Modern styles of photography (part 1)
Published: 08.09.2020
Modern photography styles offer unlimited opportunities for photographers. We will talk about the main genres of photography to make it easier for you to capture your world through the lens.
Do you think there is only one type of photography? No. In the world, there are many different types of photography with various subjects, equipment, and personal techniques.
Some photographers prefer to expand their skills and portfolio by engaging in multiple types of photography at the same time, while others focus on perfecting a specific style throughout their career. Having a wide range of experience in shooting different themes can help professionals or amateur photographers to define a niche or preferred theme.
We will explore the main styles of photography that evoke special admiration and make you think. Perhaps you will find a new subject for shooting or rediscover a familiar style.
Abstract photography
Abstract photography is known as conceptual or experimental photography. It is a genre that is hard to define. In abstract photography, color, light, shadow, texture, shape, or form are often used to convey a feeling or impression - without actually representing the image of the object or scene being photographed.
Cool photos deserve unusual framing. Print your cool photos in a Polaroid style. Fans of instant photography from the 90s may experience familiar feelings when holding a photo in the style of a Polaroid. For those unfamiliar with traditional Polaroids, square images with space for captions will be to their liking.
Photos of this style are not immediately associated with a familiar object in the eyes of the viewer. After all, they are created by isolating a specific object or natural scene in such a way as to remove contextual details from the image. This is done using cropping, post-shooting editing, or incorporating creativity.
Architectural photography
The main subject of the shooting is the exterior or interior of a building. These photos typically represent fairly accurate images of the structure, taken in a way that they are aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
Read more about architectural photography in the article.How to photograph urban landscapes.
Astrophotography
Astrophotography has revolutionized the field of professional astronomical research, as long exposures allow capturing images of stars and awe-inspiring nebulae.
Photographers use both film and digital cameras with long exposure capability, as light photons can accumulate over time. However, special equipment and methods are crucial for capturing details, so transitioning to astrophotography is no joke.
Do you want to learn how to photograph stars, meteorites, and celestial phenomena? Read our article.What you need to know when shooting the night sky.
Commercial photography
This style is intended for promoting or selling a product or service. Photographers are hired to take pictures of the product that will be used in marketing materials. The images are staged using models or staff. Food and fashion photography can also be commercial.
Black and white photograph
Black and white photograph, which often uses classic, timeless, and elegant images, is considered nowadays mainly as fine art photography. The minimal amount of light, which is characteristic of black and white photography or shootingwith a sepia effect, creating a nostalgic or vintage atmosphere in the photo.
Create a Light album from cool photos. You don't need to print the photos separately. We will print your photos directly on the pages of the Light album. Upload your images to the free editor Mapi7 and create a themed Light album. You can upload photos from your phone.
Food photography
Food photos are often used in commercial, editorial, and social media photography. This genre includes any food, starting from ingredients and ending with plated dishes.
Photograph food from above or at a 45-degree angle. Although shooting from a low angle with selective focus, tilted plates or dishes fully covered with food are encouraged lately.
Double exposure photograph
A double exposure photograph is created by merging two images into one. Historically, special cameras and film development methods were required for this. In modern digital cameras, there are now settings that allow for capturing multiple exposures.
Editing software, such as Photoshop, also allows achieving this effect much easier than on film.
This technique is used to create images with a surreal, ghostly quality. Double exposure photography provides endless space for creativity.
Macro photography
Macro photographyallows to take very close-up shots of very small objects. Insects, plants or flowers are popular subjects in this genre. Other macro images may include close-ups of food, water droplets, everyday objects such as fabrics, feathers, toys, eyes, jewelry, and other abstract patterns and textures.
Special lenses are required for macro photography to achieve true reproduction ratio of the object, with depth of field and lighting being important factors in framing correction. Extension tubes can also be used to extend the lenses for close-up and personal capture.
Portrait photography
Portrait photography is a complex genre of photography because it requires the use of lighting, background, and posing to capture the subject's individuality in a single frame.
Lighting is especially important when creatingportraitas bright high-key shots are often used. Fast and medium telephoto lenses are preferred, as they are used to isolate the subject by controlling depth of field. When shooting outside the studio, using the bokeh effect to blur out-of-focus background elements can be a simple solution to avoid shooting on a plain background.
Sports photography
The act of shooting sports competitions is known as sports photography. This type of photography is often considered a branch of photojournalism, especially in relation to professional sports.
Since most sports are dynamic, camera equipment and settings should be able to capture the action, and shutter speed is the most important factor. The type of sport determines the requirements for the camera body and lens that work best. Individual sports (golf, boxing, cycling, track and field) focus on a shallow depth of field, allowing to capture the intensity of the participants. Team sports (soccer, hockey, football, etc.) require a greater depth of field to properly capture all the team's actions.
To be continued.
