So I’m here recovering from knee surgery - unable to hobble out of bed to even say
hello to my camera gear – and, being something of a Poindexter, I give myself an intellectual photography assignment: succinctly yet generally “define” the (arguably) most prevalent photographic genres (and some subsets therein). This was inspired, in part, by the
'favorite genre' poll in this forum. I researched each photographic term and compiled definitions from repeated concepts online, in photo mags, books and dictionaries. Like I said … knee injury (and a LOT of free time on my hands). Not only was this a great time killer, but it actually helped me get an idea as to which genres I’d like to focus on, rather than continue down the generalist’s path (my reasons for that are my own). So take a look with what I came up with. Please share your comments. And if you lean toward one or more genres, perhaps explain why and share what kind of equipment you specifically use for each. And then get out and go shooting! Um, just be sure and wear some knee protection
• Abstract - Complex use of color, texture, focus, exposure, etc. to render an image often with no apparent or discernible subject and/or a subject that appears entirely unlike any object
• Aerial - A hybrid of two separate technologies, aviation and photography, aerial views generally adhere to one of two types: the direct vertical, producing a rational, linear representation useful in cartography, and the oblique horizontal; resulting in a more descriptive, pictorial image
• Architecture - Views of the exteriors and interiors of individual domestic, commercial, religious, institutional, and other engineered structures, with emphasis on architectural style and design, as well as records of the evolution of structures in towns and cities
• Astrophotography - Photography of both visible and invisible celestial objects; usually captured in darkness
• Cityscape - Usually more glamorous than urban landscapes, cityscapes are broad-view photographic representations of cities or sections of cities regarded as cohesive scenes
• Documentary - A photographic depiction of the real world intended to communicate something of importance - or to make a comment - that is understood by the viewer
• Essay - A set or series of photographs tied together with text or captions intended to tell a story or evoke a series of emotions in the viewer
• Event - Coverage of any special event, either indoors or outdoors, often involving large and/or roving groups of subjects and logistical planning with staff, after which prints are produced and sold to event clients and participants
• Fashion - The art or practice of taking photographs of models displaying various fashions, especially for style magazines, in which the clothes and fashions are often enhanced by exotic locations, storylines, and array of props and backdrops for added impact
• Fine Art - Fine art photography overlaps many genres of photography, as it is developed primarily for aesthetics and/or concept rather than utility. That is, it refers to photographs that are created to fulfill the creative vision of the artist. Thus, fine art photography stands in contrast to photojournalistic and commercial genres, as those varieties provide visual support for print media or focus on selling products or services, respectively, rather than expressing the artist's own perceptions and emotions to share with or sell to others.
• Glamour - A genre of photography whereby the subjects, usually female, are portrayed in a romantic or sexually alluring way
• Industrial/Commercial/Ad - Photos made for hire to depict industrial/commercial activity and products at the behest of industrial/commercial organizations, agencies, publishers, and other business and industrial users involved in the buying and selling of goods or services, to project certain impressions of themselves and their undertakings and/or for purposes such as advertising and packaging. Commercial genres overlap other genres of photography because they utilize many of the same approaches and techniques.
• Landscape (Pictorialist)- Broad-view photographic representations of expansive scenery that use various landforms, fauna, flora, weather, etc., regarded as cohesive scenes, to evoke emotions in the viewer about each location and/or to inspire environmental stewardship
• Macro - The creation of close-up photographs in which the subject projected on the film or digital sensor (“film plane”) is the same size as the subject (1:1)
• Nature - Nature photography is an umbrella term incorporating landscape, wildlife, and plant photography, but excludes photographs of artificially produced hybrid plants or animals, mounted specimens, or obviously set arrangements, as well as any form of manipulation that alters the truth of the of the photographic statement
• Photojournalism - Still images of newsworthy events, often with supplementary written copy
• Portraiture - The capture of the likeness of a person or a small group of people (a group portrait), in which the face and expression is predominant in order to display the likeness, personality, and/or mood of the subject(s)
• Sports - Action shots that capture the key elements and/or emotions of sporting events; often divided into two subsets: victory and defeat
• Still Life - Photographic representation of the arrangement of diverse inanimate objects
• Stock - Encompassing virtually all genres of photography, “Stock” refers to rights-managed images supplied to buyers for specific uses as a means to fulfill the needs of creative assignments
• Travel - The capture of the particular look, character, and ambiance of a place we leisurely visit in order to share as much about that place as well as offer the actual look of it
• Urban/Street - Candid images focused on the people that live in and around the cities and urban areas where we live and work
• Urban Landscape - Transcendent of and usually grittier than “big-picture cityscape,” urban landscapes document and explore the places where people live and gather, focusing on the city itself and its life
• Wedding - Coverage specifically of marital events, either indoors or outdoors, often involving large and/or roving groups of subjects and logistical planning with participants, after which prints are produced and sold to wedding clients and participants
• Wildlife - A vast genre that captures the behavior and habitat of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish, as well as insects, spiders, and marine and freshwater life