Finding Your Photography Style (And 5 Elements that Define Mine)
Photography is a journey. Over the past seven years, I’ve taken my camera everywhere, experimented with countless approaches, and shifted my style more times than I can count. From moody blues to black and white, from vibrant palettes to muted tones, my creative vision has evolved with time. But in recent years, I’ve begun to identify recurring themes in the work that feels most true to me.
After analyzing my favorite images, I’ve found five elements that consistently define my photography—and I believe these concepts can help you better understand and shape your own unique style.
1. Clean Edges
One of the strongest features of my work is keeping the edges of my images clean. I love when my subject is centered, creating a sense of symmetry and balance. Clear edges remove distractions, placing more emphasis on the subject itself.
In today’s world, portfolios are often displayed on Instagram or in grid-style layouts. Clean edges make images look more cohesive and visually striking when viewed side by side. For me, this small detail has a huge impact on how my portfolio feels as a whole.
2. Alternating Framings
To keep my portfolio engaging, I use a mix of wide shots and tighter details. Wide, expansive shots showcase the grandeur of landscapes, while close-up frames capture the subtle details that set a scene apart.
Alternating framing creates variety without sacrificing cohesion. It’s this balance—heroic vistas alongside intimate textures—that makes a portfolio feel versatile, immersive, and memorable.
3. Contrast and Pop
The images that stand out most to me have a three-dimensional quality—like they’re leaping off the screen. This “pop” comes from natural contrast: highlights that glisten, shadows that deepen, and light that shapes the subject authentically.
Instead of relying heavily on editing, I aim to capture contrast in-camera. Shooting at the right time of day and choosing environments with great natural light often produces images with more depth and realism. Artificial contrast has its place, but for me, nothing beats the organic balance of real light and shadow.
4. Gloss and Reflection
Subject matter plays a huge role in defining style, and for me, water is at the heart of my work. Growing up in Vancouver, I’ve been surrounded by lakes, waterfalls, mountains, and ocean views—and naturally, my photography reflects that.
Water brings a sense of glossiness and reflection to my images. Combined with natural contrast, this creates that polished, dimensional feel I’m always striving for. Shooting wet environments adds richness, depth, and atmosphere that matte, dry settings simply can’t replicate.
5. Letting Style Adapt
Perhaps the most important lesson I’ve learned is that it’s okay for your style to change. Creativity thrives on exploration, and boxing yourself into one aesthetic can stifle growth. Over the years, I’ve embraced shifts in my work rather than resisted them. Each evolution has taught me something new and pushed me closer to defining my true voice.
As photographers, we live in an online world where consistency is often rewarded, but originality and adaptability are what keep creativity alive. Don’t be afraid to experiment, feather in new approaches, and let your style evolve as you do.
Final Thoughts
Defining your style isn’t about following rules—it’s about understanding what resonates with you. For me, that means clean edges, alternating framings, strong contrast, glossy reflections, and a willingness to adapt over time. For you, it may look entirely different—and that’s the beauty of photography.
So take the time to study your own work. Notice the images that light you up, and identify the elements they share. That’s where your style begins.