Your Style or You're Stale?

Recently, I had the privilege of working with a great corporation while assignment for a new client. While on set, I had the opportunity to talk a bit with this corporation's media relations person as she kindly agreed to be a human light stand for me; holding my rim light on the subject.

I can't remember exactly what we were talking about when this came up, but she mentioned that they have been using the same photographer for years now. She also mentioned that this particular photographer, though skilled, gives them the exact same look and perspective on everything they have him shoot, while commenting on some of the shots I was working on been more "out of the box."

It's smart on any shoot to take your safe shots first and then follow up with the risky ones (I was doing exactly that, having locked in a few safe shots and now trying some new things), I haven't stopped thinking about what she said. As photographers, I think we get into a routine with our lighting and posing, and definitely composition. Where is the line between our "style" and just being in a rut?  If you are known for a look and get hired by clients for a particular look, there is something to be said for that. But if you never get outside your style-box, do your eventually reach a point that your look ceases to be your style and has just become a creative-less routine?

I don't think I know the answer to that.

I know I want to live a creative life. I wanna be fresh, and I wanna be relevant with my imagery.

 

I would really love to hear other's opinions on this, so if you read this, please take a second and share your thoughts, and also what you do (photographer, art director, etc).

 

http://www.matthew-strauss.com