Particular style vs versatility

Holly Alexander said

JPea I suppose but even people collaborating as a hobby there does need to be a reason to want to work with someone

Edited by Holly Alexander

Yes, but surely that could be as much about versatility as a particular style?

I’ve never intended to have a style. However I’m aware that I have a bunch of consistent things I do (try to do), which, for good or bad, probably result in a fairly consistent output. If the output is fairly constant, is that a ‘style’?

An alternative and simpler view is that I don’t have the imagination, drive or skill to consistently try to change what I do.

I don’t shoot model portraits for money so my port shows a bit of versatility. Just so models know I can shoot different stuff for the odd tfp I do. I do definitely lean more towards black and white photography though.

The pet photography I shoot which helps to fund my kit and booking shoots with models is very consistent and I think that’s why people book me. Speaking to a couple of pretty successful commercial photographers they all seem to have a style within their niche and that’s what the agents and creative directors are looking for.

I tend to view it on how I view people who have the right appearance to book on paper and where they sit within the two extremes:

1. There are models who appear on the face of it to offer a particular product or style and are more likely to offer a brand so that they control how they are portrayed or accept that is what they are mainly booked for and are possibly going to be viewing modelling as "performance" that photographers can book.
2. There are models who have quite a few different styles, some they appear to shoot regularly and seem willing to portray a complex or multi faceted persona and would appear far more likely to view modelling as "acting" when the opportunity arises.

I personally won't shoot with models who fit in group 1. I am looking for models who sit firmly in group 2 even if they don't appear to know it!

For my own port, I do not associate myself with any of the favoured genres or styles so deliberately avoid posting too many images that may indicate I may be in any way traditional. I do post examples of the flavour I am looking for to both attract the people who may find it interesting and to put off the ones who want me to be something else.

It doesn't always work as some people who should be amazing to work with just are not and some people who on face value may not appear to be ideal just have that something that makes them far more valuable. I never stop learning and hope that continues

Edited by Gerry99111

There are a number of photographers on here on just seeing the thumbnail you know whose work it is.

Although not notch work I'm starting to see it as just a production line.  Same background, same position in frame, some lighting, same processing, same mono processing/muted colour palette, same fake grain (that describes several I can think of) and a bit dull.  Bingo, another FPI ;)

Now there are a couple on here I can identify, but they continue to change things up and seem to be improving and bringing new things to every shot.  These are the photographers who I look forward to seeing.  A style, but a creative style.

I tend to go through phases, I try something new a few times, then move on.  My main style is I shoot too many eyes looking at the camera portraits.  But that's what I like, and I tend to shoot for me.

Andy McG 100% agree

Creativity is about exploring new ideas techniques and stepping out of the comfy slippers

Holly Alexander said

Just an open discussion, no right or wrong, interested in people's thoughts on it.

For different kinds of creatives, is it more important to have a particular style or to show versatility?

I find that personally I like to show versatility as a model, however, I do notice that some of the most popular models do show a particular 'look'. Perhaps that is a main selling point?

Not just models, I'm interested in how people perceive photographers, MUAs and other creatives and what is best to display in a portfolio hosting site such as this.

Depends who you're showing it to. If it's prospective clients (so model showing me as a photographer) I can think of cases where I've booked a model because she does a particular look really well, and I've booked others because they are so versatile. The same I imagine if someone is booking a photographer. 

Does one look well, people say "one trick pony", does lots "jack of all trades master of none" so I don't think there's a winning answer, but you can make versatility your selling point just as much as that look. Given a choice I'd rather be the person went to for multiple things done well, than one thing done brilliantly.  

I like to do my own thing with others who wish to collaborate to that end. I avoid events, group shoots or similar concepts having dispensed with that many yrs ago. You just can't do what you want to do in that environment, and there's nothing worse than the uninspired jumping in and snapping the look you've just put together, copying and diluting your effort. I like a one to one like minded soul to shoot with and some creativity.

Styling and variety is key, and TF my preferred method because it incorporates input, essential for the results I'm after and the whole reason I do this....pleasure.

I don't mind controlled light studio or location, I like to shoot with same people regularly who can express themselves, attitude is very important. It can be difficult finding suitable people who share the same vision....I just crack on when I can.

Model wise, it depends on the idea and style, not all ideas or styles would sit well on an equal basis.

Shallow I know but it’s all about the ‘look’.

Holly Alexander said

I find that personally I like to show versatility as a model, however, I do notice that some of the most popular models do show a particular 'look'. Perhaps that is a main selling point?

Not just models, I'm interested in how people perceive photographers, MUAs and other creatives and what is best to display in a portfolio hosting site such as this.

If a model only shows one style, I'm not likely to want to work with them unless it's for exactly that style. Specializing, but showing a range is far more effective in terms of catching my eye, while a model who is entirely chameleonesque is my usual first choice. But I usually start with a concept or idea and try to find the best model(s) for that theme, which isn't how everyone works.

As far as i have a style it is a combination of preferences (female models, a lot of skin) and limitations (little styling, small studio, a certain way of processing). As long as i have good time shooting and no pressure on delivering results i am happy :)

Particular style. It gives more standout shots in my opinion

Andy McG the production line point is true. You know how bad they actually are when they try something new. It's not up to the same standards but they barely do so are looked at as amazing. What I've enjoyed in my photography is trying different styles and putting myself in different environments.

I would go for versatility over style because there's only so much you can do with style.

As a photographer you have to learn to strike a balance , no matter how many times people throw around this idea that all models are actors it's not true. You learn when shooting that some models actually can't take direction or get frustrated at the thought of it. They're stuck in their style and think it's fantastic.

So you have to work with what you have in front of you. If you come across a model who happens to be bad at directions throwing more similar directions at her will make the shoot worse.

Sometimes you let them be and what you were looking for will come out eventually as the shoot goes forward. You want a relaxed model not stiff.

Andy McG 100% agree Andy.

I look forward to seeing different styles and techniques on here and some wonderful creative work very often from creatives who just don’t get the credit they deserve.

Not here to view a copy and paste formula, which gets very boring, very quickly for me.

Although I know some like it so each to their own I guess!

Substance and creativity over a strict style and a safe technical approach for me every time.