HOW I’VE EVOLVED
With anything comes evolution. My style today is very editorial and fashion forward. But it wasn’t always this way, and it may not always remain this way. But let’s talk about where this evolution came from.
What I used to think.
The more you do something, the more you learn about what you like and don’t like. Your thinking also just evolves over time. The way I process things now, is much different than when I first started.
I used to think it was all about location.
Whenever I saw a photo I liked, I thought, “This is good because they are shooting in XYZ location.” I prioritized finding better locations thinking this was going to change the game. And while yes, location plays a huge part in photography, it isn’t what solely defines your style. Unless it is a very unique type of location, its main purpose is for storytelling.
If I am shooting for a skincare brand, the story will be completely different if I shoot in a very modern bathroom compared to a motel. You can shoot so many different styles in different locations that will change the vibe of the final product. So, then what? What is my style?
If it’s not location, it must be about the model.
Wrong again. Models do play a huge role in the photo of course! I mean they are 90% of the time, the main subject. But again, the model tells the story, they do not define style. At this point, I’m lost. If locations and models are only a fraction of the outcome, then where does style come into play?
Art Direction.
This is the strategic and visual guidance behind any creative project. It involves shaping the overall aesthetic, mood, and message through elements like composition, lighting, color, styling and set design. Seems like it would be obvious, but it takes time and experience to make all these things work together and feel cohesive.
Composition
Framing, angles, symmetry, negative space. In the past, I’ve kept a very safe composition. Following all the rules and shooting what I know is “right.” But some of my best shots are when I challenge the rules. Pushing the boundaries and breaking the rules have led me to my style.
Lighting
Natural vs. artificial. Harsh vs. soft. Shadows vs. light. High contrast vs. low contrast. I had always believed good photos were perfectly lit - natural lighting, no harsh shadows. But now, I see so much beauty in images that dispute that because it tells a story. A good photo has intentional lighting, not just a certain one.
Color
This includes colors that are used in the set, but also editing plays a huge role here too. Is a photo high in saturation, or more muted? Is it darker and moodier, or brighter and upbeat? Is it in black and white or is sepia better suited for the mood? Before, I used to always over edit my images. My blues were more teal, my greens were more yellow. Nothing inherently wrong with that, but it isn’t my style. Now, I like editing in an enhanced eye color range.
Styling and Set Design
Includes wardrobe and props. This really sets the scene of course. The beauty of styling is that there’s an infinite amount of combinations you can create. Each combo has a different vibe to it. My go-to combo used to either be, simple set & high fashion wardrobe or creative set & minimal wardrobe. And although I still shoot this when clients want that, I also love exploring other combos now too.
Depth and Focus
Playing with depth of field. Motion blur. Focal points. I used to be so scared of a subject not being in focus, or the background not being blurry enough. But now, I love getting creative and intentionally playing with the foreground and background.
Posing and Angles
This is kind of similar to composition. But more so about focus on the model and challenging ideal angles. Instead of shooting head on with a hand on the hip, now I direct my clients to try more unique poses and work my camera around them. Chances are if you’re uncomfortable, you’re doing it right and it looks amazing.
Unconventional is my style.
I love challenging the rules. That will always be my style.
