What are photographs with people called? A brief dictionary for the beginning photographer
Photography is a very multifaceted art form that includes not only portraits, reportage and landscape. There are various genres of photography, not only in the professional but also in the amateur sphere. This is what the blog will be about.
Reportage photography
Genres of photography
The peculiarity of this direction in photography is that the main part of the reporting niche is occupied by professionals. The main goal of a photographer-reporter is to convey the mood and integrity of the entire event in one photograph.
Another goal of photojournalism is to tell the facts without the subjective opinion of the photographer. The viewer usually learns about events from reportage photographs. A good photo report perfectly illustrates the news. The ability to notice the emotion and decisive moment of an event usually takes years of practice and experience.
Documentary photography
Genres of photography
Documentary photography is a reflection of history. The main difference between this direction in photography and photojournalism is that documentary photographs are usually historical evidence of a particular political or social era. Reportage photography, on the contrary, tells about a specific scene or event.
The theme of this direction in photography can be any event. A photographer can talk about the life of homeless people or war. As in reportage, the main goal of documentary photography is to objectively tell the story of events.
While reportage photography may become obsolete over time, documentary photography lives on for many years.
Sports photography
Genres of photography
Sports photography is one of the most fast-paced and exciting types of reporting. The peculiarity of this direction in photography is that in order to obtain successful photographs, the photographer needs to know many of the subtleties of the sport being photographed in order to capture the right moment in time.
Macro photography
Genres of photography
Macro photography is the photography of objects at close range. High-quality macro photography is available to a greater extent to owners of expensive lenses, while other areas of photography are more loyal to photographic equipment. However, in recent years, owners of inexpensive compacts with macro settings have also begun to take up macro photography.
Macro photography has a wide scope - from flowers and insects to textures and other objects that are interesting to look at in detail.
Microphotography
Genres of photography
Microphotography uses special cameras and microscopes. The peculiarity of this direction in photography is the microscopic size of the objects being photographed. Most microphotography subjects originate in the scientific community. For example, microphotography is used in biology, medicine and even astronomy.
Glamor photography
Genres of photography
Glamor photography is one of the most popular modern photography styles. Glamor photos can be erotic, but they should not be confused with pornography. A characteristic feature of this direction in photography is that in their works photographers strive to convey the model in a “glamorous” light. That is why in most of these photographs there is a degree of flirtation and mystery.
Aerial photography
genres in photography
Aerial photography includes all types of photographs taken from a bird's eye view. The peculiarity of this direction in photography lies in the complexity of its implementation. Aerial photographers use airplanes, parachutes, hot air balloons and remote-controlled aircraft in their work.
Underwater photography
genres in photography
Underwater photography is one of the common hobbies of scuba divers. The narrow focus and unpopularity of this direction in photography is a consequence of the high cost of the hobby, as well as the high cost of photographic equipment for underwater photography. In addition, even if an amateur photographer has scuba gear and equipment, underwater photography is often complicated by the fact that it is difficult to see a good scene through an underwater mask.
Artistic photography
genres in photography
Fine art photography covers many subjects. An underwater photographer can create an artistic series, and a portrait artist can create an expressive black and white portrait, which only emphasizes the versatility of this direction in photography. The main requirement for photography that claims to be artistic is to have aesthetic value.
Photography today is not just a way to capture an important life moment. Thanks to a huge amount of high-end equipment and special programs, everyone has the opportunity to make photography their hobby. Artistic photography as an art form is quite multifaceted. Even a beginner will be able to show his imagination to his heart's content. At the same time, everyone will find their favorite genre.
A little history
Today there is a digital camera in every home. But a hundred years ago photography was a real luxury. Few people know that an ordinary photograph is an image painted with light. This unique discovery came about thanks to several scientists. Before photography appeared in the form in which many people know it, a lot of work was done. The history of photography is interesting and exciting.
Attempts to obtain images were recorded back in the 17th century. But they cannot be called successful. Art photography dates back to 1839. The French scientist Louis Daguerre was the first to obtain a clear image of a person. In this case, the exposure time did not exceed a minute. Since then, photography has been improved many times. Today we have the opportunity to create real masterpieces with minimal time.
How to create a unique photo?
Anyone can pick up a camera and take pictures of everything without any preliminary settings. In this case, you will most likely not be able to get a beautiful photo. Those who want to become a real photographer should first learn how to correctly select the content of the frame. The light must be selected correctly and the lens must be adjusted. These rules are the same for any technique, regardless of whether you have to shoot with an old Zenit or the latest digital camera.
