Know your style: an influencer's guide to aesthetic photos

Sometimes to truly find yourself, you have to go back to where you began. This was certainly the case for Steffi Marla. The German content creator has garnered more than 99.5K followers online for her romantic cottagecore imagery, inspired by her rural upbringing. Looking at her photos – self-portraits in countryside scenes which shift with the seasons, from autumnal forests to summer meadows – you wouldn't think for a moment she lived in busy Berlin.

"I grew up on a farm and moved to Berlin when I was 20," says Steffi, who is also a hair stylist and mother of two. Her journey with photography really began after the birth of her second child, when she began documenting family life. She initially felt unsure when posting her photographs on social media, but her images soon became popular. "I also found social media a great platform to meet other people, exchange ideas and try out new things. I was hooked," she enthuses.

An aesthetically-pleasing and consistent social media grid can help you grow your followers and establish your identity and brand, so how do you do it? Steffi shares her top tips and takes us through her process.

Put simply, your aesthetic is your style. Cottagecore is characterised by an idealised traditional rural lifestyle, dark academia is all about tweed blazers and old leather books, E-girl channels anime, while normcore favours elegant simplicity over standing out from the crowd. Though conventionally associated with fashion, your style goes beyond what you wear. If you're a content creator, it filters through to everything about your imagery – from locations to colour palette, quality of light, composition and the kit you choose to use to achieve the particular style. There are so many aesthetics to choose from that it's easy to be overwhelmed. "Think about what you enjoy, what you feel good about," Steffi suggests. "Don't listen to other people."

It was during the Covid-19 pandemic that Steffi found herself increasingly drawn back to nature and her countryside origins. "My family and I went to the countryside even more and I loved it," she says. "There is so much beauty right on our doorstep."

Cottagecore content starts with how Steffi presents herself in the frame – posing outdoors with a vintage bike, a wicker basket or a book in her hand, long hair tied loosely in a bow, flowing frocks and skirts in organic textiles.

"​​It took me a long time to find my current style," Steffi admits. "I started with urban photography but then the pictures became more romantic and flowers became a part of them. Nature came into play more and more, and at some point, I pushed myself into the picture."

If you're developing your aesthetic, printing your images can really help you to clarify and refine your look. There's nothing like making prints of your images, displaying and 'living with them' to reveal what works and what doesn't.

Colour is a key consideration for Steffi, who always tries to stay within one 'colour family' in her pictures. "Harmonious colours are very important to me," she explains. "I match my outfit to the surroundings. I ask myself, 'What colours will I have there?' In a green meadow, I like to dress in a matching colour or in a complementary colour. I photographed magnolias in a light purple dress which worked very well."

It's not just what you shoot that gives your images a distinctive aesthetic but how you shoot it. Steffi likes to pair her Canon EOS R with a Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM lens, via the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R. "The photos look incredible, and I love the blurred background," she says. "When looking for beautiful places, I try to find a balanced frame. I often have the golden ratio in mind. To prepare, I think about where I'm going and what the conditions are. In a cramped space, I need a wider-angle lens with room to manoeuvre, such as the 50mm lens. If I have a lot of space, I take the 85mm."

Inspiration can strike at anytime, so Steffi recommends carrying accessories or props to play with on the spot and see what works best for your shot.

Even though Steffi's images vary with the time of year and settings, there are certain common elements she doesn't stray from. "The backdrop is very important, as are colours and light," she says. "Accessories are great. A hat, a book, a scarf, or a bunch of flowers can make a photo more interesting. I also like to take photos ideally without strangers."

This contributes to an atmosphere that is consistent throughout her feed. It's what attracts followers and keeps them coming back for more. "My followers also love this romantic and quiet life," she says. "Many have a longing for a little more peace and an ideal world. You can dream yourself into my pictures."

The appeal of social media is that it is conversational. Steffi doesn't simply broadcast. Even though she is juggling family life and a job, she makes a point of communicating with her followers, replying to those who leave comments on her posts. "I'm friendly and always try to be active," she says. "I post regularly and try to show something personal."

"I think subconsciously you're always evolving and probably can't avoid changing," says Steffi. "Personally, I find it exciting to see how my style changes over time."

That said, an evolution should be gradual. Once you have picked an aesthetic, your followers will come to you for it, so make sure whatever you go with truly resonates with your personality. "I love it when pictures or situations radiate harmony, especially when there is a balance of colours, proportions and light," says Steffi.

Every picture you share should be embedded in your aesthetic. It should be behind every photographic decision you make, influencing your location, composition and more. It is the philosophy that shapes your content, so whatever you go for, embrace it to the full.

Written by Rachel Segal Hamilton

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