Do I have a shooting style?

Today I'm thinking about how I take photographs, or what Kat calls my shooting style.  For me the equipment part is pretty simple as I just use my Canon G12 which fits into a little black purse that I carry with me everywhere.  No additional lenses, bags or tripod.  This make it pretty easy for me to capture things I see while out and about.  There's a part of me that would like to try using different lenses and filters but I think I need a lot more time just using the camera I have before stepping over that threshold.

I'm still learning to use the modes of this camera and I usually shoot in the program mode or the aperture priority mode because I often use the macro setting and like to have the background out of focus.  Also I am more and more using exposure compensation and the histogram.  I'm beginning to push myself to do more experimenting with camera modes, depending on the situation.

I love natural light, especially the late afternoon and evening sun.  I'm very fond of things that are back-lit, especially flowers and growing things.  I'm also drawn to long shadows and spots of brilliant colour.
That's not to say I don't also like monochromatic views and rainy days.  (The three photos here were taken after a heavy rain in my back yard.)




Pretty well all aspects of natural light are inspiring to me.   My response to light is intuitive.  I've always been aware of colours and shadows and glowing light and I love to attempt to capture it with my camera.  There's still a lot to learn here.


As for location, the world around me is what inspires me, whether I'm walking to the library or exploring a Mexican village.  I find I'm often more excited when I'm in a new place, but if the light is glowing on a tree outside the grocery store I'll be inspired too.  Although I'll bring my camera to a party and take a few photos, these are not what get my photographic juices going.

I usually bring my camera with me everywhere I go--and sometimes I'll even use it to take a photograph or two.  But my preference is to take some time alone to go out alone with my camera and really explore a subject in more detail.  Often when I'm with another person  feel constrained or hurried and just end up grabbing a couple of shots when I know there is much more to be explored.  I think that for me to develop my photography I need to be more deliberate about this.  If I create the time I can do the experimenting with settings get into the deeper meditative flow with my subject.  Also to really study and learn about light and exposures and focal length by doing it consciously.