It is impossible to become a professional photographer from the very first days. You will have to take a huge number of pictures before a real masterpiece is born. In this regard, digital technology has many advantages. An unsuccessful frame can be deleted at any time. Every aspiring photographer should identify for himself the genres of photography that he will pay attention to first. To become a professional, you can’t spread yourself thin. It is rare to find a specialist who is well versed in all sectors of a particular field of activity.
Portrait
Portrait photography was born when people learned to take the first photographs. Here artists tried to repeat the images of painting. The first portraits were quite expensive. Only aristocrats could afford them. They took pictures both on their own and with their family members. Some ancient photographs have survived to this day and are now in museums around the world.
A portrait is not just an image of a face. If a person is depicted in full height, this is also considered portrait photography. Any school of photography primarily includes this genre in its course. Models can be photographed both outdoors and indoors. It is important that
the main emphasis fell precisely on the person. No details should distract attention.
Special mention should be made of studio shooting. This type of portrait photography is relatively new. Previously, stars were photographed in this way for fashion magazines. Today, everyone can please themselves with a photo shoot in the studio. Artistic photography involves the correct selection of background and organization of lighting.
Still life
This genre of photography also originated from painting. Artists depicted beautifully arranged fruits and vegetables in their paintings. The image was complemented by beautiful fabric and dishes. As soon as the first school of photography appeared, still life also began to gain popularity. From the French “nature morte” literally means “inanimate nature”. Professional photographers, like artists, are able to beautifully convey to the viewer the meaning of the existence of certain inanimate objects.
For a long time, still life belonged to an unclaimed genre. The technique and art of photography was taught in schools for educational purposes only. With the development of information technology, still life has become very popular. With its help, photographers hone their professional skills. Besides, is it possible to remember an online store without product photos? After all, the image of a particular product is a still life.
Today, still life occupies one of the first places among all genres. The history of photography tells us that the emotional power of images of objects was previously not inferior to portrait photographs. At the moment this trend has been lost. But without still life, the existence of online stores would be impossible.
Scenery
The classic genre that involves photographing nature is called landscape. This branch of the photo industry can be called the most emotional. It is from nature that every aspiring photographer can draw inspiration. And some pictures are so amazing that it’s hard to take your eyes off them.
It is difficult for a beginner to master the landscape from the very first days. Anyone can take landscape photos. But the point is not to capture the moment. The image should convey the photographer’s state of mind. The process of finding a successful shot can be complicated by various natural phenomena. Unlike in the studio, working outside can be hampered by bright sun, precipitation or strong wind. Sometimes a photographer has to work for weeks to get a really good photo.
Architecture
Like previous genres of photography, architecture arose almost immediately. There is a huge resemblance to the landscape. The only difference is that the objects are various buildings and structures. There are also distinctive features. Great attention is paid to the correct choice of shooting point. The most profitable way to rent a building is from a hill. For example, one house can be photographed from the roof of another.
Architecture is one of the most difficult genres. Finding the right position is often complicated by traffic and weather conditions. In addition, it is not always possible to convey details through the camera lens. Photographing architecture requires expensive equipment.
Reportage shooting
Today this genre is quite widespread. And reportage photography began to become popular only in the second half of the 20th century. Few people know that photographs of various events and holidays are a report.
It is believed that a photographer simply films this or that event. In fact, reporting is an opportunity to convey not only the essence of certain actions, but also the attitude towards them. If we consider various genres of photography, the reportage most accurately conveys the character of the photographer, his emotional state and professionalism. If a protest is being photographed, for example, it is up to the photographer to show both sides in a positive light. An objective look at things is one of the most important character traits that a real photojournalist should have.
Household or genre photographs
The transfer of everyday life using a camera belongs to genre photography. Quite often, images have a documentary basis. Genre photographs are very similar in essence to reportage ones. A professional must convey life exactly as it is. The photo may show children playing, a grandmother cleaning the yard, a beggar begging, etc.
The difference between genre photography is the ability to convey the emotional state of not only the photographer, but also the subjects themselves. In the picture you can see joy, tears, disappointment and anger. This can be either street photography or indoor photography.
Interior photography
Today we cannot do without this genre of photography, although it is quite young. A ready-made interior created by a professional designer has its own emotional load. At the same time, the photographer’s task is to convey the idea completely without distortion. Interior photography is closely related to design. No professional could create a portfolio of their work without the help of an experienced photographer.
