This is the age of information and technology, photos are among the most popular contents for news and events. Photography is used to communicate a message or tell a story to the viewer. With the camera embedded on smartphones, people are constantly capturing and sharing photographs on the go, most of those are shared over the social media platforms.
We take pictures of things we want to remember, this could be anything. There are many types of Photographers or Photography enthusiasts who love to capture photos of their own choice. I have seen many photographers who love to stick with only one type of photography. That can be Macro Photography or Landscape Photography or any other types of Photography. I personally like to take photos of beautiful landscapes and birds. I am not good at other types of Photography, especially Portraits.
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10 Most Popular Types of Photography
Understanding the different types of photography is very important for a beginner photographer. To improve the Photography knowledge and explore its area of learning different types of photography skills is necessary. Below is the list of 10 most popular types of Photography.
1. Aerial Photography
Is it because of the drone technology? Probably Yes. Aerial photography was introduced in 1839 by a French photographer Gaspard-Félix Tournachon. He tethered a camera to a hot-air balloon and captured the French village, Petit-Becetre. The craze of Aerial photography has drastically increased due to the availability of drones at an affordable price.
Example of Aerial Photography
Golden Gate From Above. Photo by Connor Surdi on 500px.com
2. Candid Photography
It is one of the most popular types of Photography these days. Moments captured spontaneously as they happen is known as candid photography. Since the rise of social media, the popularity of Candid Photography among teenagers has grown a lot. In this type of photography, the subject is usually not aware of the photo being captured.
Example of Candid Photography
Mother and son smiling at a stream. Photo by Jakkree Thampitakkul on 500px.com
3. Landscape Photography
Landscape photography is one of the most popular types of photography. it’s no surprise that landscape photography remains a popular type of photography, there’s so much beauty out there in nature. I love to take photos of the landscape to capture the beauty of the mother nature.
Example of Landscape Photography
Photo Taken from Sarangkot, Pokhara. Photo by Oliver O. on 500px.com
4. Wedding Photography
It is another popular type of Photography. Most of the wedding photographs are straightforward portraits and candid photos. However, some photographers go to the extreme to capture the celebrations in unconventional ways. From shooting underwater to hiking to the top of a mountain, a band of galloping horses can’t stop some wedding photographers from getting the perfect shot. [Collection of 20 Inspiring Underwater Wedding Photography]
Example of Wedding Photography
Photo by Charleton Churchill on Instagram
5. Street photography
The whole point of street photography is to capture unplanned moments in the street. This type of Photography often involves humans, but sometimes street photography just captures the surroundings of the photographer.
Example of Street Photography
A young boy collects rainwater in the street. Photo by Rob ONeill on 500px.com
6. Wildlife photography
This type of Photography requires proper skills and plan. Wildlife Photographer captures untamed animals in their natural habitats. In wildlife photography, one must have a working knowledge of the animals they may encounter, as well as the terrain wherein they will work.
Example of Wildlife Photography
Photo taken at Cabarceno Wildlife Park by Aranka Delina Janné on 500px.com
7. Fashion photography
Fashion photography is another one of the most popular types of Photography. In this type of photography, model, location, lighting and the makeup artists play a significant role. This type of photography is evolving and changing as many photographers find their own aesthetic.
Example of Fashion Photography
Karina Suntseva. Photo by Maxim Guselnikov on 500px.com
8. Macro Photography
Macro photography is one of the most rewarding types of photography you can do. You can take macro pictures in a studio or outdoor environment so long as you are magnifying your subject sufficiently. Macro photography makes things that are small appear larger than life.
Example of Macro Photography
Photo by Mustafa Öztürk on 500px.com
9. Long Exposure Photography
It is a type of photography based on using a longer shutter speed to capture, blur or obscure moving elements. It is also a useful technique in night photography. For long exposures, you can turn your exposure time to “BULB” on a camera and then press the button that takes the picture.
Example of Long Exposure Photography
Panorama of the Shanghai Skyline and Nine Dragon Pillar. Photo by Clemens Geiger on 500px.com
10. Portrait Photography
Portrait photography is an artistic representation of a person’s attitude. It is all about Face.
Example of Portrait Photography
Photo by Joachim Bergauer on 500px.com
Honorable Mention
Travel Photography
Every travel destination has its own culture, history, people, landscapes, and more importantly, the stories. Travel photographers must be able to tell stories about people and places around the world. Travel photography is more than just taking shots for travel magazine or newspapers. It is one of the most popular types of Photography.
Example of Travel Photography
A lone horseman coming up the trail from the village of Saldang in Upper Dolpo. Photo by Neil Piercy on 500px.com
