The Photographer's Paradox: Loving a Style You Don't Shoot

In the world of photography, it's fascinating how our personal tastes can diverge from the styles we create.

3 min readPhotography

Our Take: The Photographer's Paradox

In the vibrant tapestry of creative expression, it's not uncommon to find artists who navigate a fascinating dichotomy: a deep appreciation for a particular aesthetic that diverges from the very style they master and deliver. This sentiment, explored with candid authenticity by a fellow creative, resonates deeply within our own philosophy. The journey of artistic practice often involves honing a craft, developing a signature style that consistently delights clients and builds a reputation. Yet, the heart can often harbor a quiet admiration for a different cadence, a contrasting visual language that speaks to a personal, perhaps more intimate, creative yearning. This isn't a sign of inconsistency, but rather a testament to the expansive nature of artistic appreciation and the multifaceted desires that fuel our creative souls.

The allure of film photography, with its inherent texture, nuanced grain, and the captivating unpredictability of its results, presents a powerful draw for many. It evokes a sense of timelessness, a tangible connection to the past, and an almost painterly quality that digital mediums often strive to emulate. For a photographer skilled in the precise control and immediate feedback of digital, the embrace of film can represent a deliberate step into a less predictable, more challenging, yet profoundly rewarding artistic space. The "hypocrisy" felt is, in truth, a beautiful tension – the understanding of one’s current strengths and the aspirational pull towards a different form of expression. It speaks to a cultivated eye that recognizes and values diverse artistic approaches, even if one’s primary output leans towards a more familiar, albeit equally impressive, domain.

This exploration is a reminder that true artistry lies not only in the execution of a chosen style but also in the continuous evolution of one's appreciation and understanding. It’s about celebrating the beauty found in all forms of creative endeavor, whether it’s the sharp, editorial clarity of direct flash digital or the soft, romantic whisper of film. Our curated world thrives on this very appreciation for diverse aesthetics, where fitness, beauty, and fashion converge in countless, inspiring ways. The photographer who loves a style they don't shoot is not conflicted, but rather a richer artist, possessing a broader palette of understanding and a deeper well of inspiration from which to draw. This authentic embrace of varied creative landscapes is what truly elevates the artistic spirit.

From Photography

hey guys, im pretty decent at direct flash digital photography, editorial vibes and my clients really love it. but personally, i would hire a film photographer for my own wedding. the look i prefer and gravitate towards is not the content i produce. anyone else feel like they personally enjoy a different style of photography than what they make? film is exceptionally harder for me, so i don’t do it much. this makes me feel a bit hypocritical at times, slightly conflicted.

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