Angle plays a huge role in portrait photography. The correctly chosen point determines how the room will look in the picture. In addition, one element allows you to decorate the entire space. Therefore, the photographer should pay special attention to the most advantageous interior details.
Reproduction
This genre of photography is not artistic. Regardless, it is important. There are a huge number of scanners with different technical characteristics. But the photographer will be able to convey the essence of the picture more correctly. In addition, many ancient images require special treatment. Do not touch the paint again. Photography is the ability to accurately transfer an image onto paper. And some photographs are taken with such high quality that it can be quite difficult to distinguish the photo from the original.
Photography in Nude style
The naked human body is a popular subject for filming today. In fact, this genre originated quite a long time ago. Everyone knows that artists loved to depict their women without clothes. As soon as the first artistic photograph appeared, the Nude style was born. This genre has occupied one of the most important places for many centuries.
Most often, girls are the subject of photography. This can be either street photography or studio photography. A naked body in photographs can only evoke positive emotions. No anger or disgust.
Nude style is often intertwined with everyday photography. These genres of photography exist perfectly together. For example, a naked girl may be depicted going about her daily business or sunbathing on the beach.
Avant-garde
As with any other area of life, you can find a non-standard approach to photography. Avant-garde is a special genre of photography. It is characterized by going beyond conventional aesthetics. To achieve his goals, a photographer can use the most unconventional means.
Avant-garde does not have any specific features like other genres of photography. Therefore, it is often quite difficult to track the professionalism of a photo. The photographer can depict a “second reality” that is in no way connected with the real world. The subject of photography can be people, animals, household items and plants. And they will be depicted in an unusual form for others.
Macro photography
This genre is very popular among beginning photographers. It involves obtaining an image at a certain scale. Many people consider macro photography to be an opportunity to photograph at a short distance from the subject. But it is not so. Special lenses allow you to take high-quality photographs. Technology for transferring objects on a large scale is quite expensive.
Macro photography allows you to capture the life of insects, small animals, and microorganisms. With an expensive lens you can even photograph a mosquito or a flea.
Non-standard photography genres
There are types of filming that cannot be called generally accepted in professional circles. First of all, these include self-portraits. No photographer can photograph himself well. This genre is more suitable for amateurs. With the development of information technology, self-portrait began to enjoy enormous popularity. At the same time, in order to take a photo, a regular mobile phone is most often used.
You can also shoot landscapes with your smartphone. The photos look good for a home album. High-quality professional photographs must be created using appropriate technology, which is not cheap. It is still advisable to start getting acquainted with photography with a semi-professional SLR camera from the middle price category. Such equipment allows a novice photographer to get an idea of the genres of photography, as well as learn the basics.
PHOTO
Photography (French photographie light painting - light painting technique) - obtaining and saving a static image on a photosensitive material using a camera.
Photography is the art of taking photographs, where the creative process consists of searching and choosing the composition, lighting and moments of the photograph. The choice is determined by the skill, ability, and taste of the photographer, which is inherent in any type of art.
Main genres in photography as art
Night photography
Night photography involves taking photographs at night, given that at night there is not enough light to take photographs, the photographer must use fast lenses, long shutter speeds, and high ISO sensitivity values.
Portrait
Portrait photography is one of the most difficult types of photography, requiring considerable skills and knowledge. The main task is to convey all facets of the personality depicted in the photo, from the beauty of appearance to the rich inner world.
Still life
Still life is one of the genres of photography in which the subject of photography is various inanimate objects, products or goods: artwork, dishes, flowers, fruits, etc. Today, this genre of photography is often used in advertising photography.
Scenery
Landscape - (French paysage - country, area). Of course, like any other photograph, landscape photography is subject to the laws of light and composition.
Mobilography
Mobilography - appeared in the 21st century. Produced by mobile phones, pocket personal computers, etc. Due to the low resolution, photographs taken with such cameras are of very low quality, but they can be interesting because they are taken from an unusual angle or taken spontaneously. In this genre of photography, what is important is what is shown in the photograph, not the quality of the photograph.
Nude (nude)
Photographs of the naked human body, revealing beautiful forms, plasticity and sensuality.
Flora and fauna
Flora and fauna photos often become the property of various scientific encyclopedias, educational magazines or entertaining books for children.
