I admit. When I first started this journey into photography, I was an imitator. I would see a picture on the internet and then spend 30 minutes searching for how to recreate that processing, the lighting, the “style”. Is that wrong? I don’t believe so. Had I continued copying these other photographers, than yes, I believe it is wrong. What did it teach me? It helped to teach me how to utilize the equipment and programs I already owned. It taught me how to dig deeper into my creative process. It taught me what I liked and what I didn’t like, and, admittedly, it gave me a bit of gear lust but that's another topic.

I truly believe it’s important to develop your own style. My goal as a photographer is to have someone look at my portfolio, and immediately recognize my style. Early on my editing would be all over the place. Black and whites, sepia, high contrast, vintage, spot color (eek!) all in one shoot.  I wasn’t unique. I was trying to be everyone! I consider it a stepping stone to my current taste in post processing. Most of my fellow photography buddies can recognize my style in black and whites. I truly take that as a compliment.

They say “Imitation is the highest form of flattery”. Imitating was important to my development but to truly stand out, I have to develop my own style. Take a look and compare any 2 famous photographers. Ansel Adams had a distinct look which is totally different from someone like David Muench. Same goes with Joey L and Jeremy Cowart. No one will ever confuse me with those guys but that should be my goal. Take what I learn from them and turn it into something my own.

In terms of service, the best thing for me to do right now is to be different than everyone else in my area. What can I offer that no one else is doing for the families and clients here? I’m hoping those are the same questions people ask when looking for a photographer. The look of my photos may not be for everyone but at the very least, I’m offering an alternative as I work my was out of the box.