Ha! I am just finishing up a post about that topic together with Juliette Mansour. I completely agree with what you say about style in photography - if you work with clients I find it important to have a distinctive aestehtic or „style“. But as a photographer who makes art I find other elements much more important.
Style or not - your photographs are absolutely amazing (as always)!
Susanne, the upside of having a day job is I have no intention of satisfying a client (or even finding one!). I am very pleased you enjoyed the images, thank you.
A really interesting article James with some beautiful images. I think you have a well developed and distinctive style and your images really stand out.
Style is something I think about and have written about too. I believe it comes from the things that inspire us, from how we react to them photographically and from the way we choose to process our images. I think it develops over time and evolves as we grow photographically. I think having a consistent style is good for project work and books etc but we shouldn't let it constrain us.
I think I have a distinctive style which I didn't set out to achieve. I am not sure if I have fallen into a rut, but I try to vary my subjects and the projects I take on so hopefully this will keep my work fresh.
I really enjoyed the Mary Oliver quotes and will check out the book.
Thank you Gill. I struggle to see my own style - although people tell me that I have one. Perhaps that's because I am so aware of my internal struggle to understand what inspires me and how I react to these things, and then how to express these things photographically (which are the source of style, as you say so elegantly). I think your truly beautiful work is far more assured than mine in what you are trying to say. Perhaps I will become more articulate and confident in these things - and thereby become more intentional - over time. Most importantly, let's avoid that comforting rut!
Thank you Hanz. I didn't attempt to define style (well, I had a go but decided it was too hard!). I tend to think of it as the "look" of an image - which is why I think the images I have included are so diverse. But perhaps there can be other elements that go to style - thank you again.
Nice images, by the way! 🌲 Trees are my favorite subjects too, especially in the wild. As for style, I think art is art—rules are just guides. We all have different personalities, which means millions of perspectives. Do what resonates with your gut; every creator has their own personal style, and that’s gold. I mean, we wouldn’t want everyone to have the same skills anyway… unless they’re straight-up copying hehe 😄
Thank you - trees are great subjects. I think at the core is being clear on your vision, having something to say, as the basis for your art. This is the challenge.
Yeah! Thanks for reminding me... couldn’t agree more. It really shows that our gear isn’t necessarily the key to creating a great photo, but our vision is.
I’m reading Mary Oliver’s poetry handbook, too. It's such a valuable craft book! Your tree photos are gorgeous. Instagram is overly curated, and it’s become boring. Keep asking the questions and stay curious! You have a new subscriber! It’s great to find you here, James.
How you handle aperture, light, composition and contrast become your look if you are serious about your work. By sheer selection of subject, you gain a look. The tension between your subject and the edges are the look. It’s by doing it again and again the tools we have within us step and repeat, work to the mantric rhythm of our own body. Speak as the voice of our own brain through image.
Part of the reason less people today have a ‘style’ and more people have a technique is they are doing more of it outside the camera using applied effects. When I correct my photos on the phone, I have a habit of putting the sliders at about the same spots. My own ‘saved settings,’ if you will. The technique is mechanical, not artistic, through I am using my artistic eye enough to make the photo become something other than what was there.
Now that I have seen these trees, I would know your art anywhere. 😉 wonderful, wonderful.
Thank you for your thoughtful comments (and kind words). I haven't thought about the difference between style and technique - but it's a very useful distinction. I have an expectation (and am happily doing the work) that I need to develop clarity about what I want to say and how I want to say it, and then hopefully the courage to commit to a style. Perhaps I am getting there with my tree portraits. I have much further to go with some other subjects. Thank you again.
Setting ourselves a high bar is what I believe is missing from the creative journey we can be on. It is not merely enough to do what suffices for a teacher or mentor, and it certainly is an insult to think we should stop at what suffices for ‘likes’! Onward creative sojourner!
I wonder if more important and more productive for an artist in search of a through-line to their work isn’t a particular style but a particular attitude or approach. That can take on different aesthetic styles over time or even simultaneously, but in service of communicating similar underlying themes.
Not to imply that’s essential either, but without it I think my own work would feel a bit ungrounded.
I think that's true Darren. Perhaps you mean this, but I would include purpose - in my mind, purpose drives approach which drives a style or look. I have found that over the past few years, it is purpose that has become increasingly refined - which helps to focus but also drives a (sometimes frustrating) desire to take stronger images.
Yeah purpose would be another way to put it! I guess that could be purpose in terms of "What am I trying to convey" and also "Why am I doing this?" - not necessarily the same thing. I had more the former in mind, which for me has been pretty consistent but yes, refined bit by bit...the latter though is still a pretty big question....
