The Surprising Difference Between Photography Style and Taste

Bima Utomo
2 min readJan 1, 2023

Ever wonder what sets apart a great photograph from a mediocre one? It’s not just about the subject matter or the composition, it’s also about the style and taste of the photographer. But what’s the difference between the two? Let’s take a closer look.

Photo by Gabriel Silvério on Unsplash

First of all, let’s define style. Photography style refers to the way in which a photographer approaches a subject and the techniques they use to capture it. This can include the type of camera and lens used, the lighting and composition, and the post-processing techniques employed. Style is often influenced by the environment and the use case for the photograph, such as whether it’s for personal or commercial use.

On the other hand, taste refers to the subjective preferences and judgements of the photographer. This can include the type of subjects they are drawn to, the mood and emotion they want to convey, and the aesthetic they prefer. Taste is often influenced by personal experiences and cultural influences, and can vary widely from person to person.

So why is it important to understand the difference between style and taste in photography? For one, it can help to break down the idea of “good” or “bad” photography and recognize that different styles and tastes can be equally valid. It can also help to prevent segmentation and class distinctions within the photography community, as people with different styles and tastes can learn and grow from each other.

So next time you’re looking at a photograph, try to think about the style and taste of the photographer. How does it impact your perception of the image? And remember, there’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to style and taste in photography. It’s all about personal preference and finding what works best for you.

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Bima Utomo

Hei! Welcome to my Medium, hope you enjoy what you read :)