Find Your Own Photography Style
Find Your Editing Style: A Simple Exercise to Make Your Photography Stand Out
In a world flooded with good photography, it takes more than sharp focus and flashy gear to make your work stand out. Whether you shoot landscapes, surf action, travel adventures, or water photography, what really makes a viewer stop scrolling is when they feel something.
That feeling? It often comes down to your editing style and intent.
Why Your Editing Style Matters
Gone are the days when nailing a clean shot was enough. These days, everyone has access to great cameras, fast lenses, and editing apps. So how do you rise above the noise?
You do it by crafting a signature editing style that reflects your personal voice—something that makes your work recognisable, memorable, and meaningful.
Your editing style (and your intent when taking the photo in the field) are the final brushstroke that turns a decent image into your image. It's what builds emotional connection and separates your photos from the crowd.
The 4-Step Process to Find Your Style
This method isn’t just theory—it’s something I run inside my photography programs, and it’s helped heaps of students start building their own visual identity. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Connect First
Before you even think about sliders, get out into nature and connect with your environment. Feel the textures, take in the light, and let the place move you. Great photography starts with presence, not presets.
2. Choose 3 Words
After your shoot, sit down and pick three words that describe how you want your images to feel. Words like: Raw. Wild. Serene. Moody. Electric. These words become your editing compass.
3. Edit Toward Emotion
Open Lightroom or your editing app of choice, and instead of following trends or Instagram aesthetics, let your three words guide every adjustment. Ask: does this colour grade feel wild? Does this contrast bring in that moody vibe?
4. Trust and Refine
You won't nail it first go. That’s fine—it's a journey. Keep tweaking, keep refining, and trust your gut. With each round, your editing voice gets clearer.
Why This Works for Water Photography
Water photography has its own unique challenges—reflections, clarity, highlights, and ever-changing conditions. That’s why having a clear emotional direction in your editing can take your shots from good to unforgettable.
By following this exercise regularly, you’ll start to see your images evolve and your style come alive—especially when applied to ocean, surf, or adventure work.
Watch the Video
I've broken this whole process down step-by-step in my latest YouTube video, where I walk you through how to apply this exercise in real time.
Want to Go Deeper?
If you're ready to take your photography further and build true confidence behind the lens, check out my online courses. Inside my Confident Photographer Program AND Water Photographer programs, we work through creative exercises like this all the time—and right now, it comes with lifetime access to monthly group calls and a private community of legends who are all on the same path.
Explore the programs: https://www.waterphotographycourses.com
Want to Learn More?
If you're serious about building a professional workflow for your surf or water photography, check out my online courses:
👉 Confident Photographer Program
About the Author
Tom Woods is a professional commercial and surf photographer based on the Sunshine Coast, Australia.
With over 25 years of experience and thousands of published images under his belt, he now also mentors photographers worldwide through online courses and coaching.
Photography services website: www.stimages.com.au
Photography Tuition website: https://www.waterphotographycourses.com/
