There are thousands or career choices you can accomplish in this world. One type that I love doing is Photography, Artistic Design and Graphic Design. There are hundreds of career choices in this area alone that you can choose. The types of photography can cover a broad group.
Today we will break the Types of Photography down into 9 categories and then into 55 types of work you can do as a photographer. The categories divide photography into different genres that are related.
From these 9 Categories we can learn about some of the different types of photography fields you may find an interest in or even a career path. We would need an extra day to consider all the career paths in Photography. So not every type is considered here. The attached Mind Map Sheet highlights all the Types of photography not covered in this very comprehensive list – if you still want more.
The general salary ranges for 2018 in photography are listed below. So your salary will grow as you do over your career as listed below. Depending on the effort you apply, will determine how much you can earn in each of the pay levels.
- Beginner Entry-level: $20,000 – $80,000
- Base Level Photography: $23,000 – $100,000
- Experienced Photographer: $27,000 – $120,000
The Categories are:
1. A Commercial Photographer
Commercial photography covers a range of photography careers. These are some of the more popular careers like wedding photography or Product Photography. They tend to provide a specific result or service for clients or advertisers.
2. A Lifestyle Photographer
Photographers who document people and events for the news channels or papers, for magazines and for publishers. Generally, they are qualified to tell a story with an image or sometimes write a story to accompany an image. Careers like photojournalism are common in this area.
3. A Portrait Photographer
These photographers may work from a studio or on site. They take photos of people in various situations from portraits to school photos to wedding parties. Portrait photographers try to capture moments in time of people for people. Some may do framing too.
4. A Nature / Landscape Photographer
Nature Photographers capture everything out doors (except people ironically). Landscape photography is the main area in this category. It is broken in to various areas all covered here. Other areas a Landscape / Nature photographer may capture are Wildlife, Seascapes, Underwater, Cityscapes, night photography, the Weather and the amazing Golden Hour.
5. An Event Photographer
Event photographers go where the crowds are, places like Sporting events, Large Weddings, Graduations, Political Rally’s, Public Events and Shows or Concerts. They try to capture the event of course, but also the reactions of the crowds and surrounding activities.
6. A Scientific Photographer
Here we document forensic activity, medical procedures or things not visible to the human eye. They bring visual life to technical information. This career may require specialized equipment to succeed. Other areas covered here include drone photography and astrophotography.
7. A Surreal Photographer
Surreal photography requires a great imagination, to see an image in unusual ways. Most of these types of jobs require you to distort and manipulate the images in post processing. Forced perspective photos can be taken with clever setup.
8.A Freelance Photographer
Freelance photographers choose their own jobs. There are job options for freelance photographers in almost any related industry. They can do photojournalism or events or weddings or even cover a fashion shoot.
9. Other Types of Photography
There are always a few types of Photography never seem to fit specifically into any one category. They are listed here together. Fine art photography and Stock Photography are covered in this category.
Let’s start… below you will find each of the 9 categories of photography and a detailed explanation of all the types of photography that the category covers. If there are duplicates, they will NOT be written twice. Some types of photography appearing on the map, will not be covered in this article for one of two reasons.
One, it is not a major area that will bring you a substantial income and second, I don’t want to!
Second, it is not considered very popular. The goal is to get your career up and running as soon as possible. So, to do that, we need to focus initially on the big money spinners.
Advancing Your Photography: Secrets to Amazing Photos from the Masters
The Detail for the Types of Photography
1. Commercial Photographer
Commercial photographers create photo images of anything the client wants from buildings to products to staff photos. They create images or galleries for advertisers and websites. This is often one of the more lucrative careers in these types of photography.
Food for example is placed and positioned to make you want to reach in and eat it. The colours are extra vibrant and the area is spotless clean. Real Estate is enhanced to make the home appealing. Especially at the moment with most open houses closed.
Commercial photographers often specialize in one field, such as portrait, fashion, wedding, advertising or editorial photography. You can apply to work for a particular firm as their photographer (like Jimmy Olsen at the Daily Planet). Or you can choose to work freelance where you take the photos first and then try to sell them to a firm or advertiser. Or you do a one-off job for a firm but in your own style.
Median annual earnings for Commercial photographers was $48,000 pa.
Abstract Photography
All abstract objects and images are called abstract photography. It is usually a concept that puts emphasis on colour, shadows, textures, shapes or lighting. Generally, the idea is to give the viewer an emotional connection, a feeling or sensation.
The object being photographed is not generally identifiable to the viewer. By framing the object in a particular way or through creative editing. This can be related to Surreal Photography.
