How to find and create your own photography style

In today’s content-heavy world, developing a distinct photography style is one of the best ways to get your work noticed, and remembered. Whether it’s through an unusual lens, a custom preset, or a unique post-processing approach, creating your own signature look sets you apart and makes your images instantly recognisable.

“Being recognisable is critical in this digital era because people are scrolling so fast that you only have one second of their attention,” explains New York–based photographer Mischelle Moy.

“Earning recognition for a signature style definitely lent itself to my work being spread across platforms faster and helped me grow my following, which in turn has pushed me to create more and share more, and eventually resulting in promising gigs.”

To learn more about how to find your photography style and what it takes to develop your own, we asked seven photographers with vastly different, but equally recognisable aesthetics to share their tips.

1. Start with manual post-processing

One of the best ways to develop your photography style is by learning post-processing tools inside and out. Rather than relying only on presets, start by making adjustments manually so you understand exactly how each tool shapes your images.

“I actually learned how the Curves adjustment worked from downloading presets to see what controlling each curve does, but always making sure to edit each adjustment manually during post-processing, from start to finish,” Mischelle tells us.

“Each image may look similar, but they were not processed the same. I have been practising this since day one. Experimenting with various techniques within the software definitely played a big role in figuring out my style.”

Her early experiments included pushing colour palettes in creative ways. “My early experimentation included creating a lot of gradients in the horizon and skies. I was studying all the various sunset palettes and taking them a step further, twisting them into neons and greens to mimic northern light skies. After that, I moved on to understanding the given colours of leaves (by that, I mean the hues that the camera captures) and twisting them to becoming reds and purples or electric blues.

“I think what helped me a lot in understanding the multiple uses of each tool was playing with them, and if you have a hard time figuring it out, download a preset and move everything around—moving the curves, layers, switching blending modes, etc. Once you’ve mastered these tools, you will learn their limits and bend them to work for you in your process.”

Once you’re comfortable, presets can still save time, but Mischelle stresses the value of customisation: “Plus, once you become accustomed to this practice, you might realise the benefit of making your own presets for the sake of saving time, but still remember that each adjustment can be altered.”

By starting with manual editing, you’ll gain the technical foundation needed to create your own photography style and confidently shape images that feel truly unique.

2. Make photography a daily practice

Consistency is one of the best ways to grow as a photographer. By shooting daily, you give yourself space to experiment, make mistakes, and gradually discover what defines your photography style.

“In the beginning, I took photos constantly and I looked at a lot of other photography work too,” recalls Santa Fe–based artist Natalie Christensen. “I tried to emulate what I was most attracted to and so just practised and practised. I think it took me about eighteen months to find my style, and I was shooting for hours every day.”

During this stage, focus less on technical perfection and more on intuition. “I had to teach myself to use a camera, and I taught myself the basics of post-processing, but that was the extent of it,” Natalie adds. “For me, it is about ‘seeing’ first. I want to feel something when I look at my images, and if I get too technical, I lose that aspect.”

Building a daily practice helps you refine your vision, strengthen your skills, and develop a photography style that feels true to you.

3. Discuss your work with others

Getting feedback and discussing your photography with mentors, peers, or reviewers can be a powerful step in developing your style. Talking through your ideas often helps you recognise patterns and clarify your artistic voice.

“I was working with a couple of mentors at that time, and they asked questions that helped me see I was getting somewhere,” says Natalie. “They also showed me the importance of sequencing and talking about my work.”

Portfolio reviews can also be transformative. “I did my first portfolio review in 2017. The decision to apply and go through the process of getting ready for an event like that was a major turning point. The process involved choosing, sequencing, writing about, and printing my work, and then I prepared to meet with the reviewers and speak about it. It all confirmed to me that my ‘style’ was my artistic voice and I should continue to develop it.”

4. Build a collection of inspiring images

One of the simplest ways to find your photography style is by surrounding yourself with work that inspires you. Collecting and studying images you admire—whether from other artists, magazines, or platforms like Instagram—can help you recognise themes, moods, and techniques that resonate with your own vision.

Eloise and Luc, the photographers behind the creative duo L’oeil d’Eos, are known for their lush, otherworldly landscapes captured on adventures around the globe. They also curate the popular Instagram hub Explore Observe Share, where they highlight the work of other artists.

“Instagram is a great place to get inspired and discover new artistic trends,” Eloise explains. “We don’t necessarily have a ‘mood board’ per se, but we are always looking for new artists to highlight. We are exposed to so many images every day through the platform, and I think that has informed our own work.”

Of course, you don’t need to run a platform to use this approach. Simply keeping a folder of inspirational images can give you ideas and help you develop your own photography style over time.

5. Experiment with your phone camera

When it comes to developing your photography style, the best camera is often the one you have with you. While high-end gear has its advantages, a smartphone is more than capable of helping you practice, experiment, and refine your vision.

“I took some film photography courses in college, but my ‘look’ really started around the time the iPhone came out because of the ease of use,” explains graphic designer, art director, and photographer Brenton Clarke Little.

Using the camera on your phone is a practical way to shoot every day and experiment with ideas. “I didn’t take it too seriously at first, and I still have an observational playfulness to it. I’m not sure if I really thought about it too much in the early days, but after a while, I realised I was pulling inspiration from minimal, observational film photography from the 1960s–70s and especially that certain look that vintage postcards have. I wanted to make it my own, so I just found a nice balance, and it kind of stuck after a few years of trial and error.”