I love the images, especially the last two. I agree about style. It can be a double edged sword; it brings certain benefits but also constrains and can limit play and learning. Creatively I am too restless to be constrained in this way, but it will certainly suit some people.
Thank you David. Perhaps that's why professional photographers have personal projects - consistent product during the week, experimentation on the weekend?
First of all, great images and a well-written article.
In my view, if you’re truly passionate and consistently active in a specific photographic genre, your style will naturally emerge over time. It’s shaped by your preferences, your personal journey, and the repetition of practice—day after day, month after month, year after year.
Of course, it depends on your goals. But if photography is more than just a casual hobby for you—if it’s something you pursue seriously—then it’s almost inevitable that you’ll develop a unique style.
Many thanks Robert. There always seems to be this pressure to move towards a particular style - and there are some good reasons for having some consistency (eg around a project) - but for most of us, this pressure to conform to just a barrier to our development as photographer. "Anything goes" is a good motto.
Gorgeous photos. I think people take photos for different reasons, and as long as we are happy with our results and striving to improve our photography what else matters :-)
Wonderful images and a very interesting post, James! For me personally, I feel my style continues to evolve as I mature as a photographer. At its essence, I believe my style reflects the personal connection I have with the world around me. Just like human relationships, my relationship with the world evolves over time, so it makes sense to me that my style would evolve with it. Not having clients or worrying about followers gives me the freedom to pursue what truly speaks to me.
Well said Todd. And, if there is one upside to having another source of income, it is that I can focus on articulating that connection in the most meaningful way I can.
I appreciate this point of view very much James. I’ve heard the same emphasis on developing a unique style, but never considered why that should be so important.
Thank you Shital. I love that tree. It is in a nearby park down on the Yarra River here in Melbourne, and I have spent a lot of time capturing different aspects of it.
Ha! I am just finishing up a post about that topic together with Juliette Mansour. I completely agree with what you say about style in photography - if you work with clients I find it important to have a distinctive aestehtic or „style“. But as a photographer who makes art I find other elements much more important.
Style or not - your photographs are absolutely amazing (as always)!
Susanne, the upside of having a day job is I have no intention of satisfying a client (or even finding one!). I am very pleased you enjoyed the images, thank you.
A really interesting article James with some beautiful images. I think you have a well developed and distinctive style and your images really stand out.
Style is something I think about and have written about too. I believe it comes from the things that inspire us, from how we react to them photographically and from the way we choose to process our images. I think it develops over time and evolves as we grow photographically. I think having a consistent style is good for project work and books etc but we shouldn't let it constrain us.
I think I have a distinctive style which I didn't set out to achieve. I am not sure if I have fallen into a rut, but I try to vary my subjects and the projects I take on so hopefully this will keep my work fresh.
I really enjoyed the Mary Oliver quotes and will check out the book.
Thank you Gill. I struggle to see my own style - although people tell me that I have one. Perhaps that's because I am so aware of my internal struggle to understand what inspires me and how I react to these things, and then how to express these things photographically (which are the source of style, as you say so elegantly). I think your truly beautiful work is far more assured than mine in what you are trying to say. Perhaps I will become more articulate and confident in these things - and thereby become more intentional - over time. Most importantly, let's avoid that comforting rut!
These images are superb. The image you chose as the cover is really a top-notch capture. Well done. Style is here, and consistent, in my eyes.
Thank you Hanz. I didn't attempt to define style (well, I had a go but decided it was too hard!). I tend to think of it as the "look" of an image - which is why I think the images I have included are so diverse. But perhaps there can be other elements that go to style - thank you again.
This work is inspiring and your take on style is very thoughtful. Thank you
Thanks Chris - style is one of those perennial topics everyone has an opinion on!
Nice images, by the way! 🌲 Trees are my favorite subjects too, especially in the wild. As for style, I think art is art—rules are just guides. We all have different personalities, which means millions of perspectives. Do what resonates with your gut; every creator has their own personal style, and that’s gold. I mean, we wouldn’t want everyone to have the same skills anyway… unless they’re straight-up copying hehe 😄
Thank you - trees are great subjects. I think at the core is being clear on your vision, having something to say, as the basis for your art. This is the challenge.
Yeah! Thanks for reminding me... couldn’t agree more. It really shows that our gear isn’t necessarily the key to creating a great photo, but our vision is.
I’m reading Mary Oliver’s poetry handbook, too. It's such a valuable craft book! Your tree photos are gorgeous. Instagram is overly curated, and it’s become boring. Keep asking the questions and stay curious! You have a new subscriber! It’s great to find you here, James.
