In a world that often insists on boxes and categories, especially in the arts, I’ve spent the last 13 years doing the opposite. I’m a photographer who has never been bound by genre and I’ve found immense success not despite that, but because of it.
From wildlife and portraits to fashion, food, toy, nature, macro, and architectural photography, I’ve immersed myself in the full spectrum of visual storytelling. And over time, that fearless curiosity has earned me:
– Top 10 rankings on Photocrowd.com in multiple genres
– Multiple-time SIG Photography Competition Winner (Amazon India, 2018 & 2019)
– Top 50 placement by 35 Awards Russia from 2017-2019, and Top 70 in Canada in 2023
– Recognitions from Viewbug, Pixoto, YouPic, and National Geographic’s YourShot
– The Asian Excellence Award (2022) as Distinguished Photographer of the Year
The message I want to share is simple: You don’t need to confine yourself to one genre to be recognized or respected.
The “Pick One Niche” Narrative
Let’s be clear: the advice to pick one genre and master it isn’t wrong. In fact, it works beautifully for many photographers. But over the years, I’ve learned that you can honor that philosophy while still allowing room for exploration. You can develop expertise without imprisoning your creativity.
I’ve always believed that photography is not just about technical excellence; it’s about perspective, voice, and vision. Why limit those to one lens?
This isn’t about being a jack of all trades and master of none. It’s about mastering your craft while also embracing the courage to try, to evolve, and to inspire others to do the same.
How I Approach New Genres
My process for diving into a new genre is rooted in research and curiosity. Before I shoot something new, I study. I observe top creators in that space, I understand the technical nuances, and then I put my own spin on it.
Some of my most celebrated work has come from this very process:
– Food and Halloween Photography that won the SIG Photography Competitions by Amazon
– Wildlife, portrait, and architecture images that gained accolades from YouPic, Viewbug, and Nat Geo
– Top 10 rankings in portrait and landscape on Photocrowd
– Recognition from Asia’s photography community for multi-genre excellence
Each genre taught me something new. Every subject pushed me in a different way. And that variety kept my mind sharp, creative, and free.
Creative Freedom Is an Edge
Being genre-fluid has helped me not just creatively but professionally and emotionally too. When you work high-performance jobs like I have at Amazon, RateGain, and other corporate environments you certainly need an outlet that refuels you. Photography became that outlet for me.
It gave me mental clarity, helped me stay stress-free, and made me more effective in everything else I did. Every genre I explored offered a new lens on life, a fresh challenge, a new dopamine hit of inspiration.
The Real Fear Is Never Trying
To photographers or creatives who hesitate to try new genres, I say this: What are you really afraid of?
The worst-case scenario is that you try something, don’t like it, and move on. But the best-case scenario? You discover a new passion, develop a new skill, build a new audience, and possibly open doors you never saw coming.
In a world dominated by trends, algorithms, and comparison culture, the biggest win you can claim is creative self-trust.
The Social Media Myth
Ironically, while older photography circles might still cling to genre-specific branding, today’s social media culture pressures you in the opposite direction. We live in the age of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). One viral trend in street, drone, or minimalism photography and everyone wants in.
Rather than resisting that change, I recommend embracing it intentionally. Don’t jump blindly on trends, but don’t avoid them either. Let your curiosity lead. Let your work answer the question: What if I tried this differently?
Final Thoughts: Reinvention Is Survival
In today’s creative economy, it’s not enough to be good at one thing forever. You need to adapt, reinvent, and rediscover yourself constantly. And the only way to do that is by trying more, not less.
I’m not genre-less. I’m genre-free or genre fluid. There’s a difference.
So to every artist afraid of diluting their brand, my message is this: You won’t dilute your brand by growing—you’ll define it more clearly.
Try, fail, explore, excel. Let the world see all of you.
Follow Jay Sharan on Instagram @jvsphotogallery
For collaborations, workshops, or mentorships.
Keywords: multi-genre photography, creative freedom, Jay Sharan photographer, genre-specific myth, photography mindset, evolving artist
