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A lot of photographers I work with in my classes are trying to find their "styles."

Instead of trying to find our styles, we should develop our approach.

What's the difference?

In photography, when someone talks about a photographer's "style," it has to do with the photographer's work having a distinct, consistent visual aesthetic, resulting in a recognizable and coherent look that spans their imagery.

When a photographer is trying to find their style, they're trying to find a way to make their work stand out in such a unique way that it's undeniably their work.

Is it possible?

Yup.

I'm about to rattle off a bunch of photographers who influenced my work; there's more, but that's enough to make my point.

Look 'em up if you're into street photography and lookin' for some inspiration.

They all do the same type of work, but their work is recognizably distinct.

André Kertész, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Gordon Parks, Lee Friedlander, Helen Levitt, Garry Winogrand, William Klein, Tatsuo Suzuki, Elliot Erwitt, Eugène Atget, Robert Frank, Alex Webb, Lee Jeffries, Walker Evans, Bruce Gilden, Daido Moriyama.  

I've read about many of these photographers, and I don't recall one of 'em talking about how they struggled to find their style.

What they do talk about is their "approach".

In photography, when someone talks about a photographer's "approach," it has to do with the photographer's way of doing things when it comes to their philosophy and techniques, which includes their interaction with what they photograph, technical skills, and what they intend to communicate through their photography.

We should forget about trying to find our "style".

Instead, we should develop and hone our "approach."

When we develop and hone our "approach," our "style" reveals itself.

And while all aspects of our approach are essential, the one we've gotta have a strong foundation in is technical skills.

Our technical skills involve understanding photography, which means we've gotta understand the interplay between camera operation, composition, and light.

Why technical skills?

Because without proficiency with our technical skills, the rest of our approach is in vain because we can't use our camera effectively to make our intended picture. 

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The Introduction To Photography class starts soon. 
  
More ways to study and practice photography with me are below.

Call me if you need help determining the best course for you.

I'll help you be a better photographer—study and practice photography with me. 

Currently scheduled classes are below.

Smaller classes mean better learning, so class sizes are limited to 5 participants plus me.

But smaller classes also mean spots fill up quicker, so sign up soon. 

And what if the timing doesn't work for you in any of my scheduled group classes? Private in-person lessons suited to your schedule are always an option.

And remember, we learn and improve by doing, so practice making at least one picture daily.