You Don’t Learn Style From Books Or Lessons

How did an unknown Vancouver street photographer become a world-wide phenomenon?

It took 75 years before Fred Herzog’s photos were recognized as those of a gifted artist.

But how? How did this happen?

In this excellent video by Graeme Williams “Fred Herzog – Quietly creating his unique color aesthetic” Herzog says you don’t learn style from books or by taking lessons. You learn style by shooting photos.

Herzog’s photos of Vancouver in the 1960s shot in colour take us back to a simpler time. His use of Kodachome is both dreamy and romantic and hard to duplicate today with a digital camera.

We in the Greater Toronto Area are blessed to have several excellent clubs and several walking groups where you can learn style.

I’ve been shooting for over 50 years and now in my retirement I can see my style in my images. The shot above of the Toronto Film Shooters out for a community ramble is typical of what I do.

It’s my style. I don’t much care if anyone else likes it or thinks it any good because I like it. It satisfies my photographic urges to be fun and inclusive and celebrate friends and record places and times.

So how do you develop a style?

Start by watching the video. Then join a club and go to meetings. Come with us on photo walks which are open to all photographers at all levels of expertise. The Toronto Photo Walk is another group I can recommend.