Aesthetics

Although it makes sense to be versatile, and to have a selection of photographic styles in my portfolio, most photographers tend to have a signature ‘aesthetic’.

For me, that’s always been a moody look. I’d prefer darker, more atmospheric images. I don’t really go for ‘sunny day’ photography; the light’s too harsh, the colours too bright. I like softer shadows and subtle contrast, smokiness and a suggestion of the ethereal. If that means adjusting things during the editing process, so be it (converting a photograph to black and white can rescue it from ‘too much’ to something far more nuanced).

And as a natural light photographer I often notice the way light hits subjects. Anything that gleams comes alive when illuminated against a shadowy backdrop.

I love scrolling through Instagram and Pinterest for inspiration; it’s a given that my eye will be immediately caught by anything moody, mysterious or occasionally gloomy.

This can go further still: I realise I have go-to colour palettes and favourite photographic subjects.

There’s no conscious thought or consideration about it. Purely instinctive, using visual platforms such as these has proven invaluable in determining my personal aesthetic. And yes, I do have a substantial collection of ‘light and airy’ images in my archives and portfolio - being a one trick pony is pretty limiting - but it’s important to have a strong identity, a recognisable style.

Something else to reflect on is influences and interests. Mine is a long list, but to name just a few:

• Nature (particularly forest and moorland landscapes)

• Folklore

• The seasons (my favourites are autumn and winter)

• Decay and abandoned places

• All things botanical, from flowers to fungi

• Stories from domestic life.

Specific subjects I enjoy capturing include windows and reflections, weathered surfaces, signs, doors and gateposts. Also: books, spider webs, seed heads, and little details from which a whole narrative can be brought into being without the need for words.

Blending all of this together - a moody feel, a particular palette, certain subjects (along with my preferred styles of composition) - results in my own personal aesthetic, my ‘look’. The process of finding your own is fun and sometimes surprising. And it kind of justifies scrolling through Instagram and Pinterest for extended periods of time. It’s what we like to call ‘research’.