Earning Potential: There are many ways to make money off it. As we covered above, that includes selling through an online store, pitching your images to magazines and websites, and posting to stock photography sites. The average earnings range from $23,000 to $47,000pa depending on your level of commitment.
Advertising Photographer
Most advertising or commercial photography covers photos in marketing products for agencies, billboards or the media. They can appear in places such as advertisements in magazines, catalogues, websites, and even social media.
A commercial photographer needs to know their equipment and be skilled in various types of photography. You have to understand your technical knowledge to give the customer what they want to pay for. Usually there is no story behind your shots just the beauty and desire it creates for your clients. You want people to fall in love with your artwork.
This is related to Product Photography which is about selling a product. Advertising photography
extends that concept by promoting the brand or service as well.
Advertising photographers can work as freelancers, one contract at a time building on their portfolio or they might work solely for one major company. Either way, this is an exciting field where you might shoot a print ad for a Heinz Baby Food today. And tomorrow you are creating a Nike ad for a social media campaign. Then on the weekend photographing a sporting event to promote the grand final in a few weeks for a billboard.
Earning potential is around $48,000pa.
Architectural Photographer
Architecture Photography involves photographing buildings and structures. The finer details are highlighted in these types of photographs. Often these photos give a feeling of grandeur to the viewers.
Types of photography may include exterior, interior, aerial and panoramic images of the property. The photographs show the size, structure and unique architectural design of single dwellings up to skyscrapers. They may even cover bridges, ships, statues or any large objects. Real Estate photography is closely related to this area.
This type of photography tends to be an accurate representation of the architecture so that the end result pleasing to the eye. Only colour or lighting is altered (slightly). Sometimes using a natural landmark or feature in the background. A buildings features can be highlighted with ambient lighting.
Earning potential range from $31,000 to $63,000 with some photographers earning up to $103,000.
Candid Photography
In candid types of photography, we remove the posed aspect, aiming for a more natural looking situation. Capturing people in their everyday activity sometimes without their knowledge at that moment. They could be in motion, at an event or just observing another scene off to the side of the camera. Sometimes people try to fake a natural scene, but it is best to try not direct them, just allow the natural flow of life to happen and capture that.
Everyone who appears in your photos needs to sign an consent form, so that you can use them for your business. Still, you generally shoot first and ask permission later or you ask in advance and then follow the person (or group) looking for that perfect shot. Trying to capture facial expressions and emotions of the people in them.
Your goal is to capture the reality of the event or situation knowing that your subjects are not acting or posing. Documentary photography and Photojournalism use this type of photography.
Earning potential – A good candid photographer can earn around $35,000pa
Corporate Photographer
Someone who takes photos of staff and planned business events is called a Corporate photographer. The photographer provides the best results by planning ahead. The goal is to showcase their company’s unique culture.
Things provided are head shots of employees, or a staff groups. The employees need to prepare themselves for the photo shoot, so you need to warn them in advance. A corporate event requires you to take posed and candid photos of the occasion. Again, get numbers and times and check if hair and makeup may be required.
Other types of corporate photography may include images for annual reports, magazines or relaxed settings within the office for brochures. You might need to attend board meetings, team building exercises or public situations where the company is represented.
You will require your own lighting, specialised camera equipment and a suit / dress.
Earning potential is around $76,000pa – yep that’s a lot of doe!
E-Commerce Photography
E-Commerce is marketing online and in this current environment, many businesses are moving this way. An E-Commerce photographer can take all the product photos required to establish your site and other images to promote it. Both instore and through marketing. Your online catalogue is then professionally available to the masses. E-Commerce photographers sell to advertising agencies, marketing departments, manufacturers and design firms.
Items such as cataloguing Jewellery, Furniture, Kitchenware, Cosmetics, Makeup, Soap lines, Food, Auto parts and industrial products just to name a few. Most images for sale will be enhanced. Generally, these jobs require a large volume with a quick turnaround. There are many types of photography covered in this category.
Earning Potential: Average Salary from $20,000 to $76,000 per year – average $33,000 per year.
Fashion Photography
One of the oldest types of photography around, fashion photography is all about the model and capturing the moment in their clothing style or the fashion accessories they wear. These images are for advertising purposes in magazines or on websites. The essence is to capture the beauty of the fashion and appeal to the viewers vanity to want to own that item so they can be as free as the model. Or as gorgeous.
Sometimes the fashion photographer will invite a celebrities or specific people to the photo shoot. Because they might be just what the photographer believes the fashion item requires. The hardest part for this type of work is deciding what the setting will be and who will be in it. Besides fine art photography, Fashion Photography is one area where you can make the most of your artistic and creative talents. Let your hair down.
