I
never really understood creating a style for several years and is still
difficult to define. I can't really say that I have stuck to any one style
but changed with time. I always thought I would someday create my own style
that was unique and everyone would love it but I had too many other dreams
and never really wanted to keep one style.I guess I
shouldn't even really talk about a style as I don't do professional
photography, but on an amateur level like hopefully yourself, we want to
learn to be good at it to take great pictures.
Through all the years I
have discovered a style or common practice becomes second nature after creating hundreds or possibly
thousands of images. You start to do the same things over and over and you
know what you like and others like as well. Once you knows something works,
why change it right!?
Most
styles are created by seeing other peoples photography and imitating the
images you see. In fact this is a great way to start out. Why not!? Get
ideas, look at the lighting in the photos and go with that. Experiment.
Make a portfolio of ideas, write notes below them of
things you noticed and things you want to try and compile those ideas into
when you want to try it and pick subjects.
My Style
My lighting style outdoors is different as indoors for
personal photo shoot.
-
Outdoors
- Scenery - Depending on the situation, I do
alot of scenery photos and usually like to have the light to where it
produces shadows so there is depth throughout the entire picture and you
feel like you are there. However, if I am shooting sunrise sunset you of
course want more back light so usually allow the surrounding to
silhouette. Another neat trick to to not actually take the sunset
picture but picture of something else which the vibrant colors of the
sunset on the side of it. Best way to get these pictures is to take the
photo with the sunset at an angel to the subject.
- People - I love to have more light on the
person then the surrounding yet the surrounding are a very important
part of the image as well. It may just be a filler but it sets the mood
as well. I like to have backlight on the person so they and their hair
look alive. Sometimes this is not easily achieved without whiting out
the photo.
- Indoors
-
Putting more
light on the face or key parts of the body creates glamorous shots. A
neat back light trick is the place a small light, if you're poor then
you can use a wide spot flash light as a backlight on the subjects hair
and body to make them look vibrant and alive. This works exceptionally
well for light colored hair. Darker hairs will look like they were drawn
on with a marker if you don't add some light to a low light picture. The
key to creating a dramatic hair light, is to light the hair with more
light than the subjects face. I love to have more light on the person
then the surrounding yet the surrounding are a very important part of
the image as well. It may just be a filler but it sets the mood as well.
I like to have backlight on the person so they and their hair look
alive. Sometimes this is not easily achieved without whiting out the
photo.
Creating your own photographic style will come from
emulating other photographers work and experimenting with different
techniques in lighting and shooting. But most important is to keep shooting
and trying new ideas on your subjects. And start your own ideas file.
- Photographer & Model Tips & Tricks
