Hey there, beautiful humans!

So here’s something that might surprise you – I get asked ALL the time about my “signature style.” You know, that one consistent look that supposedly defines every photographer? Well, grab your coffee (or wine, no judgment here), because I’m about to tell you something that might go against everything you’ve heard about photography branding.

I don’t have a signature style. And honestly? I think that’s my superpower.

The Pressure to Have “A Look”

Let’s be real for a hot minute. The photography world is OBSESSED with signature styles. Scroll through Instagram and you’ll see it everywhere – the moody and dark photographer, the bright and airy photographer, the film-look photographer. Everyone’s got their thing, their brand, their consistent aesthetic that you can spot from a mile away.

And for the longest time, I felt like I was doing something wrong. Like I was somehow less professional because I didn’t have that one consistent look that screamed “Lilley Photography.” I’d see other photographers with their perfectly curated feeds and think, “Man, I should probably pick a lane and stick with it.”

But here’s the thing – every time I tried to force myself into a box, it felt… fake. Inauthentic. Like I was trying to be someone I wasn’t.

The Lightbulb Moment

The turning point came during a senior session last year. I was photographing this incredible girl – let’s call her Sarah – who had this edgy, alternative style. Dark clothes, bold makeup, the whole nine yards. If I had stuck to a “bright and airy” signature style, I would have completely missed the mark on capturing who SHE was.

Instead, I leaned into the moodiness. I used dramatic lighting, deeper shadows, and a completely different editing approach than I might use for, say, a family session with little kids running around in a sunlit field.

When Sarah saw her photos, she literally started crying. “These are SO me,” she said. “You actually saw me.”

And that’s when it hit me – my signature isn’t a look. It’s an approach.

What Makes My Photography Actually Unique

Here’s my real talk moment: What makes my photography unique isn’t a consistent filter or editing style. It’s that I customize each session to fit the person’s style and what they want.

Think about it – why would I photograph a corporate headshot the same way I photograph a high school football player? Why would I use the same approach for a intimate family session that I’d use for a wedding? It doesn’t make sense!

Every person who steps in front of my camera is different. They have different personalities, different stories, different vibes. My job isn’t to make them fit into my predetermined aesthetic – it’s to figure out how to capture THEIR essence in the most authentic way possible.

The Graduation Portrait vs. The Creative Senior

Let me paint you a picture of what this looks like in practice. Last month, I had two completely different sessions that perfectly illustrate this point.

Session one: Graduating seniors who needed clean, professional headshots to celebrate this major milestone. They would want classic, timeless photos that emphasized the accomplishment of graduating – something their families could proudly display and they could use for announcements or future professional needs. For this, I used clean, professional lighting with a neutral background that wouldn’t distract from the significance of the moment. The editing was clean and polished, emphasizing the pride and accomplishment of graduating while maintaining that timeless, classic feel that would look just as good years from now.

Session two: A high school senior who was totally into music and comic books – this kid had such a unique personality and wasn’t your typical “let’s do photos by the football field” kind of guy. For his session, we got creative and visited several different locations to really capture his vibe. We started at a local music store where he could interact with instruments, then moved to a spot with some cool urban artwork that had that comic book feel he loved. I used a mix of natural light and some creative positioning to highlight his personality and interests. The editing was more dynamic and artistic, with richer colors and some creative angles that matched his creative, slightly alternative style.

Both sessions were 100% “me” as a photographer, but they look completely different. And that’s exactly how it should be.

Why This Approach Actually Works Better

Here’s the thing that might surprise you – not having a rigid signature style has actually made me a better photographer AND a better business owner. Here’s why:

1. I attract diverse clients. When potential clients look at my portfolio, they don’t see one type of person or one type of session. They see variety, which means more people can envision themselves working with me.

2. I never get bored. Every session is a new creative challenge. I’m constantly learning, growing, and pushing myself to think outside the box.

3. My clients feel truly seen. When someone hires me, they know they’re not getting a cookie-cutter experience. They’re getting something that’s uniquely theirs.

4. I can serve more markets. Because I’m not locked into one style, I can work with seniors, families, corporate clients, events – you name it. Each market gets exactly what they need.

The Real Secret Sauce

So what IS my signature, then? It’s my ability to connect with people and translate that connection into images that feel authentic to them.

Whether I’m photographing a shy senior who needs encouragement to open up, or a confident business owner who knows exactly what they want, my approach is always the same: I listen. I observe. I adapt.

I pay attention to how someone moves, how they smile, what makes them light up. I notice if they’re more comfortable with natural, candid shots or if they prefer more posed, structured images. I adjust my communication style, my shooting style, and yes, my editing style to match what will serve them best.

What This Means for You

If you’re considering working with me, here’s what you can expect: I’m not going to force you into a predetermined mold. I’m not going to make your family photos look like someone else’s just because that’s “my style.”

Instead, I’m going to take the time to understand what you’re looking for. Are you wanting something timeless and classic? Something bold and artistic? Something fun and playful? Something elegant and sophisticated?

We’ll talk about it. We’ll plan for it. And then I’ll use every tool in my arsenal – lighting, composition, location, editing – to create images that feel authentically YOU.

The Bottom Line

In a world where everyone’s trying to stand out by looking the same, maybe the real way to be different is to actually be different. To adapt. To flex. To meet people where they are instead of asking them to come to where you are.

My “signature style” is no signature style. My brand is authenticity. My promise is that when you work with me, you’re not getting a photographer who’s going to make you fit into her vision – you’re getting a photographer who’s going to figure out how to capture YOUR vision.

And honestly? I think that’s way better than any filter or preset could ever be.

So there you have it – my real talk on signature styles. What do you think? Are you team “consistent aesthetic” or team “adapt to the client”? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Until next time, keep being authentically you.

XOXO, Alisha

P.S. – If you’re thinking about booking a session and you’re worried about whether we’ll be a good fit style-wise, don’t be. That’s literally what I’m here for – to figure out how to make it work perfectly for YOU. Let’s chat about what you’re envisioning, and I promise we’ll create something amazing together.