In this guide we will be discussing 13 styles of photography you may never hear of. From nature concepts to live war shots, here is everything you need to know about these genres.
Some of us prefer nature photography and capturing hummingbirds mid-flight. Perhaps other camera addicts stick to their studios and live to capture another great portrait.
Those of us who made careers out of our passion might be immersed in the worlds of food or events photography. Regardless of style, there are countless subcategories of photography that you might have missed over the years. Read on to learn more about these genres and perhaps you’ll discover your next obsession in the world of photography!
1. Wildlife Photography
If snapping photos of animals in their natural habitat is something you find interesting, perhaps you should try wildlife photography. Many people consider this to be one of the most difficult types of photography.
Technical skill, top-notch equipment, and unwavering patience are all required in order to capture the perfect shot. Make sure to research the subject you want to photograph before you pack your equipment; you might find that the rare species of fox you were searching for is in deep hibernation.
2. Street Photography
Are you somebody who notices every little aspect around them, from the graffiti on the side of your favorite cafe to the bicycle that has been left against your apartment building for ages? Try street photography!
This genre has everything to do with capturing ordinary, everyday life in public spaces. Find stories unfolding in your city and photograph them in a way that everybody can appreciate.
3. Aerial Photography
Although this category also consists of city scenes, it can include nature shots as well. Any landscape taken from the sky can be considered aerial photography.
French photographer Gaspar Tournachon popularized aerial photography when he captured a local village from a hot-air balloon, 80 meters above the ground. This genre is used both for city maps and to photograph beautiful places from a unique angle.
4. War Photography
This genre is pretty self-explanatory. Most war photographers have basic or advanced training due to the dangerous nature of the craft. Documenting historical conflict can be a rewarding and powerful experience, which justifies the risks for many.
Make sure to carry lightweight and simple equipment during a shoot; swapping lenses during gunfire isn’t the best idea.
5. Photojournalism
Like war photographers, photojournalists often cover live conflicts. Their work can be seen every day in magazines, newspapers, and even televised news networks.
Also a form of journalism, photojournalists base their career around being at the right place at the right time.
6. Documentary Photography
Interested in telling stories about important events through meaningful scenes and portraits? Documentary photographers usually focus on topics such as war, social justice, politics, and science.
They spend considerable time with their subject, interview them, listen to their perspective, and capture them in such a way that conveys their story.
7. Fashion Photography
Lure customers into the glamor of a product. This genre of photography may be rooted in business, but it also requires boundless work ethic and creativity. Backgrounds can vary from forests to abandoned buildings, so carry a variety of equipment that can capture beautiful photos in a plethora of settings. Fashion photographers often work in teams under fussy superiors, so be open to new ideas and suggestions.
8. Food Photography
Restaurants, food companies, and even your favorite show on the Food Network all have the same desire: to have their products captured with immaculate, mouth-watering quality.
Your work will find itself on websites, television, brochures, and menus around the globe. Certain foods and sauces can appear greasy under a flash, so be sure to use natural light in order to retain the natural colors.
9. Landscape Photography
Some landscapists aim to capture the sheer beauty of a given scene. Many modern photographers of this style take this concept a step further and portray the impact of environmental change in their work.
Patience and research are a must, regardless of purpose; knowing when the perfect light reaches a particular area and waiting for the scene to unfold are important aspects of the genre.
10. Night-Long Exposure Photography
We’ve all goggled at those pictures where car lights appear to be neon lines shooting through the road. Capture how the world moves after dark with this category. Some shots take a long time to capture, such as starry nights with blurred stars that show how the galaxy moves.
In order to avoid frustration, knowledge about light, shutter speed, and aperture settings are necessary to master this craft.
11. Candid Photography
This is a popular form of photography where the subjects are often unaware of the camera. As a result, they appear relaxed and natural.
Common settings for candid photography are weddings and everyday family moments. Make sure to use a zoom lens so that your subject doesn’t know that you have a camera at the ready!
12. Architectural Photography
Any photo that captures an element of architectural design can fall into this category. Both the interior and exterior of a building are fair game to those who practice this craft.
Challenges may arrive with image distortion, as the lines of a building may appear slanted depending on the angle at which the photo is taken. Special equipment or camera positioning may be required in order to restore right angles. For example, a tilt shift lens is one of the more important lenses for architectural photography.
13. Portraiture
Capture a subject’s mood, physical features, and expression with this genre. Although most people think about close-up images when they think portraiture, body portraits can also be included here.
Facial features—especially the eyes—should be sharp and focused in this type of photography.
Sub categories of a portraiture include but are not limited to family portraits, new born, senior (students), pets, and more.