6. Try analogue techniques too

Trying out both digital and analogue techniques is a great way to shape your photography style. Experimenting with different tools can lead to surprising results that help define your unique voice.

“Use all the digital and analogue tools at your disposal,” says Berlin-based artist Navina Khatib. “I’ve always played around with analogue filters such as kaleidoscope lenses, foil, or transparent paper and used various layers and multiple exposure techniques. I have always felt annoyed by the endless digital vs. analogue talk. I wouldn’t pay too much attention to that. Try both. Do what makes you happy and you feel confident about.”

7. Share your work publicly

Sharing your photos publicly is one of the best ways to get feedback and see how others respond to your images. Outside perspectives can help you recognise themes, moods, or patterns you may not have noticed in your photography.

“One important step was sharing my pictures on Instagram for the first time in 2017,” says Navina. “I quickly became known and received so much amazing feedback, which made me spend even more time on it. Quite a lot of people have written to me over the years to say they feel peaceful looking at my photos. Some even use them for meditation.”

Whether it’s through social media, exhibitions, or online communities, publishing your work gives you the opportunity to see how your style connects with others, and helps you grow more assured in your artistic voice.

8. Let travel influence your vision

Sometimes, finding inspiration in new environments can be key to discovering or refining your photography style. Many photographers we spoke to credited specific places with shaping their creative vision. For example, Natalie Christensen says she didn’t consider herself an artist until she moved to Santa Fe, where the city’s unique light and architecture transformed her work. Navina Khatib points to the surreal landscapes of Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni as a defining influence in her career, while Eloise and Luc explained how traveling the world continues to inform their aesthetic.

“A turning point in my Atmospherics project was a 2015 trip to Iceland, where I had the opportunity to just experience the light in that area of the world,” recalls Vancouver-based photographer and graphic designer Ross Buswell.

“Since then, I’ve been hooked on vast northern landscapes. I think I try to shoot what I’ve learned about light from those locations in all my landscape images now. I’m really interested in capturing light, mood, colour, and texture together in the same image—but I also like my images to have a warm analogue depth to them.”

Exploring new places doesn’t just broaden your perspective. It can also spark ideas that help you develop a photography style rooted in light, colour, and atmosphere unique to the landscapes you experience.

9. Look beyond trends

Trends in editing and aesthetics come and go, but if you want to create your own photography style, it’s important not to rely on what’s popular at the moment. Chasing fads can limit your growth, while timeless images often emerge from developing your own voice.

“I try to avoid trends in image aesthetics,” says Ross. “I think a good image is timeless. As a graphic designer, and someone who designs and contributes images to album covers, I’m always aware of those trends, but I try not to get too caught up in chasing aesthetic styles. What was cool five years ago will probably be cool again five years from now.”

Ross encourages photographers to go beyond imitation. “I want to see more photographers copy less of what they like and really work on their own voice. Figure out your own way to get an effect that someone else is using. It might look a bit different in the end, but that’s how we gradually push things forward.”

By staying aware of trends but focusing on experimentation and originality, you’ll develop a photography style that feels authentic and stands the test of time.

10. Allow your style to evolve

A photography style isn’t something fixed, it evolves as you do. The work that feels right today may not serve you tomorrow, and being open to change is an essential part of growing as an artist.

“I’ve gone through several different ‘phases’ of what you might consider different styles, each being appropriate for that phase of my life and what I was trying to express,” reflects Oakland-based photographer Paul Hoi. “My advice? Create work that excites you, but be ready to abandon a style when it no longer suits you.

“Not when it gets difficult, but when it doesn’t feel like it helps you to express yourself the way you want to. It makes me sad to see an artist who gets attention for a particular kind of work, and that ends up being all the work they do. That happens a lot.”

He warns against chasing trends for approval. “Don’t do it for the likes. Don’t do it for the marketing algorithm. Don’t do it for reactions or features. It’s a life-long process. At some point, I was a ‘Polaroid photographer,’ then somewhere along the line, I was an ‘infrared photographer.’ I grew up drawing and was exploring ink drawings for a couple of years. I’m now in love with CGI and the creative freedom it gives me.”

“Each phase felt like it was honest to my personal circumstances and interests at the time. And each phase is informed by the ones before it. The only consistency has been that I’ve been willing to move on from each phase as I grew as an artist and a person. I hope that feeling of creative movement in my life never stops.”

Ultimately, Paul believes letting go is part of the process. “Learn to let go of things. Learn to move on from a style when it no longer suits you, and be okay when it causes you to lose likes, followers, and the like. In short, keep it strange.”

Embracing change ensures you’ll continue to develop your photography style in a way that stays honest, fresh, and true to your evolving vision.

Conclusion: Defining your photography style

Your photography style isn’t found overnight, it’s created through practice, experimentation, and growth. By staying curious, sharing your work, and embracing change, you’ll gradually develop a style that feels authentic and uniquely yours.

About the contributor

Feature Shoot showcases the work of emerging and established photographers worldwide, highlighting those transforming the medium through compelling, cutting-edge projects, with contributions from writers from all over the world.