Particular style vs versatility

I can see both sides of the coin.

A photographer who produces images in a certain style will be attractive to models who like that style, as they know what they're going to get. Same if you were hiring a wedding photographer - most likely you'd pick one based on liking their style, and be upset if you got something completely different!

As my shoots tend to be in a variety of places, my portfolio here demonstrates some level of versatility* although I probably make similar processing choices across different shoots.

It's one reason I'm not really into shooting in studios - too easy to fall into the trap of a reliable lighting setup and every shot looking the same. I enjoy the challenge of using whatever light I'm presented with.

* Others may say it's just a mess 😁

jmbphoto love your port, not a mess in my eyes and it shows great variety and each image feels more real to me.

I have the same ethos as you re studio work not being for me either and prefer the challenge of finding the light most of the time.

It is all subjective to individuals and the world would be a boring place if we all did the same thing!

Edited by One Bright Spark

Love everyone's responses! It's true as I said in the original post that there is no right or wrong, just what works for you. But I've enjoyed hearing people's views

I think it depends on what you are after :)

For photographers looking for TF, it appears that a consistent style of images helps

If I was looking to book tuition then it would be from someone who can demonstrate consistency and quality in what I want to learn

As a hobbyist who enjoys trying different styles / ideas, and who only occasionally does TF shoots, I want my portfolio to reflect who I am as a photographer - that way models will hopefully understand that it will be varied (and hopefully a decent standard)

When looking for models, I normally have an idea / ideas in mind, so I am looking for someone who can help me meet that idea.  These shoots are normally 4-6 hours long, so I usually find the best models for these shoots are the ones who display versatility.  

That said, if my ideas match a model who shoots a particular style and then I will obviously consider them, but I need to feel they can do more than their stock poses, as 4-6 hours is too long for lots of repetition 

For commercial work: having an identifiable style and skill set is soo important.

For anything else: do what brings you joy.

I have a short attention span, so I rarely do the same thing for long, I like to mess about and experiment...

I think versatility is important unless you specialise in a specific style.
If I am looking at a model portfolio, I'm probably looking for a specific style that interests me at the time, but I like to see versatility, too, I know I seem like I am contradicting my own opinion, probably because I am. 

Holly Alexander it's been a good thread - thanks for starting it. :)