We’ve all had that moment when we’re scrolling on Instagram and BAM! We see a “Sam Hurd” or a “Justin & Mary” photograph before we even read the username. How do some people have such iconic styles? And how can I have one, too!?

Unfortunately, like all great things from wine to cheese to dating,

it gets better with age. 

However, you can start the process of discovering your style now. With thousands of photographs being passed through our overwhelmed brains every day, it’s hard to know where to start. The key is – start with yourself. Someone else’s style is not yours, no matter how much you wish it could be. Comparison is the thief of joy, folks… so focus on YOU and how YOUR pictures are unique, and push that!

Shoot all the time.

Pick up the camera and shoot, shoot, shoot! As you review your images weekly, monthly, and yearly, trends will begin to emerge. Maybe you highlight architecture more than nature on portrait shoots. Maybe you incorporate props. Maybe you like shooting at golden hour in the sun versus darker, moody images indoors. Shoot what you like, and shoot it often.

The other side of the key is consistency, in shooting and editing. No, this doesn’t mean you have to operate like a factory. Go out and explore! Fail! Push the envelope! Experiment! Fall flat on your face!

Consistency does not equal monotony.

However, if you’re consistent in using a specific type of lighting, and editing with a similar set of presets, your images, regardless of the subject will have your “signature style” on them.

Styles develop slowly over time, and constantly evolve and improve. If you shoot what you love often, and edit your photos in a consistent way, you’re on the fast track to developing your own style!