There are all different types of photography, and all different types of photographers. A photographers personality and own interests play a huge part in what type of photographer they are. Some photographers enjoy the fast pace non stop action of sports or wedding photography, while other photographers enjoy the peace and relaxation of photographing an epic landscape. Personally, I am more of the peace and relaxation type of photographer.
However, there is one thing that that the different types of photographers have in common – creativity! As a photographer, I get to apply my unique, creative vision to my images. It is this chance to create something new and different that motivates me to grab my camera and explore the world around me. I enjoy several different types of photography that allow me to get creative with my camera!
The Types of Photography
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Landscape & Seascape Photography
I combine these two as they are really both about getting out into the world and turning the scenery into a photo that tells a story. That scenery might be the mountains and lakes, or the beach and the ocean. In either case, the approach and equipment will be similar. Being patient and waiting hours, days or even weeks for the light to be right requires a certain personality.
I enjoy the planning that goes into this type of photography, and tend to spend far more time researching a location then actually photographing it! I love the feeling of anticipation as I set up in what I think will be the ideal spot, set up my equipment and wait for Mother Nature.
Will the colors in the sky be just right? Will the clouds have the right kind of moment in the sky? I just have to wait to see what develops! Pun fully intended, sorry I could not help it. Hey, gimme a break, I am a photographer not a comic!
Seascape Photography – The Soft Colors of Sunrise
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Night Photography
For me, creating photos at night is about capturing the beauty of the city lights. The city is full of buildings that use a staggering array of lit signs to advertise their names and brands. From giant billboards to small neon signs the lights are everywhere, and at night they completely transform the look and feel of the city.
This is the type of photography that I love for the sheer variety of photographs that I can create. Each building in the city can be shot in many different ways, and it can be a real mental challenge to see the city and compose it all in a way that it pleasing to the eye.
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Portrait Photography
What I like most about this type of photography is the personal interaction with the subject. Almost everyone I have ever photographed started out feeling a little uncomfortable in front of the camera. Understandable, right? I know I hate having my photo taken!
As I work with my subject I keep a conversation going, constantly providing feedback about how great the photos are coming out, and showing them samples on the cameras LCD screen. It is here when the photographer and the subject begin to work together that beautiful portraits truly get created. Being a part of this experience can be tremendously rewarding!
Blue Eyes – A Portrait Photograph
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Still Life Photography
One of my favorite types of photography is without a doubt still life. In my small home studio, I have the ultimate in control over my environment and can create virtually any image that I can imagine. I am not dependent on the weather, or the mood of my subject.
I often take on commission work, and it can be very exciting to take a clients ideas or sketches and turn them into beautiful works of art. Much of this type of photography ends up being of food – “Hey Mike, could you photograph a chocolate cupcake and some beer for me?” That is one request that required virtually no thinking whatsoever! Why yes, yes I could do that!
While it sounds like all fun and games, this type of photography poses some unique challenges! As a photographer the goal is to create a photograph of the food that is going to cause someone to want to run to the store and buy it on the spot. The food needs to look real
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HDR Photography
Without a doubt HDR has been the most controversial type of photography in recent times. The interweb forums are full of discussions about HDR that range from civil to outright hostile! While I steer clear of the arguing, there is no doubt that I more then dabble in HDR. I love that it allows me to capture a scene and create a single photograph that represents the full range of light that was visible with my own eyes. I use it as a tool to help me express my creative vision in a photograph. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.
Torpedo Room
While they are all different types of photography, they all have something very important in common. Each type allows me to take a camera and create something unique, something special. As a photographer my true joy is when I am behind the camera using my creative vision and my skills to turn a scene into a photograph that I can share with others. You can keep up with my latest adventures behind the camera by checking out my photography blog!