Fashion photography is a glamorous area to work in and therefore more difficult to break into. Jobs like cover shots for top fashion magazines to covering the latest styles and trends on the runway to creating the next month’s department store catalogue. Runway shoots require you to form a story-line or type of documentary with your shoot. Individual photo shoots can be either in a studio with a staged setting or on location to get a more natural, candid look.
“The Final Look is Everything”
The final look of the photograph is everything, this is your bread and butter. The lighting must be perfect, the setting must be perfect, the models dress and grooming must be perfect. Above all the expression given by the model has to match the setting they are in. Get all this right and you will have a lucrative career in this area.
Fashion photography shoots usually require a hair and makeup stylists to be on-site preparing the models and clothing. You may need to accentuate some features in order to make the fashion really stand out as the primary focal point.
The last area you need to consider is that you are dealing with people. Your clients and the models and the behind the scenes helpers. You have to be great at networking with people, just as great as you are behind the camera.
Earning potential ranges from $23,000 to $47,000 pa up to about $69,000. BUT, in one instance a photographer earnt about $50,000 in a day for Vogue, can you make it to the top?
Food Photography
A type of still life photography, Food photography is focusing on food. It may cover the individual ingredients, packaged food products, kitchen scenes or complete plated meals ready to eat.
Food photos often become advertisements in magazines or on webpages to promote a product or cook. They may appear on packaging or in cookbooks. There is a lot of variety in this field.
To produce something for everyone, the Food Photographer has to work with a food stylist, cook, artistic director and the client. The shot is nearly always from overhead position or at a 45-degree angle from above. Be daring, break the trend.
Types of food photography include: Magazines Shoots, Restaurant menus, TV shows and commercials, Cookbooks, Packaging, Advertising and Catering Companies. Even Resorts and Motels are now promoting the food they serve at their locations as part of package deals.
Earning Potential ranges from $36,000 to $42,000
Minimalist Photography
most minimalist types of photography take photos using the smallest number of objects possible, usually only one. Things like a boat in the ocean, a tree in a field or a bird on a wire. Often, they include bright colours (at least one), a contrasting texture, leading lines and form. The original artists in the 1960’s used geometric shapes and bright colours. Modern artists are again starting to use geometry and colour in the form of architectural parts of buildings.
Creativity is achieved by using the negative space of a photograph in a positive way. The negative space allows your eyes to move through the image toward the single object, colour or texture provided.
We are presented with plain open skies, a desert road, a calm peaceful lake, an open field or a snow-covered area every day. To enhance your photo, these areas can be used as negative spaces. Viewing a ship on the ocean horizon with the sky above creates an excellent scene, especially if you can see the tiny detail in the ship.
“Use the Rule of Thirds”
Use the rule of thirds to anchor your image to the scene. Make the composition appealing to the viewer. The object has to have some correlation to the scene or negative space and a connection to the viewers.
Color in minimalist photography can boost the wow factor and catch the attention from afar. Some of the best photographs are in Black and White with a single burst of a bright colour in the image. The final tip is the use of leading lines. These can be used to draw the viewers eyes toward the object of the focal point of the image. The help to give a sense of scale, isolation or loneliness. (a bit like the Coronavirus isolation).
Earning potential can reach up to $69,000 for some clever artists.
Product Photography
Part of commercial photography, product photography focuses on photographing products for advertising purposes. They appear in catalogues, brochures, and websites showing their goods.
Product photographers provide quality photos of a wide variety of products to consumers. With the coronavirus causing a lot of businesses to go online, this type of photography has become more important than ever before. Many people are isolated or not well, so they shop online.
Mannequins or green screens can be used to take products photography as technology improves. People are not always required now. For example, fashion no longer needs people to model clothing items. Or photo editing can make a product rotate in 3D. Various types of products are shot in this photography style.
Most photographers in this field work for a client or an agency. Alternatively, they may be freelance photographers taking on product jobs or offering their images to various advertisers.
Earning potential range from $37,000 to $55,000
Real Estate Photography
Real-Estate Photographers provide photos of a home or workspace or showcase a place in editorials. You need to build experience in this area especially with lighting, position, and angles of shots. The purpose is to sell houses and the Realtors are looking for unique ways to make their advertising more appealing than their competitor.
These types of photography has to be able to catch the eye of a buyer and them attempt to make a personal connection with them. This is not easy to do, but as you improve your services will grow in demand.
