Finding your own voice as a photographer and film-maker
As photographers and film-makers we return again and again to the question of influence. Who shapes the way we see the world? What determines our aesthetic decisions? And in the end: how do we find the balance between learning from others and developing a voice entirely our own?
What does it mean to be influenced?
Influence is, at heart, a natural and often unconscious part of the creative process. From the first moments of our artistic journey we are shaped by the images we consume, the mentors we admire and the social contexts we live in. Being influenced is neither inherently good nor bad, but it is a force we need to be aware of.
In the beginning, influence usually shows itself as imitation. You might study the work of masters such as Ansel Adams for landscape, or Gordon Parks for narrative photography. As a film-maker you might look to Wes Anderson for composition, or Christopher Nolan for complex narrative structures. At this stage copying is not only normal, it is necessary. It is how we learn the rules before we break them.
But influence does not come only from the great names. It is also embedded deep in our culture. Trends on social media, viral videos and the pressure to produce what sells well can all pull at our creative compass. Becoming aware of these influences is the first step towards understanding the part they play in our own development.
When is it time to break away?
Every artist reaches the point at which imitation alone is no longer enough. Perhaps you notice that your work feels too much like an echo of someone else, or you sense that your creative self is asking for something more personal. That is the moment you begin to develop a style of your own.
Finding a distinct voice does not happen overnight. It takes experiment, failure and, above all, patience. Allow yourself to try new things. Mix elements of your influences with ideas of your own. Combine techniques in unconventional ways. It is in that chaotic, imperfect process that your style begins to take shape.
The challenges of developing a style of your own
Breaking away from outside influences and taking your own path brings its difficulties. One of the biggest is self-doubt. When you step out of the shadow of established artists you may well ask whether your work is good enough. That is entirely normal. Growth often feels uncomfortable.
Another challenge is the pull of trends. In a world governed by likes, shares and algorithms it is tempting to produce only what happens to be popular. There is nothing wrong with knowing the trends, but work that means something over the long term requires authenticity. Ask yourself: am I making this because it genuinely moves me, or because I think it is what others want to see?
The role of influence in your own voice
Ironically, the influences you started with never quite disappear. Instead they become part of the foundation of your work. The key is to turn those influences into something personal.
If you admire the minimalism of modern architecture, for example, you can use it as a starting point for exploring your own ideas about space and light. If the strong colours of travel photography fascinate you, find ways to connect those colours with the emotions or the stories that matter to you.
Influence need not be a cage. It can be a springboard.
Advice for emerging artists
- Use influence as a learning tool. In the beginning, do not be afraid to copy. It helps you master technical and conceptual skills.
- Reflect on what genuinely moves you. Pay attention to which aspects of other people’s work speak to you most — the colour, the storytelling or the composition. That will help you recognise your own preferences.
- Experiment without limits. Try new techniques, even when they feel unfamiliar. The more you try, the closer you come to a style that is yours.
- Stay true to yourself. Trends come and go, but authenticity remains. Concentrate on making work that genuinely means something to you, rather than on seeking outside approval.
- Trust the process. Finding your own voice takes time. Give yourself that time. Every picture, every project, every failure brings you closer to the artist you are meant to be.
The beauty of influence
In the end, influence is not a force to be feared but a tool to be used consciously. It is the starting point, not the destination. By acknowledging the part influence plays in your journey and working with it deliberately, you can make work that is not only inspired but inspiring.
As artists our ultimate aim is not simply to imitate the world, but to add something to it. Something only we can make.
