Who's your favorite photog and do you try and emulate their style?

Having a bit of a debate with a friend about this subject. We both have strong feelings about our "favorite" photographers. However, he feels that one should try and develop a completely unique style, while I think that as someone new to taking photos, one should choose a role model and try to emulate them.

So--let me know, do you have a favorite? And, if you do, do you try and copy their style? What do you do to emulate them? Shooting style or PP?

My favorite photographers are undoubtedly David Lazar and Steve Mcurry.

http://davidlazarphoto​.com

http://stevemccurry.co​m

After looking through their photos over the last year, I have tried to incorporate more scenery into my portraits. For PP, I've bumped up my contrast and use a lot of highpass filtering like lazar appears to.

Eric Kim is my favorite, he changed my outlook on photography and lifestyle in general. I don't ever try to emulate him but I try to learn everything he has to offer.

I'm a big fan of Dave Cheeseman. He was the staff photographer for the Russell Air Group here in the Niagara Region and did the photo shoots for their calendars over a couple of years worth of air shows. I love his style really trying to capture each plane in it's particular element and I try and personally emulate his style.

Overall, I don't think you should copy someone else's style but you should incorporate elements from other styles that you like.....this will cause you to develop your own unique style

I don't try to copy anyone but I have been influenced by many.

Adams for technique
Bresson for the moment
Weston for the vision
Arbus for the honesty
Frank for the Americans
this list could go on and on.

Joel Tintjelaar and Jeff Gaydash..
Trying not to copy but let them inspire me.

ok, I tried recreating one of Jeff Gaydash's shot since he made it close to where I live.

Dutch

In school I was first exposed to one of Richard Avedon's books (it had naked boobies in it - teehee!) - but ever since then I've been a fan of the minimalist, simple white background 'style'. I'm still working on perfecting my own version of it.

Barry Cawston. Completely amazing and yes I do try and emulate him, why not?

www.barrycawston.com

James Beltz in probably one of my favorites. I like the fact that he has a really positive attitude, and he incorporates his kids into his work. He's fun to watch and I learn a lot. Another one would be some I only know by his work, which is phenominal! His name is Ed Pingol. That Nikon Guy is cool too!

Zack Arias, I try to mimic simple lighting style. He taught me not to be afraid of using flash.

Peter Hurley, taught me how to get a more natural look from a client. I try to mimic his way of approaching a headshot.

I like Ryan Brenizer, but I don't try to emulate his style. I do my own thing. He's one of the few wedding photographers that produces work that actually wows me.

I could tell you a different photographer each day, but I don't try to emulate any of them.

I want my work to be my work. I don't want it to be a cheaper, bastardized version of Joe McNally's work.