. In fact, your style should grow as you grow.
Expect your style to evolve:
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As you gain confidence
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As your taste matures
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As you explore new tools and ideas
Give yourself permission to change—growth is part of the creative journey.
7. Create a Personal Project
This is one of the best ways to refine your style.
Ideas:
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“One photo a day for 30 days”
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“Only shoot blue objects for a week”
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“Document one place from different angles”
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“Self-portrait project”
Working with a theme helps you explore consistency, creativity, and personal vision.
8. Ask for Feedback (But Filter It)
Share your work with people you trust—online communities, friends, or mentors.
Ask:
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What stands out most in my photos?
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What feeling do they give you?
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Is there a recurring mood, theme, or composition?
But remember: you decide what feels right to you. Don’t change just to please others.
9. Build a Portfolio That Reflects You
As you identify your style, start curating your work intentionally.
Choose photos that:
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Represent what you love shooting
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Use consistent tones or lighting
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Feel emotionally aligned with your identity
Your portfolio should feel cohesive—not perfect, but authentically you.
Final Thoughts: Your Style Is Already Inside You
You don’t have to “find” your style in someone else’s feed—it’s already forming through your preferences, your passions, and your perspective.
Keep creating. Keep exploring. Your style will emerge from who you are, what you notice, and how you express it.
And the best part? It’s uniquely yours.