What is your photography style?
Every time we open our email, look at our phones, watch our favorite show, or even open our mailbox we are inundated with compelling images. If you’re a visual person like me, certain images always stick in your mind. The simple fact that you are here reading my blog post means you saw something that drew you in to scroll through my website or Instagram.
Images are important! So, what are you drawn to? What inspires and gets you excited?
So, what’s your style?
Have you ever heard a photographer describe their work as “dark and moody” or “light and airy”? Now, these are not the only two styles that are out there, but they are two main styles that I photograph in. Since moving into the studio with control over my lighting, I like to think that I can love and can photograph both!
Which type are you more drawn to? I definitely love mixing it up during my shoots, but I do love knowing what your main goal is when you come into the studio.
Dark and Moody
“Dark and Moody” is exactly what it sounds like. This style uses shadows and contrast, a darker exposure, warmer tones, and often a dark backdrop to create emotion and drama in a photo. It can also be used well in a black and white image to emote feelings of strength and mystery. When I photograph a dark and moody look in the studio, I typically use my black and grey backdrops.
I have always LOVED this style of photography! I love the feeling I get when I look at an image with darker tones. It’s almost like my eyes are given a little respite from light and I can pause a little longer within the feeling of the photo.
But dark and moody doesn’t always have to be serious! Nope! I’ve photographed plenty of kids and families that just love the tone of black and grey but still want their photos to be happy and joyful. It is all up to you!
Here are a couple of examples of dark and moody with both serious and happy moods:
Light & Airy
A “Light and Airy” style errs on the side of brighter light, softer edges, less vibrant and saturated and more pastel, and is often emulated by film and fine art photography. Since moving into the studio, I have created a unique way to photograph with my flashes that achieve this look. Here are a couple of examples:
Black & White vs Color
When I imagine black and white images, I think of classic and timeless. To me, it doesn’t get more perfect than looking back at photos from 100 years ago and seeing similar expressions and emotions to the photos that I capture now.
One of my favorite things about black and white tones is that everything matches and seems seamless. Textures pop and the simplicity of the two tones keeps your eye focused on the subject.
Here are a couple of photos that I’ve taken throughout the years that I feel can go either color or black and white and still be just as good and beautiful…
