Which style is best

[Mr.EightA]

So if you've seen any of my posts it's obvious that I am new to photography. I am learning every thing on my own from various videos and articles and obviously the forum. Through out my research I have heard some say perfect one style of photography at a time. There have been others that say you should learn all styles to be a good photographer. My question is what would be the best method to help me better understand photography and my camera. And if I do choose one style how do I know which is best for me. I never look at photos and say I love when pictures are taken in that style. It's more like when I see a photo I like, I just like it no matter the style. On a different note there have been some photos that I posted on the forum that were critically critiqued which I don't mind at all. After all that's what I'm here for. But if non photographers like a photo and pros don't, because it's not a technically sound. Does that make it a bad photo? But I digress. Back to my original issue should I focus on a single style to learn my equipment better or just try all styles. PLEASE SOMEONE HELP!

 

[amolitor]

I would not worry about style at all.

When the "experts" don't like your photo but your friends and family do, there are several things going on:

- The experts do actually see things that matter, which your friends do not. Fixing these things will make your friends like your pictures more.
- The experts also suffer from a bunch of dogma and received wisdom, especially in a social context like an internet forum or a camera club. Silly ideas get crystallized as Truth just as much as good ideas.

It's not so easy to sort out which is which. Ultimately, you should pay attention to all of it, but distrust all of it, and be guided by your own taste. Read it, consider it honestly. Give all critique a chance, think it over and ask yourself if you think that the suggests would make the picture better. If you don't think so, then don't take that critique. It might be best not to mention out loud that you're ignoring it, though, some people will interpret this as an attack, and a fight will ensue.

Style flows out of your personal taste, I think. Over time, you'll notice that you like certain things, the same kinds of things, over and over.

 

[Derrel]

A beginning shooter worried about "style' is usually trying to emulate something that is often less like a genuine style, and is more akin to a "formula". I would let style simmer on the back burner for a number of years. Trying to make your work conform to a "style" during the early days is not necessarily a good thing.

 

[pixmedic]

I have never liked the word "style" as it relates to photography. It is often used by people trying to justify bad photos or poor processing rather than actually learning the basics of photography. Learn how the exposure triangle relates to your camera and how it affects images. Learn how to take a properly exposed picture in all conditions. Learn about composure.

Learn how to take a technically correct picture, learn what you like to shoot, and how to shoot it best, and your "style" will come on its own.

 

[bc_steve]

Shoot things you like. Nothing wrong with being well-rounded.

 

[Rick58]

If you're shooting for cash, you have to make your client happy.

If you're shooting for a hobby, you only have to make yourself happy. Be yourself, create your own style and have fun.

 

[Aakajx]

I've started reading a lot of photography mags and books. I read Calvin hollywoods interview and one part that stuck out to me was this

"I don't want to be bound by one style. I don't care about rules, I just do it. My pictures are noisy and grainy, it's something many people don't like in their images, but I don't care. I do it my way, the way I like it, that's my style. If you want to develop a style do it your own way and don't listen to other people. Listen to a few close friends who have a good knowledge on photography but ultimately do what you want. " -mr Hollywood

Just take photos of what you enjoy many of the famous photographers have gone so far from the passion they have and they are taking photos of what they love.

 

[dxqcanada]

... I have heard some say perfect one style of photography at a time. There have been others that say you should learn all styles to be a good photographer...

Who said that !?

First you learn how to take a picture.
Then you take some more.
Eventually you figure out your style.

We each have our own "eye" for what we like and dislike.

 

[AlanKlein]

I never look at photos and say I love when pictures are taken in that style. It's more like when I see a photo I like, I just like it no matter the style.

I've been shooting 50 years. Who knows if I have a style? What you said is what I go by. If I like the way something looks, I'll shoot it. I try to compose it so it looks good to my eye and then focus and get the correct exposure. Snap!

Keep it simple. Let others worry about what your style is.

 

[minicoop1985]

I have a style called terrible.

I have noticed that when I shoot, what I shoot tends to vary with the seasons. I wouldn't say I have A style, nor have I ever really thought about it. For a number of reasons-I'm not experienced enough to say I have a style, really.