Style:
Many years ago I played in bands and subsequently spent much of my time with others who did likewise. One late evening I was having drinks with a much older fellow musician after a long run of performances. Our topic of discussion was the validity of style in music. He said something to me so unforgettable that it has stuck with me since. He said, "It's not music unless you can play it acoustically." The statement was unforgettable because it was entirely disingenuous and quite frankly wrong. Some may disagree. But I contend that any attempt at art, regardless of the medium, should never be considered "not art". It is only different.
In my mind, the truth is that it's a matter of style, not validity. Style is a very essential part of a photographer's abilities. Arguably, it's the most important part. It's what sets you apart and makes you identifiable. Without style you're just white noise. However, there are degrees of style. Some people are young in their style while others are more mature, having nothing to do with age or years of experience.
How do you obtain and then mature your style? By working, working, working. When you're done working you work some more. And just when you feel you've found your style, it will be time to reinvent yourself, to start the process all over again. All the classes, organization events, and what not are helpful, but they won't show you your style as a photographer. The best tool for maturing in style is to work at it. Dig in, compare your work with those you admire. Try recreating light patterns, angles of view, and the composition of work that gets you excited about the medium. Ask yourself after every project, "Is this good enough?" If you're really honest with yourself, and I mean really honest, your answer will be no. Tear it apart to find out why. How could you have made it better? What can you change? Remember that you're doing this because it's part of who you are. That's what art is, an expressed extension of you.
By: Zac Seewald - photographer
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