What is my photographic style? This is a question that often arises in discussion among photographers, although it is perhaps even more common within nature photographers as they seek to better understand their own work and the motivations behind it. It has been said that a photographer does not decide upon a style; it discovers you. This is a topic upon which I have devoted some thought as of late. What have I learned?
– I most enjoy nature photography when it extends my interaction with the natural environment, whether by focusing my attention, keeping my longer in the field, or showing me things I missed as I review the frames.
– I am a believer in the importance of previsualization, but have found that my passion wanes when I go out to capture shots to check off a list instead of going out to interact with the natural world and ideally returning with photographs resultant of that experience.
– I love the technology.
– As a friend and fellow photog pointed out last year, I tend to view the environment (or at least compose my shots) in a very geometric manner.
– Ultimately, my passion to observe nature with gratitude, awe, and study guides my developing style. I do not think the awe can be ignored.