Find your Lane! But are we not creatives?

It seems that the very first things new photographers are told is that they need to find their “style”

Everyone goes into a lane, masters their shooting so they can slap on the presets in batches and push export. “Yes, yes, I know they go through and make more adjustments.” But it isn’t very detailed. Most of the creative process is turned into a system.

Their pictures all turn out the same, same poses, same colors, same lighting, just different faces. And most of the time it’s whatever editing style is trending at the time.

I personally have been told over facebook groups that even though the love all of my photos I just need to pick a lane.

But my clients desire a creative process. I love working with my clients and creating something uniquely them. Trying different lighting. Studio vs natural. Trying different sets. Different props. Different locations. Different poses. Different editing. The whole point of being a photographer (for me) is the creative process. I’m creating art.

Yes I understand “sticking to a lane can create easier target audience but I actually think the industry would be just fine if not better if photographers stopped worrying about finding a style vs being a creative.

In fact, I think it would make those who do stick to lane more meaningful.

What are your guys’ opinions on finding a lane vs being creative?