Welcome Maureen - very pleased to have you onboard. And yes, curiosity is the name of the game.
How you handle aperture, light, composition and contrast become your look if you are serious about your work. By sheer selection of subject, you gain a look. The tension between your subject and the edges are the look. It’s by doing it again and again the tools we have within us step and repeat, work to the mantric rhythm of our own body. Speak as the voice of our own brain through image.
Part of the reason less people today have a ‘style’ and more people have a technique is they are doing more of it outside the camera using applied effects. When I correct my photos on the phone, I have a habit of putting the sliders at about the same spots. My own ‘saved settings,’ if you will. The technique is mechanical, not artistic, through I am using my artistic eye enough to make the photo become something other than what was there.
Now that I have seen these trees, I would know your art anywhere. 😉 wonderful, wonderful.
Thank you for your thoughtful comments (and kind words). I haven't thought about the difference between style and technique - but it's a very useful distinction. I have an expectation (and am happily doing the work) that I need to develop clarity about what I want to say and how I want to say it, and then hopefully the courage to commit to a style. Perhaps I am getting there with my tree portraits. I have much further to go with some other subjects. Thank you again.
Setting ourselves a high bar is what I believe is missing from the creative journey we can be on. It is not merely enough to do what suffices for a teacher or mentor, and it certainly is an insult to think we should stop at what suffices for ‘likes’! Onward creative sojourner!
I wonder if more important and more productive for an artist in search of a through-line to their work isn’t a particular style but a particular attitude or approach. That can take on different aesthetic styles over time or even simultaneously, but in service of communicating similar underlying themes.
Not to imply that’s essential either, but without it I think my own work would feel a bit ungrounded.
I think that's true Darren. Perhaps you mean this, but I would include purpose - in my mind, purpose drives approach which drives a style or look. I have found that over the past few years, it is purpose that has become increasingly refined - which helps to focus but also drives a (sometimes frustrating) desire to take stronger images.
Yeah purpose would be another way to put it! I guess that could be purpose in terms of "What am I trying to convey" and also "Why am I doing this?" - not necessarily the same thing. I had more the former in mind, which for me has been pretty consistent but yes, refined bit by bit...the latter though is still a pretty big question....
I may have been thinking of Simon Sinek's golden circles concept - Why, How, What. It's a pretty useful framework.
Ah I’ll need to look that up!
I love the images, especially the last two. I agree about style. It can be a double edged sword; it brings certain benefits but also constrains and can limit play and learning. Creatively I am too restless to be constrained in this way, but it will certainly suit some people.
Thank you David. Perhaps that's why professional photographers have personal projects - consistent product during the week, experimentation on the weekend?
First of all, great images and a well-written article.
In my view, if you’re truly passionate and consistently active in a specific photographic genre, your style will naturally emerge over time. It’s shaped by your preferences, your personal journey, and the repetition of practice—day after day, month after month, year after year.
Of course, it depends on your goals. But if photography is more than just a casual hobby for you—if it’s something you pursue seriously—then it’s almost inevitable that you’ll develop a unique style.
And honestly, that’s good news.
I couldn't agree more Michael. The key is not to rush to get there; or at least be open to it evolving over time. Thanks for commenting.
Thank you for this. I feel a little better about my "anything goes" photography now. Meanwhile, these are extraordinary images.
Many thanks Robert. There always seems to be this pressure to move towards a particular style - and there are some good reasons for having some consistency (eg around a project) - but for most of us, this pressure to conform to just a barrier to our development as photographer. "Anything goes" is a good motto.
Gorgeous photos. I think people take photos for different reasons, and as long as we are happy with our results and striving to improve our photography what else matters :-)
Couldn't agree more Angie. I am glad you enjoyed the images - aren't trees amazing?!
Wonderful images and a very interesting post, James! For me personally, I feel my style continues to evolve as I mature as a photographer. At its essence, I believe my style reflects the personal connection I have with the world around me. Just like human relationships, my relationship with the world evolves over time, so it makes sense to me that my style would evolve with it. Not having clients or worrying about followers gives me the freedom to pursue what truly speaks to me.
Well said Todd. And, if there is one upside to having another source of income, it is that I can focus on articulating that connection in the most meaningful way I can.
I appreciate this point of view very much James. I’ve heard the same emphasis on developing a unique style, but never considered why that should be so important.
I am glad you enjoyed Erik. We all fall into ways of doing things, perhaps not always thinking about why.
Love the images James especially the second last one.
Thank you Shital. I love that tree. It is in a nearby park down on the Yarra River here in Melbourne, and I have spent a lot of time capturing different aspects of it.