No two properties are the same and you need to approach each one with a different perspective to get the most out of a shoot. Making the space feel warm and welcoming, stage scenes by decluttering and cleaning. Rooms need to look functional, yet lived in and inviting.
For commercial spaces like offices or shopfronts, you need to apply the same principles. Just remember that the functionality of each space will be different and must show common purposes in your photographs.
Earning potential starting at $23,000 it averages out from $41,000 to $62,000pa.
Still-Life Photography
Still-life photography is capturing an inanimate object arranged in a way to make the scene beautiful or desirable. They are aesthetically pleasing to the view and can be used for personal, editorial, or commercial uses.
The photographer usually provides some artistic design to each arrangement. Providing lighting and framing using a fixed camera for the best shots.
Popular still-life subjects include flowers, food, desk spaces and household items. Each item is arranged in a creative or artistic way with some post processing. A lot of Fine Art is based on still life settings.
Earning Potential ranges from $26,000 to $90,000pa
Wedding Photography
For wedding photography, it takes in a lot of before and after settings as well as the wedding itself. It can include engagement party photos, pre-wedding preparation photos of both the bride and the groom. It includes the wedding ceremony and the reception along with the official photo shoot. On occasions it can also include the honeymoon or post parties after the wedding couple return.
Wedding photography is one of the largest types of photography in the commercial category. There are many photographers specializing in this area making a good living. Other services provided are videos of all the parts of a wedding mentioned above. Then there is the post production, putting all the photos into an album, book or website along with the video production.
There are two directions you may be asked to do in wedding photography. First is traditional where typically the photographer controls and directs all the images throughout the event. Second is the photojournalistic approach. Photos are taken in sequence with a candid natural look. There is a third approach which is not so common, that is to be more creative setting up some shots to be more dramatic, unexpected.
Culture and tradition often dictate how the photo shoot will be styled. And of course, the wedding couple (who are paying your wage) will define what they are looking to capture on the day.
Wedding photography provides a popular service, it has meaning. It pays well for the day’s activities and there is a high demand for it. Remember, you are creating life memories that will be treasured till death do us part and longer.
“Build Relationships”
Build a working relationship with related businesses like caterers, wedding venues, and wedding related stores. This will help you in the long run to secure more work for yourself and your related associates or they may recommend you if they are contacted. You’ll need to excellent people skills, and be ready to deal with demanding clients and stressful situations. Yes, weddings can be stressful, even for the photographer.
Wedding photography can be pretty intense, trying to get the best shot on the first try. Generally do not get a second try. You have to be quick to move around to where the action is, while constantly returning to the wedding couple for more shots. You need to be adaptable and ready for rain or relocation, quick to capture that spontaneous dance by uncle Mike. Other types of photography are used here as well, like candid, night, portrait.
Earn 35k to 75k (2000-3000 per gig up to 9000)
2. Lifestyle Photographer
With lifestyle photography, the photographer captures people and events as they happen without any editing. They have to be at the right place at the right time. Usually they work for the news channels or papers, for magazines or for publishers. Generally, they are qualified to tell a story with an image or sometimes write a story to accompany an image. Careers like photojournalism are common in this area.
Some of these images may be staged to enhance the story being told. By choosing the best vantage point or placing a person or object in the foreground for reference. They often display images and scenes for promotional or commercial uses to set the mood for the story to follow.
A lifestyle photographer covers a broad range of areas that overlap with other categories of photography. The exception is that lifestyle photographers are mostly after the main shot. They want the featured people or the big hit at a sport event or the person who shot at JFK. The big moments at an event or an occasion. Some types of lifestyle photography are Current Affairs, Music Events, Political Rally’s, Ongoing News Stories, Celebrity appearances, Nightlife, Travel, Candid or Street photography and live sports.
Earning Potential range from $28,000 to $62,500pa.
Black & White Photography
Sometimes the best way to present a photo is with the timeless look of Black and White Photography. Some photos were just made to be in this style, whether it is the retro black and white or the sepia olden style. Removing the colour also forces your mind to focus on the detail and the emotion of the image. This is why it appears in the lifestyle category. You can catch a moment in time.
Black and White Photography focuses on capturing an image without colour. This can either be either using a camera setting or modified in post-production. Some monochrome photos that have minimal lighting also fall under this type of photography.
The original photography was always in black & white or a type of sepia. In fact, I was handed down my grandfather’s 8mm movie camera that recorded in black and white, and it still works today (because it is a windup camera).
One feature of fine art photography is to use Black and White images. This make them seem timeless and elegant.
