Photographers Develop Style by Borrowing and Stealing

Developing a photographic style involves two phases: borrowing and stealing. Initially, photographers can borrow by actively studying and replicating the work of others, treating it as research. This 'cover band' approach helps explore different genres and styles. Inevitable failures to perfectly mimic others often reveal unique artistic fingerprints. The next stage, 'stealing,' involves internalizing smaller elements from various sources—like composition or lighting—and combining them in new ways to express a personal perspective. True originality emerges when these influences become integrated and unidentifiable, forming a unique photographic language.