A Complete Guide to Types of Photography

30 April 2024

Whether you're a seasoned shutterbug or a curious newcomer, this guide delves into the vast and exciting realm of photographic genres. Here, we'll explore the various types of photography, helping you discover your artistic niche and capture your unique vision through the lens.


Which Style of Photography is Right for You?

Before diving into specific styles of photography, take a moment to consider what sparks you creatively. Are you drawn to the beauty of nature or the energy of cityscapes? You may be captivated by the human experience or the intricate details of everyday objects. Understanding your artistic inclinations paves the way for exploring the photographic genres that resonate most with you.

A Complete Guide to Types of PhotographyA Complete Guide to Types of Photography

Embracing the Wonders of Nature Photography

A Complete Guide to Types of PhotographyA Complete Guide to Types of Photography

Nature photography is a symphony of light, texture, and colour. It encompasses a variety of styles, from capturing the breathtaking vastness of landscapes to the delicate intricacies of macro photography. Here are some captivating subgenres:

  • Landscape Photography: Capture the grandeur of mountains, the serenity of deserts, or the tranquillity of a babbling brook. Learn to harness the power of light and composition to showcase the drama and beauty of the natural world.
  • Astrophotography: Explore the mysteries of the cosmos by photographing celestial objects like stars, planets, and galaxies. Be prepared for long exposure times and specialised equipment, but the rewards of capturing the Milky Way or a vibrant nebula are out of this world.
  • Storm Photography: Witness nature's raw power and drama by capturing storms. Master techniques like slow shutter speeds to grasp the moment lightning strikes.
  • Pet Photography: Our furry (or feathered) companions deserve the spotlight too! Capture their playful moments and heartwarming expressions.
  • Macro Photography: Enter a world unseen by the naked eye. Macro photography allows you to reveal the intricate details of flowers, insects, and everyday objects, transforming them into miniature masterpieces. Celebrate the delicate beauty of flowers with close-up shots that highlight their vibrant colours and intricate details.

Exploring Cityscapes and Structures

When photographing buildings, decide if your goal is artistic or commercial. Your approach to lighting and showcasing the building will shift significantly based on your desired outcome. 

  • Cityscapes: Capture city energy and architectural marvels. Play with perspective, shadows, and leading lines to create dynamic compositions.
  • Architecture Photography: Showcase the artistry and form of buildings, from soaring cathedrals to modern skyscrapers. Learn to use natural light and composition to highlight architectural details.
A Complete Guide to Types of PhotographyA Complete Guide to Types of Photography
  • Real Estate Photography: Create visually compelling images that showcase a property's best features for potential renters and buyers. This could also extend to AirBnb photography or even hotel and resort photography.

Capturing the World From Above

A Complete Guide to Types of PhotographyA Complete Guide to Types of Photography

Aerial and Drone Photography: Embrace a bird's-eye view with aerial and drone photography. Capture breathtaking landscapes, cityscapes, or unique event perspectives. And always remember to check local regulations when using drones.

Focusing on the Human Element

People photography encompasses a variety of styles that capture the human experience. You can also capture the moments that truly matter and embed them in time:

  • Portrait Photography: Create timeless portraits that capture a person's essence, emotions, and personality. Lighting and composition are crucial to creating impactful portraits, so use these elements to get the best shots.
  • Headshot Photography: Showcase professionalism in a headshot that captures your subject's features. Opt for clean backgrounds and correctly staged lighting for a polished look.
  • Sports Photography: Freeze the action and energy of sporting events. Master fast shutter speeds and panning techniques to capture peak performance moments.
  • Documentary Photography: Tell stories through images. Documentary photography aims to capture real-life events and social issues in a way that raises awareness and understanding.
  • Wedding Photography: Preserve the memories of this special day by capturing the emotions, love, and joy of a wedding ceremony and reception. Wedding photography requires a keen eye for detail and the ability to seamlessly capture candid moments.
A Complete Guide to Types of PhotographyA Complete Guide to Types of Photography

Telling Stories Through Images

A Complete Guide to Types of PhotographyA Complete Guide to Types of Photography
  • Commercial Photography: Create visually appealing images that showcase products or services for marketing purposes.
  • Fashion Photography: Transform clothing into art by capturing the essence of fashion trends and styles. This genre often involves collaboration with models, stylists, makeup artists, and more.
  • Food Photography: Make mouths water with images highlighting the beautiful presentation of dishes for restaurants, cookbooks, and food blogs.
  • Product Photography: Showcase products clearly and appealingly for online stores or catalogues. You can get quite creative here, as product photography can vary from conceptual to hyper-realistic.

Going Beyond with Artistic Photography

The world of photography extends beyond capturing the reality around you. Explore artistic photographic genres that push boundaries and express your unique creative vision:

  • Black and White Photography: Embrace the timeless elegance of black and white. This genre allows you to focus on light, shadow, and composition to create images with a distinct mood and atmosphere.
  • Fine Art Photography: Elevate photography to the realm of fine art. This genre focuses on the artistic merit of the image itself, often pushing the boundaries of traditional photography.
  • Surreal Photography: Create dreamlike and fantastical images by manipulating elements, using special effects, or employing unconventional techniques.
  • Abstract Photography: Depart from the representational and delve into abstraction. Use light, shapes, patterns, and textures to create visually stimulating compositions that evoke emotions.
  • Minimalist Photography: Minimalist photography frames the subject with simplicity, emphasising the essence of the scene and drawing the viewer's eye to the core elements of the composition.
A Complete Guide to Types of PhotographyA Complete Guide to Types of Photography

Mastering Photography Basics

A Complete Guide to Types of PhotographyA Complete Guide to Types of Photography

Regardless of the genre you choose, mastering foundational photography skills is crucial. Familiarise yourself with the following:

  • Camera Settings: Understand the impact of aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and focal length on your images. Check out our guide to basic camera settings to get started.
  • Composition Techniques: Use the rule of thirds, leading lines, negative space, and other composition techniques to create visually appealing images. We compiled a guide of composition tips and techniques for you.
  • Editing Software: Leverage tools like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop to enhance photos with adjustments, filters, and selective editing. Check out our guide to photo editing software to find the right one for you.

Your Photographic Adventure Begins at Ted’s

The world of photography offers endless possibilities. Explore different genres, experiment with techniques, and discover the photography style that resonates most. At Ted's Cameras, we're passionate about empowering photographers of all levels.  We offer a wide selection of cameras, lenses, and accessories to fuel your photographic journey. Browse our range, or visit us in-store so our experts can guide you in selecting the perfect equipment for your chosen type of photography. Start capturing your vision, one frame at a time!


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