Documentary Photography
Considered be a part of photojournalism, the types of documentary photography encapsulate real life in a historical context. The main difference is that Documentary Photography tends to chronicle an event or subject for an extended period of time following the storyline. Photojournalism usually deals with the short-term, “breaking news” style of photography.
It also uses the areas of conservation and street photography to enhance the photographs. One popular area of Documentary Photography at the moment is in the area of Climate Change. Some photographers have recorded the environment over several decades to show the gradual changes in the landscape that can be attributed to the climate changing.
Earning Potential averages around $46,000pa but for some long stories can earn up to $104,000pa for the best in this field.
Often the photographer will include a text component as they are nearly always in some form of print media. This is to add more detail to the visual component as part of a storyline. These images usually accompany an article about the topic. They are not designed to advertise or sell something (unlike commercial photography). To give the article life and meaning.
Photojournalist
Photojournalism is the documenting of live events for publications and media outlets like the news. “An image is worth a thousand words” totally fits this type of photography. Photojournalists capture photographic images that completely convey the story as it is right now in time. These are often complex stories in nature and require the photographer to be there in the middle of the moment to capture it as it occurs.
They are visual storytellers and sometimes place themselves in danger to get that perfect shot. It requires dedication as you will have to start at the bottom doing not-so-exciting events to build your portfolio so that an agency will see and hire you.
In time, you will start to submit your work for publication and hopefully make a name for yourself in a trusted news agency. In becoming a photojournalist, you’ll be following the steps of renowned photographers such as Jimmy Olsen and Peter Parker.
Photojournalists cover war zones, political events, natural disasters, community activities, major sporting events (world soccer) or anything that might become news worthy. A hostage crisis in your area for example.
“Right place, Right Time”
Newspapers, magazines, and online publications all buy images to help tell their stories. Photojournalism is the one area that documents events as they unfold. Their work is done candidly most of the time. It is invisible as possible so as to not influence the scene.
The final shots are unaltered which is another aspect of this type of photography is that . There is to be no photo editing done post production or it cannot be used. Photographers may stage the scene, by placing a person or object in the foreground, but the photo is still honest and impartial, real. You have to know your camera and how to get the perfect shot first time, every time.
These types of photography are being scooped up by art galleries and placed alongside some fine art photography. The images have become famous over time.
Earning potential ranges from $23,000 to $52,000 pa. With some one off bonusses for exceptional work.
Street Photography
Random street photography is all about capturing a scene in a public place like a street. Many of these types of photography are also usually candid, unstaged spontaneous. Right place at the right time. You must get releases signed to use people’s faces and recognizable buildings. So be careful with your shots. Or carry a bunch of release forms!
The subject matter does not need to include people, I have taken many clever street shots early in the morning when there is no one on the street. It can add a whole new dimension to the image you capture.
This type of photography tends to have less purpose or a definable message. It just looks cool, it sets the scene for another story, or it becomes art.
Earning potential ranges from $25,000 to $42,000pa with some top earners reaching $62,000pa.
Travel photographer
Travelling and photographing locations is what most of us would love to do as a career. Come on, be honest, wouldn’t you love to visit exotic places for a holiday, take some photos and get paid for it. You get to spend your days exploring new locations and cultures for free. This is one of the most desired types of photography.
Many wonder how this dream could become a reality? Is it really that glitzy? You have to go where they tell you to go and capture a sunrise at 4.30am in the morning, or come face to face with a lion. Or you may have to brave the arctic temperatures and even swim with sharks. You have to lug your heavy camera accessories up a mountain to be ready for a long night of camping. Then traverse those very high suspension bridges that you see collapse in the movies.
You get all the amazing shots on the tropical island you are at, but then have to spend the next six hours in your hotel room editing them and sending them off to meet the deadlines you have. As you watch the others guests swimming in the pool near the bar.
The results, it takes hard work to be a Travel Photographer but is worth it, as long as you put the effort in, in those first few years. Many of your travel jobs will be simply amazing. Making money in this line of work is actually not that easy, because there is a lot of expense on your part to get to those exotic location, participate in ALL the activities they have to offer and experience the culture. Your personal experience is fantastic, financially though it is a basic wage.
“Visit your local Destinations”
Where could you begin in this field. Did you know there are travel destinations all over the world, including right near your house? Visit all of your local tourist destinations and act like you are not a local. Build your own travel portfolio of your best work from locally found travel locations. As a freelance Photographer you can try to sell photos to magazines and travel agencies. Also, you can send your portfolio to brands that you have covered, you never know, they may sponsor a few of your trips. Finally, build professional relationships with travel writers and authors whom you find or come across in your location and see if you could collaborate with.