Macro photography
Macro (from the Greek μακρός - “big”, “large”) is a type of photography in which the depicted objects are photographed on a scale of 1: 1 or larger. Macro photography is the principle of creating an enlarged image. filmed at a scale of 1:1 or larger.
Microphotography
Microphotography is a technique for photographing small objects at high magnification, usually using a microscope. Divided into optical, electronic and digital microphotography.
Reportage
News photography is the prerogative of photojournalists who photograph events from local to global scales. Requires the photographer to quickly build a composition and instantly react to changes in the situation.
Documentary photography
This is any type of photography if it documents events or an object. Documentary photography has today given way to photojournalism. Often, photographs taken by documentarians have not only documentary, but also artistic value. The works of such photographers can be seen in galleries, books, and art photo albums.
Aerial photography
This is photographing a territory with an aerial camera from an airplane, helicopter or other type of aircraft. To improve the quality of aerial photographs, special aerial lenses with high resolution are used. The resulting photographs are processed using special computer systems – digital photogrammetric stations.
Architectural photography
Documentary photography of the appearance or details of an architectural object. Often used in artistic photography. One of the types of architectural photography is interior photography. Lenses are mainly used wide-angle, allowing for wider image coverage.
Astrophotography
It is used for observing and studying space objects using astrographs. Based on the use of long exposures, it allows you to obtain images of very low brightness objects. Long-focus lenses and specialized optical systems are used.
Glamorous, glossy photography
These are always rich and bright photos, even if they are made in black and white, they have the chic and charm characteristic of glamor. Most often, such photographs depict beautiful girls in various images, each of them is always spectacular. Beautiful glamor photos always look flawless, without flaws, which in some way idealizes what is depicted.
Genre photography
To determine genre photography from non-genre photography, it is worth knowing the following rule: landscape, still life, portrait are not genre photography, a genre photograph implies the state and action of people. The origins of this concept go back to painting.
Lomography
The type of film photography does not take into account such concepts of quality as sharpness, color rendition, density. Capturing the moment in any form, the picture can depict anything and how you want. The purpose of Lomography is to depict moments on Earth; everything has artistic value. The motto of Lomographers in all countries is LoMo - “love and motion” - love and movement.
Luminography
Luminography (light painting, light graphics, freezelight) - painting with light in a darkened space with a long exposure. The essence of photography is to draw with a beam of light from any source (flashlight, lamp, laser...)
Panoramic photography
This includes photographing various panoramas. Panoramas are divided into planar and virtual.
Pin-Up
The pin-up style appeared a long time ago, but even today, photo shoots in the pin-up style are popular, and not only in studios.
Papparazzi
The word comes from Italian and means “an annoying, squeaking mosquito.” Photographers specialize in photographing scenes from the personal lives of celebrities, without their knowledge or consent. Most often these are shots of an intimate or scandalous nature.
Pictorial photography
The genre developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Photographers tried to emphasize in their photographs those features that brought photography closer to painting. For this purpose, special photography techniques, soft-focus lenses, and filters were used.
Pinhole photography
Pinhole photography (stenope) is photography using a camera without a lens; the role of the lens is played by a small hole. A stenotop can easily be made from a regular SLR camera, film or digital. A hole up to 1 cm in diameter is drilled into the cover to protect the internal parts when the lens is removed. The inside of the cover is covered with foil in which a micro-hole is made with a pin or needle.
Plein air photography
Plein air is a technique of photographing in natural conditions with natural light. The term “plein air” began to be used by photographers working on location photography.
Underwater photography
Photographing underwater objects using waterproof equipment. Professional photography is carried out using special lighting devices.
Post-mortem photography
The custom of photographing recently deceased people, which appeared in the 19th century with the invention of the daguerreotype. At the end of the century before last, such photographs were commonplace, but nowadays they are an object of study and collecting.
Reproduction
Reproduction, reproduction of various images using photography, as a result, using printing, an exact copy of a particular object is obtained. These can be paintings, drawings, documents.
It is carried out by photographers of the highest level of skill. This type of photography includes all genres, all types of photography. It is also called commercial photography and includes the following subsections: catalog photography, image photography, interior photography, subject photography, as well as business and political portraits.
Product photography
This is a genre of photography that is used in advertising. Design, structures and significant elements of the advertised product. Based on the task, photography is carried out of goods, items or assortment groups united in a frame by a common composition. Filmed from the most advantageous angle. Talking about differences from competitive products.
