Getting into the photography industry requires knowledge about the craft. While some pros specialize in and master one genre, others multitask and constantly learn new types of photography to expand their skill set, and produce relevant and timely works.
Bearing both types of photographers in mind, we’ve compiled an ultimate list of 40 photography genres. With links to many useful sources and inspiring photo collections, this article will help visual artists improve in one area, as well as learn something new to become better photographers across many styles. Keep on reading to discover more!
1. Abstract Photography
Abstract photography, often referred to as experimental or conceptual, goes beyond usual representations of objects, and can be purposefully arranged or edited to create an unrealistic look of real objects. Usually, you can’t see anything specific in abstract images since photographers working in this style aim to express their artistic vision or illustrate the concept, rather than conveying what they see in front of them.
If you want to get into the realm of abstract photography and express your inner creator, here are five tips to help you get started .
3. Architecture Photography
Architecture photography , unlike abstract photography, aims to capture an accurate visual representation of the subject. This genre includes shooting building exteriors and interiors , as well as interesting architectural elements, bridges, and cityscapes. In this style, photographers often emphasize lines, shapes, materials, colors, and a structure’s most visually appealing parts .
Architecture photography requires knowledge of working with natural light, specific photography techniques, and composition rules . Along with professional gear, it all helps to avoid perspective and distortion issues.
Architecture photography is divided into two subtypes. The first is real estate photography, which is aimed at taking pictures of homes for sale. The second is urban exploration , which focuses on abandoned and lost places.
4. Astrophotography
Astrophotography is all about capturing astronomical bodies and celestial events, such as stars, meteors, planets, galaxies, lunar or solar eclipses, and black holes. Scientists that work in astronomical observatories are usually responsible for such images and capture them with the help of powerful telescopes.
Night photography, which captures areas of the night sky visible to the naked eye, is also considered astrophotography. Amateur photographers can get such pictures under certain conditions; however, proper equipment, the correct camera settings, and knowledge of special techniques are required.
5. Black and White Photography
Black and white photography is a type of monochrome photography that contains only neutral gray tones and no additional colors. Monochromatic shades resonate on a deeper level and assist in producing timeless and elegant shots. Black and white pictures can be accomplished with monochrome-only cameras, proper camera settings, or by post-processing a color image.
Today, solid-colored images are often used for artistic purposes. They usually help highlight contrast, reveal emotions, and eliminate color distractions from the photograph. Moreover, monochromatic settings make it simpler to emphasize the subject, shape, texture, patterns, light, and composition. If you’re just starting in monochrome photography, be sure to read our beginner’s guide on black and white photography .