Every trip you make to the same destination can become a whole new adventure. First you focus on the locations, on another trip you might focus on the people and the lifestyle. On another trip you might focus on the landscape or the wildlife. Every trip can become unique to your followers or customers. Your goal in this area is to transport your visitors to that place without them having to leave home. This is so important at the moment with travel restrictions in place around the world. Many people can not visit your Local travel destinations, but you can show them.
Earning Potential ranges from $33,000 to $44,000pa with top earners getting about $76,000pa.
3. Portrait Photographer
Taking a portrait involves taking photos of people in various situations or groups. It could be any one of the types of photography of an individual or a family or the baby. I t could be school photos or wedding parties. Portrait Photographers try to capture moments in time of people for people.
Some portrait photographers can work in a studio with lighting and props, or they can work on site at schools, businesses or events. The images could be for a framed print or for a website or even for an advertising campaign.
You need to have great people skills to be a successful portrait photographer. And a unique spin on your style will help you to stand above the rest. There is a lot of competition in this area.
You need to have the skill to set the completely inexperienced models to stand still and correct. And of course, working with children and animals, need I say more. You may need to negotiate with your clients to ensure they are always happy with the results. Remember that most of your new work will come from referrals.
There are now areas of every aspect of life for portraiture, from maternity, newborn, early school, senior prom, graduation, family gatherings, anniversaries – particularly major miles stones like the 50th Wedding Anniversary.
Corporations require portraits of employees to be updated. Models constantly need updated portfolios of themselves too.
Earning potential ranges from $27,000 to $38,000pa.
Baby Photography
These types of photography take photographs of new born babies or very young children on their own or occasionally with the family. Many of these shots are very impressive because of the observed innocence of the baby’s face. Every parent wants to get the perfect photos of their baby.
Plain or imaginary settings can be created at the studio. They can be taken at home in the baby’s natural lifestyle surroundings. To get the perfect shot, the photographer has to do all they can in the settings they have. This takes a lot of talent and experience to make a baby pose correctly. Every photo session needs great attention to get the result the parents want.
The perfect timing will be very important for making greater baby photos. It is better if you can sit and discuss the planning for the photo session with the parents in advance. If the photos have to be taken with the lifestyle background, the location should be the home or places where the baby is comfortable nearby.
“Take Lots of photos”
Take lots of photos at one time and use a remote for the shots. Have the camera ALWAYS on and focused, so when those rare moments occur (and they will) you are ready to press the remote. Later you can filter out the best images to keep.
Along with the new born photos, you may be asked to provide (or merge pre-taken) photos of the maternity, pregnancy and candid shots of the mum and baby at home. Take the time to consider the parents feelings and wishes. Be flexible with your photography session as it is a set that will never be forgotten by the family. This results in greater satisfaction and future recommendations.
Earning Potential range from $27,000 to $92,000pa averaging around the $67,000pa.
Family Photography
Life is unpredictable because “time and unforeseen occurrences befall us all” [the Bible Ecclesiastes 9:11]. I know one family who took some amazing photos when the kids were just toddlers, but as time moved forward. Things changed for them and they broke apart, now the mom although heartbroken at times can recall the wonderful memories by reviewing that photo session all those years ago.
These shots are generally commissioned by the family. To put in an album or to hang on the wall. They capture the relationships between parents, children, siblings, and extended family, even friends. Commonly Family Photography occurs at reunions, weddings, and other family events.
Make this moment an occasion that is special for the family, something that will be treasured and remembered for a long time. Not just the photos either, but the whole experience. So, when a photographer takes family pictures, they should do all they can to ensure that every family member is a part of the photograph.
If you get the mood right, the family will feel the emotions presented in each shot. A skilled photographer would always be aware of the best poses, angles and lighting to use for different situations.
An aspect of Commercial Photography is to group several models together to “fake” a Family Portrait for advertising or promotion. It is important to encourage the models hired to portray the intimacy associated with family. Actually, use a family if possible. Otherwise, your scene could end up with an awkward group of models just standing together. Awkward!
Earning potential ranges from $27,000 to $38,000pa.
Headshot Photographer
A Headshot Photographer as the name suggests works as a freelancer taking photos of corporate employees’ head. Headshots are now required in businesses, social media and on resumes. Anywhere there are people stationed.
Headshot photography is one of the types of Portrait Photography with the exception that they ONLY take head shots.
