The 15 Best Types of Photography You Need to Know
15 types of photography
In the age of camera phones, people are constantly clicking and sharing their photos; these camera phones are exposing people to photography and visual imagery in a variety of ways. We look at the photos shared by our friends on social networks, we see the advertising campaigns in stores; photography is used to communicate or express the viewer. Many people click pictures every day, but few know how these different types of photography have inspired photographers. When we know about the different types of photography, we get the knowledge of different genres that can suit our photography habits.
Let’s look at these 15 different genres of photography:
Aerial Photography: While flying or rising above ground level, we always try to photograph the beautiful scene below us. For example, when we are in a flight we always try to capture the landscape scene that we can see from above. This is called aerial photography.
The French photographer and balloonist, Gaspar Felix Tournachon, took the main aeronautical photo in 1858. He tried for a long time before he could create the photo. He had caught the French city, Petit-Becetre, in a surge of hot air, 80 meters above the ground.
Architectural Photography – Framing the color, shape, design, or art of any structure can be a relief to the eyes. All images of monuments or buildings are included in this genre of photography. Both the interior and exterior of a building can be framed, but the challenging aspect for the photographer is taking lighting and distortion into account.
Candid Photography: In this form of photography, we capture the moments as they happen. The object is not aware of the photographer, so it looks natural and therefore the image is very relaxed.
Expert Tip: Use a very long zoom to capture the candid shots. If you are going to use the short zoom lens, the subject may realize that you are framing it and therefore you may lose a relaxed and natural image.
Documentary Photography – These are the manual images used to highlight a particular image or story. This genre includes manual images that create a photographic story. These are all representative images that can include a war story, science fiction, and many more. In this genre, we always try to capture all the details which in turn result in an image telling a story.
Fashion Photography – These types of photography are basically used to advertise something and ultimately sell it. This genre includes product hype that makes a product look attractive and customers buy it willingly.
These types of photos need to be taken very creatively and sharply. We can capture them anywhere, like in a studio, in an apartment, or anywhere outdoors. We have to do pre-shoot preparation before framing the product. Preparation can include makeup, styles, location, lighting, and obviously the model plays a huge role.
Food Photography: Every day we are served at least something, whether at the dining room table or in a restaurant. The food that is served is clicked and shared in the form of images. Photography used by restaurants, websites or bloggers to attract customers and sell their products is called food photography.
Expert Tip: Food photography will most likely be captured in natural light. It is never suggested to use the flash while capturing food as it can include unwanted things in our image. It’s a big NO in this style. Using flash can make our food look greasy and wash out natural colors in photos.
Landscape photography: This type of photography is one of the most popular. In this genre, photography of beautiful landscapes, impact of environmental conditions, is carried out. We always love to capture a beautiful landscape while viewing a beautiful and eye-soothing scene.
If we want a perfect landscape shot, then we must take care of proper lighting. Using a tripod is always suggested as shaking the camera can result in a shaky image that will not look good. Using the high shutter gives us a perfect image as the desired amount of light can fall into the camera and our image can look bright and sharp.
Night Exposure Photography: As it gets dark, there are several beautiful aspects that a viewer cannot see with the naked eye and a camera can do it for us. This photography mainly focuses on knowledge of light, shutter and aperture.
In order to get a perfect piece of these photos, we must be comfortable enough with the manual mode of the camera so that the correct settings can be implemented.
Photojournalism: This type of photography is very similar to documentary photography. This includes the photography of the events that are happening at the moment and then it is reported to the whole world.
For example, everything we see in newspapers, news or magazines is the result of photojournalism.
This includes photography of unexpected events in a planned location. A photographer has to get to the right place at the right time for it to happen perfectly.
Conceptual/Fine Art Photography: This genre of photography involves telling a story. In this genre, we create our own story and our own characters in a made-up environment. We are supposed to have an idea of what our exit will look like and how we can plan for it.
The photographer always tries to send a message, an idea or an emotion through these images.
Portrait photography: In this type of photography, the entire focus is on the mood or expressions of the subject. It is an intriguing topic for photographers. A portrait can be a full-length portrait or it can be a close-up portrait. Whatever image we take, our face is the one that gets the most focus.
Keep in mind that the image must be sharp and well focused. The eyes must be especially focused as they throw out maximum emotions. Jokes can be told once we have to put our object in a nice mood.
Sports Photography – This is one of those types of photography that involves framing objects that are moving fast or in action. These sporting events are captured using very long lenses.
Expert Tip: It’s a good idea to use a high ISO when clicking these types of photos. With a high ISO, we can do a high shutter speed, which in turn produces quality images. We can change the angles accordingly and we can get a variety of images.
Street Photography: Capturing something in our daily lives or in public places is probably called street photography. It is similar to that of candid photography. In this genre, the photographer visualizes the real-life scene or behind-the-scenes footage, but in truth, the focus is on the object or a popular tourist spot.
A photographer must observe every little aspect that is around him. As soon as a story is viewed, the image must be captured.
War photography: this genre works in the areas where a war takes place or ends. The photographers even put their lives in danger to capture these photos. These images or stories can be recorded even after a war ends.
A war photographer’s photography kit should be simplified enough to change lenses and camera depending on the situation. It is highly denied not to carry heavy accessories with them. Heavy accessories can land us in trouble if an adverse situation arrives.
Wildlife Photography: It is one of the most typical and challenging photographic genres. We have to be very quick with our angle and with our camera settings. A single mistake on our part can miss a perfect or desired shot. The image itself can speak if you click on a suitable habitat it could be in.