How to find your photography style

Photography is a versatile practice that is unique to each creative. After all, in a profession that allows you to capture moments, express emotions, and tell compelling stories through images, it is an extremely personal art form.

However, whether you’re just starting out or looking for a change of direction in your photography career, how do you find your photography style when there are so many to choose from?

Let’s take a look at some tried-and-tested tips, as well as insights into the different types of photography styles and genres.

Tips for finding your photography style as a photographer

Firstly, it’s important to view finding your ideal style as an opportunity — not a barrier. Choosing a photography style to learn is an incredibly important decision and it takes plenty of time, practice, and experimentation. 

• Experiment with different genres: There are around 51 types and genres of photography out there — so, plenty to work with! Don’t feel like you need to choose one and stick to it. Just work with what feels right for you, and keep switching and experimenting with different techniques until you find your calling.
  
  
• Study your favourite images: Take a look online and create a mood board of the images that inspire you. Can you spot any similarities? Any repeating patterns or features? This will help you identify what subjects you gravitate towards most as a photographer. Don’t forget, we also have an in-store bookshop available at the FUJIFILM House of Photography in Covent Garden. Take a look at all the photography books we have — they’re filled with ideas!
  
  
• Think about your interests (outside of photography): This is quite an overlooked tip for photographers. For instance, if you’re a foodie at your core, food photography could be your next passion. Similarly, if you love weddings, wedding photography could be what makes your heart sing. Extroverts may also enjoy the interactive nature of portrait photography, whereas introverts may prefer still-life shots.
  

• Research the equipment needed: We’ll go into this in more detail in just a moment, but photography genres usually come with different equipment requirements for the best results. For example, having a telephoto lens is a must if you’d like to give wildlife photography a go.
  

• Learn as you go: When finding your photography style, it’s important to keep learning at every opportunity. At the FUJIFILM House of Photography School, we host everything from photography workshops and courses to photo walks and holidays throughout the year. Take a look at What’s On.

What are the different types of photography styles and genres?

As we’ve already mentioned, photography covers a huge range of genres, each requiring different approaches, techniques, and skills. To help you get the basics of each photography genre in one place, we’ve compiled a handy list below.

Portrait photography

Portrait photography focuses on capturing a subject’s personality, emotions, and identity through images.

• Key skills: Directing, understanding lighting techniques, and post-processing skills.
  

• • Applications: Personal branding, social media, family portraits, and professional headshots.
    

• • Equipment needed: Prime 50mm or 85mm lenses, DSLR or mirrorless camera, external flash, and a softbox or reflector.

To further your skills in this genre, take a look at our Introduction to Portrait Photography workshop, led by James Greenhalgh. Learn the art of engaging with your subjects, how to create a relaxing vibe, and how to use natural lighting to your advantage.

Sports photography

Sports photography is all about capturing subjects in action or taking behind-the-scenes shots to show the broader impact of sport within a local community.

• Key skills: Fast reflexes, sports knowledge, and the ability to anticipate rapid movement and photo opportunities.
  

• • Applications: Brand sponsorships, sporting events, and editorial.
    

• • Equipment needed: 200m+ telephoto lens, a camera with a fast shutter speed and burst mode functionality, and a tripod or monopod.

In the past, we’ve been lucky to run an Introduction to Sports Photography workshop — and we hope to host more in the near future. Run by Ben Keyes, an excellent freelance sports photographer, this workshop delved into how to capture the dynamism and drama of sport and offered insights into what the average sports photographer’s day looks like.

Wedding photography

Wedding photography includes a variety of sub-genres, including traditional, documentary, editorial, and vintage — ideal if you prefer versatility in your approaches. However, there are a few key features that remain across the board:

• Key skills: Adaptability, good communication, personability, strong composition skills, and the ability to work in challenging or limited lighting conditions.
  

• • Applications: Wedding albums, social media, and home decor like poster prints and canvases.
    

• • Equipment needed: Lots of backup storage, a mirrorless camera, prime and zoom lenses, and external flashes.

Our upcoming Wedding Photography on Location Masterclass with Scott Johnson is a full-day event covering everything from lighting techniques and guided practice to how to interact confidently with soon-to-be-married couples. The result? Stunning wedding pictures any photographer would be proud of. 

Food photography

Food photography is all about getting flavours, textures, and colours to jump off the page. It falls under the commercial photography genre, as many restaurants and chefs rely on food photographers to promote their work.

• Key skills: Composition knowledge, food styling skills, lighting knowledge, and editing skills.
  

• • Applications: Marketing, magazines, menus, and cookbooks.
    

• • Equipment needed: Macro lens, tripod, and a softbox or reflector.

If you’d like to learn how to make food look just as good on camera as it tastes, our Introduction to Food Photography is the perfect place to start. Led by Carl Hare, you can expect to learn plenty of techniques and skills as well as the opportunity to put what you’ve learned into practice during a practical session.

Wildlife photography

If you love everything about nature, wildlife photography focuses on documenting animals in their natural habitats. This genre is all about sharing the unique beauty of animals with the world in an effort to protect them.

• Key skills: Patience, the ability to work in remote locations, and long-distance shooting techniques.
  

• • Applications: Magazines, books, social media, and documentaries.
    

• • Equipment needed: 300mm+ super-telephoto lens, tripod, camouflage gear, and a camera with fast autofocus. 

Our Introduction to Seabird Photography, set in the Bempton Cliffs, is the perfect introduction to capturing wildlife on camera. Learn how to track and capture birds in flight, how to magnify using telephoto lenses, and how to use unconventional angles and perspectives to your advantage in this hands-on session.

Embrace different types of photography with FUJIFILM House of Photography

Remember — finding your photography style is a marathon, not a sprint. Take all the time you need to find out what brings you the most joy and satisfaction and keep learning at every opportunity as you go.

Need some inspiration? Take a look at our blogs for more photography advice and guidance, or visit us and chat with our friendly FUJIFILM specialists in Covent Garden.