Common areas for this area are passports, portfolio shots for actors and models. Corporate business employee and management headshot photos are becoming required now. Also changes in blogging and social media make it common for people to have their headshot visible to verify they are who they say.
Earning potential averages at $150 per hour in this line of work.
Pet Photography
For pet photography it is all about the pets; Birds, Cats, Dogs, horses, rabbits, hamsters, and even fish. Whatever the family cherishes, you shoot (with a camera).
Use various treats or props to encourage the animal to pose. Candid shots of pets chasing each other in the yard or on location are fairly easy to achieve. Formal posed shots of pets in their home are more difficult. Moving shots are possible but need you to have the right equipment and know how to use it. Studio posed shots can be a little tricky, like with the babies, just be ready with a remote to capture the moment at any time.
Pet photography involves a fun mix of studio sessions and outdoor, on-location shoots. A lot of the time the owners will allow you to go wild with your imagination in turning a kitten into a tiger. You get the idea.
A great way to start out is to volunteer your time to your local pound or vet. Take pictures of the animals there and help them to find their forever homes, using social media. At least you will build up your exposure in this niche.
Earning potential averages around $37,000 per year.
4. Nature / Landscape Photographer
Nature Photographers capture everything in the outdoors. There is so much variety in the outdoors to capture on film. Anyone with a camera has already taken some sort of Nature Photography in their life.
Adventure Photography
An adventure photographer takes photographs of everything to do with outdoor adventure. Things like bushwalking, camping and 4×4 driving experiences provide great footage for this type of photography. It often features adventurous travellers in outdoor locations, and challenging conditions where accessibility makes these place hard to reach.
Backpacking with all the gear you need can be a challenge in itself for Adventure Photographers. This is a specific niche where the photographer usually takes the photos first and later attempts to sell them to various agencies.
Earning Potential averages around $40,000 per year.
Cityscape Photography
Generally, cityscape photography captures photographs of city skylines, streets or buildings. These photos can be during the day or night and usually try to cover large areas of a city. Most photographers will use either a wide-angle lens for broad areas or a telephoto lens to zoom in on a smaller area of the city.
You can cover the water front or even across the water to a skyline or from an elevation like a roof top. Time-lapse photography is also one feature of cityscape photography as you can either blot out the people in one scene or use a slower speed to turn traffic into a blur or light trail. The Golden hour can provide some amazing opportunities within a cityscape too.
Silhouettes of a skyline are another feature of cityscape photography. This type of photography is the complete opposite of landscape photography yet they both employ the same techniques. They can show a city by day or create some incredible images using night photography. The number of different perspectives is virtually unlimited in this area.
Embrace the imperfections, go for skewed skylines, look for unusual angles, make a feature of the bad lighting or the blurred image. Make it extra blurry or do a silhouette in dull light. Turn the boring into fascinating.
Earning potential averages around $56,000 very similar to the landscape photographer.
Golden Hour Photography
Popular with all photographers, is the Golden Hour Photography which refers to the hour before sunset or the hour after sunrise. At these times when the sun is low there is a warm, golden perspective in all your photos.
Golden Hour Photography produces strong highlights and shadows, creating better quality photos that even make armatures look good. Landscape photographers often prefer this hour for the exquisite scenes that it produces. They often call it the magic hour.
Blue Hour Photography is similar to the Golden Hour except that it captures the photographs an hour before sunrise or an hour after sunset. There is a bluish or cooler tone to the scenes. This time of day is also popular with a variety of photographers.
Earning potential: There is not really a pay scale for this type of photography as it is usually part of other types of photography.
Landscape Photography
A popular type is landscape photography. It feature the great outdoors covering all aspects of nature and general landscapes. It can encompass forests, rivers, deserts, beaches, trees, mountains, lakes, skylines, stars and many more aspects of a landscape. There are thousands of beautiful scenes in this world. You just have to find them. Then we have the changing seasons, the changing daily weather, the golden hour and of course changes in the landscape over time.
To take the shot to the next level, wildlife photography may be incorporated with a natural landscape. The macro world can show the diversity of the area.
Another form of landscape photography is the man-made landscapes around us every day. Farmlands, crops, orchards, a beautiful garden or a botanic garden just to name a few. The goal of most types of landscape photography is to remove the human component. No people and for the most part nothing manmade. (usually).
Different lenses and filters and lighting can create never before seen images of what could otherwise be a common landscape. Use a stand or tripod where possible for detailed focus.
Earning Potential average around $56,000 per year.
Macro Photography
Extreme close-ups of very small subjects or parts of something bigger is macro photography. Insects, plants and flowers are common in this area. Things like water droplets, fruit, small toys, Jewellery, eyes and other body parts.
