Developing consistancy to your look. How?

[abarickman]

Hey all,

One thing I notice more and more about really good photographers is a level of consistency in their portfolio. I am not talking about images but in the way that they post process. I find that I am all over the place with my images. (Exhibit A my photostream -> Fluidr / AJBarickman's photos and videos) If you were to see them separately you would never guess that they were shot by the same person. I would like to develop a style for my PP, that I can vary from as needed, but is consistent.

I use Lightroom for 98% of my PP and I do edit each image to taste. I rarely use presets because I find that one or even a few rarely maximize the potential of a set of photos. I am sure that this methodology is why my images lack consistency.

Can anyone provide advice on how you have dealt with this issue?

[dakwegmo]

A lot of it has to do with marketing/branding. Pro photographers are good at distinguishing themselves from the competition, so they'll show the work that sets them apart. Even if they have a variety of styles, or are willing to do whatever a client asks, they aren't going to advertise the work that makes them look like everyone else.

If you take all of your landscape photos, or your portraits, or whatever and start grouping them together you'll probably see that similar themed shots have more of a consistent look than you realize.

[CiiVii]

If you study some of the best photographers what you will see is not a gimmick, but someone who has been successful in conveying what they see through their eyes.

[OsmosisStudios]

I dont have a particular style (I dont think, at least) but I will develop a particular shoot in a specific way to get an effect.

[PrimeTime]

Originally Posted by abarickman

Hey all,

One thing I notice more and more about really good photographers is a level of consistency in their portfolio. I am not talking about images but in the way that they post process. I find that I am all over the place with my images. (Exhibit A my photostream -> Fluidr / AJBarickman's photos and videos) If you were to see them separately you would never guess that they were shot by the same person. I would like to develop a style for my PP, that I can vary from as needed, but is consistent.

I use Lightroom for 98% of my PP and I do edit each image to taste. I rarely use presets because I find that one or even a few rarely maximize the potential of a set of photos. I am sure that this methodology is why my images lack consistency.

Can anyone provide advice on how you have dealt with this issue?

How are you editing your photos? Consistency requires a workflow. How can you be consistent if you don't follow a workflow every time.

Unless you're shooting manual WB, that is the first thing that needs adjusted. A neutral WB will have the right side of the histogram even for all three color channels.(RGB) Most people don't like a neautral WB, but a little on the warm side, so you will have to develop an eye for it. I like to start with neutral and then go from there. I usually go with what looks the best, not neutral, but at least i have a consistent starting point.

Next i always adjust levels. With LR you would use the exposure and blacks sliders. The gama is close to the fill light and recovery sliders.

Next i adjust curves.

Next , small scale contrast-------clarity slider on LR

Those are a few things EVERY image needs.

After that , you have to step back and look at the image to see what else needs fixed. Does it need some contrast if so, on the whole image or just a small part. Move the slider and see if different areas need different amounts or if one amount on the whole image is ok. What about saturation or vibrance, graduated filter on the sky, what ever is needed, fix them one at a time.

Last is sharpening and any areas that need extra sharpening.

Do everything in the same order every time and you will become more consistent.

[LeeR]

In the highly competitive world of photography a lot of photographers work hard to develop a recognizable 'style.' This is a double edge sword. If your style catches on you may find not only that art directors are demanding the 'Barickman style' but other photographers are doing their best to imitate it. However, it can also cubbyhole you into something you have grown out of and no longer wish to pursue. For these reasons I encourage phothgraphers not to waste too much time pursuing a recognizable style. Keep your options open.
Having said that, I think there is a Barickman style beginning to develop if your website is any indication. This is OK. Just do your best to to keep your style as broad as possible.

[abarickman]

Originally Posted by dakwegmo

A lot of it has to do with marketing/branding. Pro photographers are good at distinguishing themselves from the competition, so they'll show the work that sets them apart. Even if they have a variety of styles, or are willing to do whatever a client asks, they aren't going to advertise the work that makes them look like everyone else.

If you take all of your landscape photos, or your portraits, or whatever and start grouping them together you'll probably see that similar themed shots have more of a consistent look than you realize.

I think that you are right. If I were to shoot all landscape or all studio or all portrait developing a consistent style would be easier.

Originally Posted by CiiVii

If you study some of the best photographers what you will see is not a gimmick, but someone who has been successful in conveying what they see through their eyes.

I agree good photography is no gimmick. I am not looking for the gimmick just some tips on having my PP be more even and consistent. I know that garbage in - garbage out is true. If I don't start with good material no PP is going to save it.

Originally Posted by PrimeTime

How are you editing your photos? Consistency requires a workflow. How can you be consistent if you don't follow a workflow every time.

Unless you're shooting manual WB, that is the first thing that needs adjusted. A neutral WB will have the right side of the histogram even for all three color channels.(RGB) Most people don't like a neautral WB, but a little on the warm side, so you will have to develop an eye for it. I like to start with neutral and then go from there. I usually go with what looks the best, not neutral, but at least i have a consistent starting point.

Next i always adjust levels. With LR you would use the exposure and blacks sliders. The gama is close to the fill light and recovery sliders.

Next i adjust curves.

Next , small scale contrast-------clarity slider on LR

Those are a few things EVERY image needs.

After that , you have to step back and look at the image to see what else needs fixed. Does it need some contrast if so, on the whole image or just a small part. Move the slider and see if different areas need different amounts or if one amount on the whole image is ok. What about saturation or vibrance, graduated filter on the sky, what ever is needed, fix them one at a time.

Last is sharpening and any areas that need extra sharpening.

Do everything in the same order every time and you will become more consistent.

I do have a very consistent workflow in Lightroom. I work top to bottom in the develop module. It follow very closely with what you have outlined above. WB is a good point though as I do struggle with it at times. Carrying a grey card or getting an expo disc I think would help me start with a more consistent starting point. Thanks.

Originally Posted by LeeR

In the highly competitive world of photography a lot of photographers work hard to develop a recognizable 'style.' This is a double edge sword. If your style catches on you may find not only that art directors are demanding the 'Barickman style' but other photographers are doing their best to imitate it. However, it can also cubbyhole you into something you have grown out of and no longer wish to pursue. For these reasons I encourage phothgraphers not to waste too much time pursuing a recognizable style. Keep your options open.
Having said that, I think there is a Barickman style beginning to develop if your website is any indication. This is OK. Just do your best to to keep your style as broad as possible.

Thanks Lee. I feel like right now I just want to explore different PP techniques and get moderately good at them so that I can apply the right tool to the right job. Once I become more comfortable I want to narrow down the styles (ie. Split toning, textures, desaturated etc) I use so that as a whole my photography is more consistent.

Thanks all and If anyone has any other ideas I would love to hear them.