Photographic genres shares similarities with film genres. A photographic genre is a style or category of photography that focus on specific subjects or themes. Considering photographic genres allow photographers to experiment with and refine different perspectives and camera techniques, creating purposeful and impactful images. Using genre categories also helps in effectively communicating the photographer's message and connecting with specific audiences. There are heaps of different examples of photographic genres, from broader categories like nature and portraits to more specific like macro and editorial. Helpful genres for this unit have been listed below.
This genre involves understanding the timing, lighting, and technical challenges of capturing beautiful vistas, dense forests, or vast deserts. Tips from landscape photographers emphasise the necessity of a tripod and suggest which lenses and shutter speeds are most effective.
This genre focuses on capturing detailed images of small subjects like insects, birds, flowers, and fruits, making them appear larger than life. It often requires a dedicated macro lens due to the narrow depth of field, necessitating a stable shooting environment. With a macro lens and specific techniques, you can explore and capture the intricacies of this miniature world effectively.
This genre involves using tripods and long exposure techniques to capture mesmerising starscapes, time-lapse images, and light paintings that illustrate the motion of stars as the Earth rotates across the night sky.
This genre focuses on capturing the dramatic effects of weather phenomena such as lightning and storms. It requires the right equipment and safety measures to capture compelling images. With dedication to timing and practice, you can achieve striking photographs that showcase the awe-inspiring power of nature.
This genre is ideal for those more interested in flora than fauna. Photographing flowers serves as an excellent introduction for beginners to learn about shallow depth of field, lighting, exposure, and other essential photography skills.
This genre involves capturing images of various animals in their natural or controlled environments. It presents unique challenges, requiring preparation and adaptability during the shoot. Additionally, learning post-processing techniques can enhance the details and features of animals with dark fur, resulting in striking photographs.
This genre focuses on capturing the unique vantage points and intriguing features of buildings, from skyscrapers to gothic gargoyles. Utilising a wide-angle lens and understanding how to shoot in natural light are essential skills for effectively showcasing architectural details.
This genre encompasses any photo taken from an elevated perspective, including those captured using drones. Whether taken from a helicopter or the top of a skyscraper, aerial photography involves understanding the techniques and challenges associated with shooting from high vantage points.
This genre offers a unique perspective on capturing images of buildings, highways, and bridges from the air. It involves understanding the challenges of piloting a drone and receiving guidance on how to achieve the best images from this elevated viewpoint.
This genre offers a commercial approach to building photography, focusing on capturing images of homes and properties for marketing purposes. Understanding the technical aspects of gear and lighting is essential for developing and enhancing real estate photography skills.
This genre requires a mastery of the camera and the ability to make subjects feel comfortable. A successful portrait goes beyond capturing a likeness; it aims to tell the subject's story. Learning about portrait lighting, as well as sitting and hand poses, can significantly improve the quality of portrait shoots.
This genre is a commercial form of portrait photography used for resumes, websites, and social media profiles. Headshots differ from traditional portraits in their focus on professional representation. Understanding these differences and learning the techniques for capturing business-ready shots are essential for success in this field.
This genre involves working with models to create stylish photoshoots. Whether focusing on runway photography, catalogue, or editorial shots, the ability to follow client direction, guide models, and capture high-quality images is essential.
This genre includes both documenting live sports, which aligns with photojournalism, and more commercial photography that showcases apparel and products worn by athletes. Regardless of the type, the ability to work in fast-paced environments and interact effectively with people is essential.
This genre captures community events and other significant aspects of people's lives. It appeals to aspiring photojournalists or anyone with curiosity. Unlike curated photoshoots where photographers can control and adjust models and settings, documentary photography aims to authentically capture reality and tell genuine stories through images.
This genre focuses on capturing authentic moments and telling compelling stories about specific events and gatherings. It appeals to photographers interested in documenting memorable occasions and preserving candid interactions. Unlike staged photoshoots where photographers have control over the environment, event photography aims to capture the genuine atmosphere and emotions of the occasion, providing a visual narrative that reflects the true essence of the event.
A photographic audience is the specific individuals or groups for whom a photograph is created. Understanding your audience involves considering demographic factors such as age, gender, culture, and interests. It also includes thinking about the context in which the photograph will be viewed, (e.g. gallery, in a book, on Instagram or a news website). When we look at historic photos, we must also consider what the norms and perspectives were for the audience when photographs were taken and consider how they may differ now.
As different genres attract different audiences, understanding the genre helps photographers tailor their work to resonate with their specific demographic, context, and viewing platform. They can shape the style, content, and presentation of the image to meet the expectations and interests of the intended viewers
You can learn how Audience connects to our AIMMEE structure here.
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