What's the Trademark of a Photographer

Right off the bat

If I showed you a photo from one of your favourite photographers,

could you guess what camera or lens they used?

Probably not.

But you’d still recognise their work.

So what makes it stand out?

Is it the camera?

The laptop they edit on?

The expensive gear they have access to?

No.

It’s their knowledge. Their style.

That’s the trademark of a photographer.

I can count numerous photographers who can take incredible images with an old camera.

Some of the best shots I’ve seen weren’t taken on the latest mirrorless setup with the sharpest lens.

They were captured by someone who knew exactly how to use what they had.

Because at the end of the day, creativity is what sets you apart.

And the only way to develop that creativity?

You have to get out and shoot.

Here are a few things you can learn to stand out

📸 Mastering Composition. The way you frame a shot says more than the camera you use. Play with angles, symmetry, and negative space. Make something ordinary look interesting.

🚀 Capturing Motion. Movement adds life. Try panning with a subject, slowing your shutter for motion blur, or freezing a split-second moment that tells a story.

🎨 Developing a Unique Editing Style. Lightroom isn’t just about making a photo look better, it’s about making it yours. Lean into colours, contrast, and tones that reflect your vision.

But you won’t learn what you gravitate towards to, if you don’t try.

The more you shoot, the more these things become second nature.

I’ve had people send me their edits, saying, “I edited this photo like yours.” Others have messaged me, saying, “Your work reminded me of photographer.”

That means something of mine stuck.

My photos, my edits, they’re recognisable.

That’s a trademark I have.

And you’ll build yours too.

But it won’t happen scrolling through Instagram, and wishing you had better gear or more exciting locations to photograph, or comparing yourself.

It happens when you pick up your camera and start shooting.

Anywhere, anytime, with whatever you have.

So if you’re feeling stuck, uninspired, or unsure where to start, just remember to start messy, and learn from your mistakes.

Your trademark isn’t built overnight.

It’s built in the hours no one sees.

In the shots no one notices.

In the moments where you push through self doubt and create something anyway.