Wedding photography
This is a very interesting and creative direction in photography. Wedding photography is a labor-intensive genre that requires high professionalism, quick response and an exceptionally creative approach to photography. Includes such diverse types of photography as photojournalism, portrait photography, artistic, staged and studio photography.
Light graphics
Light painting technique.
Scanography
With the modern development of computer technology, almost any scanner can be used for scanning instead of a camera.
Sports photography
Sports photography is associated with a journalist with a camera and a large telephoto lens, as it is designed to zoom in on particularly distant objects. Their typical focal length ranges anywhere from 60mm to 1000mm.
Stereo photography
This is obtaining a stereo pair of images using a photographic method. It is a combination of two images of the same object from different points of view. One for the left and one for the right eye. When viewing a stereo pair, the image of the object is perceived with the same local depth as the object itself.
Strobism
This is a photographic technique using compact external flash units. Allows you to obtain high, almost studio-quality images outside of studios - in offices, museums, factories, apartments, on the streets, in nature.
Travel photos, travelphoto
Tourist photography. The modern traveler is unlikely to forget his camera. All the impressions and sights that he will take will be travel photos.
Photo story, photo story
Photostory
Identikit
This is a computerized process of drawing up a photographic portrait of a person based on the testimony of witnesses.
Photo hunt
The subject of photography is animals, birds, insects in natural conditions. The photographer has to be patient and persevering, as he has to sit and wait for hours for an animal or bird.
Black and white photography
The very first type of photographs. It is especially popular, despite the fact that color photography has existed for a long time, especially in artistic photography. Color photographs are converted to black and white to give special meaning to the elements of the photo.
Chemical autograph
A section of biological tissue (plant, animal) is applied to photographic paper, the substances of the intercellular fluid enter into a photochemical process, the result is an accurate image of the object. One of the types is autoradiography, when an object containing radioactive isotopes is pressed against photographic paper, a latent image is formed.
Rayography
Named after the photographer Man Ray, who in 1921 resurrected the method of cameraless photography. The photograph was taken by directly exposing the subject to light-sensitive paper.
ShadographyA type of photography that represents abstract photographs. In 1918, artist-photographer Christian Schad created abstract compositions using newspaper clippings and light-sensitive paper.
spotting
Spotting – (from the English word “spot” - “see”, “identify”) This is a special type of hobby; spotters photograph aircraft, mainly airplanes at airfields. The essence of the hobby is to record the aircraft number and where it is at that time. The devices move at high speed, so this type of hobby requires a lot of experience. Sometimes spotters manage to record emergency situations at airfields.
So, let's choose names for your photos. We name our art, so the name must be attractive, interesting, clear, easy to understand and fit perfectly with the art.
The title is a prologue. It always complements the picture, telling about the nature of the image, and helps the viewer understand it better. It should hint at the nature of the image. Our titles or headings should create a sense of belonging to the author. We consciously give names to our children and nicknames for pets, and we should be just as thoughtful about the names in this art form. There needs to be additional context to what the picture has already said.
For a better understanding, we can divide the ways of creating a title for an image into three categories.
Straight to context
Try to choose words that can accurately describe what the image is trying to convey. Your title can be a description of the scene, a verb of what is happening within the action, or simply the name of the topic. The choice of this type of name should be simple and straightforward.
Echo of the unknown
dragon tree
A handful of happiness (First steps)
Faith
Without a smile
Here's: Dennis Bautista
Breathe
Mood in words
The mood of the photo is conveyed by the ambitious titles. Strong and sharp words should be used here. They should dramatize the moment, evoke certain sensations, make one feel joy or pain, instill faith or evoke disgust. It could even be a dialogue between subjects within the frame, the voice of their inner soul, their thoughts and dreams. The title should interpret their words in order for the audience to understand and connect with the picture.
Only in a storm
She will be back
Secret
I'm not afraid
Melody in silence
Peak hour
Life is Beautiful
Creativity
It is easier to talk about creativity than to become creative yourself. Creativity is the art of self-realization, following the inner voice. Slowly but surely, this process turns into a habit and becomes a characteristic feature. When trying to choose a name with a pinch of creativity, you should be wise and careful in your choice of words. Often these names, like an arrow, hit the bull's eye, clearly conveying the nature of the picture, and are etched into the depths of memory for a long time. The creative title is sure to wow the viewer, who will raise their eyebrows in surprise or at least put a smile on their faces.