I’m sure we’re not alone in thoughts that ‘doing’ or ‘creating’ for our business right now feels a little bit more tricky. If like us, you started the year out making plans, however big or small, it would be completely natural to feel as though you have had the wind knocked out of your sails. When there is so much uncertainty and unease around, when you’re juggling all the things in one place, we both know and understand that at times, everything can feel hopeless. But what if we could shift our perspective a little bit?

I know a lot of you may be feeling the frustration of not being able to shoot at the moment. You may not have the people to work with, the space, time, funds or health you once had to work, but could you use what ever available time you have to do the things for your business that you wouldn’t have given yourself time for before this?

Now more than ever we are forced to look at everything from a different perspective. Our thoughts may be lingering more and with each day, there are moments we can use to create and strengthen our businesses.

Why not take this time to build a community around you of the people you want to SEE you and your work! In these physically disconnected times, humans need human interaction for comfort and relief more than ever and you and your camera are the perfect tools to create that community, connection and understanding.

Spending time really focussing in on what it is that drives you in life, what your passions are, what gets you up everyday- are the things you need to work on and share right now. There is no right or wrong, it’s a period of learning and of growth. When do we ever give ourselves these opportunities to slow and really consider this ordinarily? When do we allow for real connection with the things that are important to us?

When we talk about how to find your own style, It’s about finding something within you, that drives your photography. Something that you will come back to time and time again, adapting and navigating it along with your own changes and development. Photography is one of those magical arts that allows for diversity, it’s malleable and can go on every journey with you, so why not use any time you have right now to try and figure out what it is that you love to photograph and how you want to do it.

Here are a few projects you could try to release your individual photography style. The key here is not just to imagine them, plan them and then forget, use this time to propel yourself forwards. Create and share.

Step one
Choose just ten images on pinterest that make you feel something. This may sound simple but once you get on a roll, choosing just ten can be quite a challenge. Don’t choose them as they will necessarily look good together, but choose them because your gut tells you there’s something special in there. That photograph made you feel something. Next step is to really look at your chosen ten. What is it in them that bowls you over? is it the content? the way it’s shot? the light? the editing style? the mood? are they soft? sharp? bold? muted. or warm? Write down all of the words that come to mind when you look at each photograph. When you have all of your words, choose just 5 keywords which resonate in most of the photographs. These will be your five words, these will be the five things you look for to shoot, each and every time you pick up the camera. Carry these words around with you everyday, See them, feel them, photograph them. In what ever context they appear to you.

Step two
If there was a particular subject, or concept that came up a few times in your choice of ten photographs, shoot it. Single one subject out, focus in on it and really think about how you could tell a story around it. Why does it matter to you? What is it about this subject that lights you up? how would you like to photograph it? Use your 5 keywords to shoot your one subject with these in mind. Take your time, don’t rush. How would you go about creating that similar style? what is it you are trying to say with your photograph?

Step three
Look back at your ten and see if you can recognise a style you would like to try to edit in. It may well be different from what you are doing now, that’s ok, let things flow for awhile. You never know where this may lead you! Try an edit in the style that feels right for you. If you have seen another photographer in the past and like their editing style, why not see if you can pick up one of their presets and try it out with a few tweaks of your own. Or if you are more familiar with editing, try starting out a new, making small adjustments as you go. Editing can be hugely mind numbing if you have to edit 1000’s but for these, allow yourself some creative space to learn and experiment.

Step four
Create a blog post or grid post with them all. You can use something like Blogstomp, or narrative or even adobe spark to put together a collection for your website, or if that’s too much, try putting them together in a carosel for instagram. Be open about your project, talk about how you created these photographs and what they mean to you. Now is the time to be open and honest and connect with your perfect community. You may feel as though all they want to see is your paid work, but what they really want to see is HOW you work. People want to see how you connect with your subjects in your own special way.

Step 5
Repeat, repeat, repeat. Limiting your options in this process will help you to really hone in on your individual style. Try different subjects but with those same words in mind. Keep things simple but continue to create from the same place.

Finding your style is more about connecting with yourself and your gut instincts that anything else. There has to be a feeling that drives you, a subject that lights you up and a reason for picking your camera up each day and carrying on!

These were shot with a Minolta x700 and Canon EOS 5.

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