If you browse photography by "Popular" on deviantART, you'll notice a trend - the people whose works are well known, and the people who are considered idols in the photography scene, have distinct styles.

But if you look even deeper, you'll find that many of these people have a style that pervades all of their work - regardless of genre.

The challenge I'm putting forward to you now focuses on education and identity: I want you to define your personal artistic style.

Yep, that's right. Look at the art you're most proud of, find your motifs, find your stylistic points <is there a composition aspect you always use? is there a way you like to use colour or light? are you a texture-whore? are polaroids your thing?>, and then keep them in the back of your mind.

What I'm looking for, in this competition, is experimentation. I want you to take your style, as defined above, and apply it to a genre you have no experience in. Polaroid still-lifer? Why not take some nude-roids! Digital darkroomer? Shoot some animals, and make them pop! Is your secret passion jewelry design? Shoot some commercial photography for your creations! Huge fan of the holga? Try using it to shoot some fashion portraits!

Get the idea? I want you to take your personal talent, your expertise in your specific area, and use it to broaden your portfolio and refine your style by bringing it to a new genre.

Entries will be judged on originality, composition, general awesomeness, but also on how well they fit with your body of work.

Rules

1. Must be a photograph taken after March 3, 2008
2. Note me your entry, maximum two per person, by midnight May 31, 2008

Judging Panel

<In no particular order >
`shell4art, the former Gallery Director of Community Projects and photographer whose style focuses greatly on nature and its natural beauty.
^Katerina423, the Gallery Director of Horror and Macabre Photography and long-time photographer whose style is dark, grungy, and surreal - even when shooting a cat's nose, she manages to make it look evil!
`switchbladeserenade, the head honcho of `ArtistsForCharity and a darkroom technician and camera salesperson whose style is casual and spontaneous, often making use of subdued colour and low contrast.
`skaeleen, a professional art man with no dA gallery, but trust me when I say he knows his things about photography.
~GilesTheBlank, a photography student and analog darkroomer focusing on film work, and whose taste in photography can be found reflected in his work at *fineart-photography.
@anjules, a wildlife and general digital photographer whose work stands out for its classical composition and dramatic style.
`DistortedSmile, a multi-talented photographer who has made an impact in the fetish and glamour galleries through her over-the-top stylings and everyday sentiment in her work.
^opioid, my co-conspirator, Gallery Director of Abstract, Surreal and Fetish photography, and generally transgressive photographer.
^Staged, Gallery Director of General Photography and professional commercial photographer with a dream, cinematic style, bringing visual drama to her photography.

Prizes

Prizes will be listed in this journal - including subs, devwear, prints, and a plethora of features. Check this journal occasionally, the list will keep growing.

Inspiration

Some photographers on dA who are known for their specific style across various genres, and some who have caught my eye recently for maintaining a personal style throughout their work:
*nowaryesblack -
^equivoque -
=girltripped -
*TimelessImages -
*carlzon -
`glitterdarkstar -

Closing

Entries will be accepted beginning - NOW! - until April 30, so start thinking - what is your style? What makes your art yours