5 Tips to Find Your Photo Editing Style

Discovering your unique photo editing style is key to making your work stand out. Whether you're an analog, digital, or hybrid photographer, your editing style is what ties your images together and makes them unmistakably yours. For me, I found my style through shooting analog photography, where warm sunlight and nostalgic moments became my focus. There’s something magical about capturing timeless feelings with film and translating that into my digital edits. Your journey will be just as personal, and here are five practical tips to help you uncover and refine your photo editing style.

1. Analyze what inspires you

Start by gathering inspiration from photographers, filmmakers, or even painters whose work you admire. Study their use of color, contrast, and mood:

• Are their tones warm and nostalgic or cool and modern?

• Do they favor high contrast, pastel shades, or black-and-white?

Create a mood board with images that resonate with you. Use it as a guide to identify recurring themes and styles that you’re drawn to. This will help you form a baseline for your own editing.

2. Experiment with editing tools

The best way to find your style is by experimenting. Try different tools and workflows to see what feels right:

Presets and LUTs: Use pre-made filters as a starting point, then tweak them to suit your taste.

Editing Software: Explore options like Lightroom, Capture One, or Photoshop to find the tools that fit your workflow.

Film Emulation: Experiment with analog-inspired looks to add a nostalgic touch to your digital photos. I recommend checking out Mastin Labs, who making amazing analog inspired presets and styles.

Don’t be afraid to play around—sometimes happy accidents lead to signature looks. and remember that when using presets, consider them as a base to discover your own style, don’t just copy and paste.

3. Focus on color grading

Color is a powerful storytelling tool. Spend time refining your approach to color grading:

• Adjust hues, saturation, and luminance to create a consistent palette.

• Experiment with split toning to add depth and mood.

• Use color to evoke specific emotions or themes in your work.

Consistency in your color grading will make your portfolio cohesive and recognizable.

4. Limit yourself to find freedom

Paradoxically, limitations can help you refine your style. Try:

• Using only one or two presets for an entire project.

• Sticking to a specific color palette or tonal range.

• Restricting the amount of editing you do to keep your images natural.

These constraints force you to focus on what really matters in your images and help you develop a signature look.

5. Embrace patience and iteration

Finding your editing style takes time. Review your work regularly and look for patterns:

• What edits do you consistently apply?

• Which images feel most "you"?

Don’t rush the process. As you experiment and grow, your style will naturally evolve. Stay open to change and let your style develop organically over time.

Your photo editing style is a reflection of your creative vision. By analyzing what inspires you, experimenting with tools, focusing on color, and embracing limitations, you’ll gradually discover a look that’s uniquely yours. Remember, your style will continue to grow as you do—so enjoy the journey!