My Photo Style

There are many things that inspire us to keep taking photos. One of them is our shooting style. I didn’t know I had one until I received the latest assignment from Kat’s Find Your Eye: Journey Of Inspiration. It makes sense that how comfortable we are with our camera influences our photography.

I travel fairly light. I carry a small bag, camera, spare battery, extra memory card, cleaning tools, notebook and pen. Although I have a large photo bag and two extra lens, I rarely take them with me. I have a tripod, but to me it’s just annoying…adjust this, make legs longer, adjust that, swivel this…too much trouble. I’m disappointed in that, I’ve found that I’m too shaky to hand-hold the camera with the zoom or the macro lens. I do keep practicing at home, maybe it will get easier!

I’m a morning person, which is a good thing since I love the soft morning light. I prefer outside light, but I do have a north facing window that gets fairly good light. As I look at images from others and even some of my own, I realize how important light is to a lovely photo.

I love being outside, so it's no surprise that my best photography is of nature. Many of my pictures are taken on our property and in the neighboring woods. But, also love to go to parks and gardens.

I love to just carry my camera. I rarely leave home without it any more. But, I’m equally excited about photo excursions. I find I get excited when I’m making a special trip just to take photos or when I’m out looking for a shot to fulfill a photo prompt. I give thanks to Kat for this!! She is the one that pushed me out of my comfort zone and into seeking new and wonderful places to take pictures.

I haven’t really settled on a style regarding what I like to photograph. I enjoy documenting everyday moments, family events such as birthdays, Christmas and outings with our grandchildren. I enjoy grabbing my camera and just going for a walk and I enjoy photographing with intention. Photo prompts and link-up groups are fun and keeps me looking for new things and fresh ideas. They also give me a chance to see other photographer's images. I enjoy trying to recreate the ones I really like. The image above is an example of being inspired by another’s work. I contacted her and she graciously explained how she achieved the shot. Then I gave it a try! Trying to recreate an image I like is a great learning tool.

I began my journey with a point and shoot and I still use it. It’s small and easy to tuck in my purse and takes pretty good macro shots. When I bought my first dSLR camera I started in auto and then began to learn manual. I find that with my grandchildren it’s always on auto. I don’t want to miss a moment just because I’m adjusting the camera settings. In my nature photography I go both ways right now. Most of the time I let the camera do the work. I use the auto+ and program mode a lot, because they give me more options. I also like to use the scene selection for landscape, sunset and macro. I am working on manual and practice using it on my excursions. If I had to pick between manual and auto right now, I would probably chose auto. At this point, the camera knows a whole lot more than I do!!

I’m usually alone when I’m taking pictures. Not necessarily by choice, I don’t know anyone nearby that has the same interest. If I’m with someone who doesn’t understand my photography, I feel uncomfortable and even embarrassed. I feel like others think I’m silly or weird! I also feel rushed since I hate to have someone waiting on me. Being with others with a like passion is fun. My sister and I have taken several photo days when we have a chance to be together.

All of these things combined are “my style”. When I’m being me and doing things in a way I enjoy, I’m the most comfortable and take photos that I love. As I learn more and grow my style may change. Who knows what may appeal to me further down the road of my journey.