Also, you can take a larger object and just shoot a small portion of it, a bit like abstract photography. The difference is that, you should be able to still identify the Micro item.
You will need specialized lenses and accessories to shot amazing macro photography. Lighting and your camera settings are important in creating amazing photos. There is also a trick you can apply to the lense of any camera to take super close up shots or you can get an extension lens from a supplier. As can be seen above, the shots are incredibly close-up.
Another form of macro photography is using a digital microscope to capture micro photographs. This is also part of the scientific Photography.
Earning Potential: Generally as a part of other types of Photography up to $34,000 per year.
Night Photography
There are different forms of night photography that can apply to all categories above as it can change the tone of any daytime image. Night Photography refers to all photographs taken at night or in a darkened environment. You can also use special techniques to capture the low light. Things like long-exposure and time-lapse.
Other modern techniques (or tricks) are using a light source to create light trails or spirals. With this technique you can create light paining or even letters within the scene. in one sense, astrophotography can be considered as an area of night photography.
Besides the night sky, you can also shoot city or landscape skylines, industrial buildings, fireworks, live music concerts, caves and moon rises. Tripods with remote (or timed) shutter release are essential for night photography. Modern smartphones now have a night mode that sets everything for you to take amazing photos.
Earning potential: Usually only as part of other types of photography.
Panorama Photography
A panorama photograph is taking one photo that covers a wide range of view and in some cases a 360-degree view of the area. There are two ways to achieve this process. First, they can use the panorama setting on most DSLR cameras and smart phones, where you press start and slow pan around the field of view. Second you could take a photo of each area and then stitch them together in post processing. This second method is also handy for arial photography or even satellite images to create a map of an area.
One trick you can use is to take each portion of the scene over time creating a panoramic image that starts in the daylight and finishes on the other side in the night light. Make sure your images overlap so you can blend the lighting more easily.
Earning Potential: As part of landscape photography it can average out at $56,000.
Underwater Photography
While you are scuba diving, snorkelling or swimming, you can take Underwater Photographs. These photos capture photos of marine life, reefs, shipwrecks, other divers, sharks, caves and underwater landscapes. Synchronized swimming is one activity where underwater photography also plays a big part.
In recent times, Underwater Photography is also being used to record the changing climate and its effect on the ocean eco -systems. Especially in areas where there is excessive pollution or oil spills have occurred. These types of photography have proved very useful.
Obviously, you will need a water proof camera, just make sure it is rated to the depth you are intending to go. Some people place smartphones or go-pros in plastic bags or containers to use underwater, it’s your dime, just be careful if you try this.
Photographing Underwater will require some adjustment to your lens or focal length. Water itself acts like a giant lens refracting the view by about 25%. Water clarity and bubbles in the water will also affect what your camera can see. The time of day changes the lighting and your closeness to the seafloor can distort your image.
Earning potential ranges from $30,000 to $45,000pa or up-to $60,000 for deep sea diving.
Seascape Photography
Seaside photography captures photos of the seas and oceans and lakes. Often there is an object in the foreground to give a sense of the size and angle of the photograph. These could be boats, people, protruding rocks or reefs, islands or cliff lines. A common photo with these types of photography are to capture sea life, whales, dolphins, etc. breaching the water surface.
Another variation on this type of photography is, Coastal photography where you shoot the seascape, but with a coastline on the side or in the background. One famous photo was able to capture the motion of the waves, try it yourself using a “short” long exposure technique. Also trying to capture the perfect reflection in a smooth water surface is popular with landscape photographers.
Using camera settings to catch sunbursts, sun rays and lightening over the ocean is another part of this photography. Of course, the golden hour and blue hour can be ideal times to shoot seascape photography providing for some amazing images.
Earning potential: As mentioned above, this is part of landscape photography averaging at about $56,000 per year.
Urban Photography
With urban photography, they mainly capture abandoned buildings, industrial locations, gritty (or long forgotten) areas both interior and exterior. The places are old, with time weathered machinery or windows or other things that can bring out the detail in this photography.
Shadows and lighting play a large part in this photography, along with the weather and time of day (or night). The subject of this photography is very old and rundown which means that personal safety must be considered first. Structurally questionable buildings can be very dangerous and are usually closed to the public, so make sure you have permission to be there. If you trespass, your photos could be illegal to use or sell.
Try to get the background of the building you are photographing as this will enrich the saleability of the shoot. And it helps you to get the right angles to tell the story.
Earning potential similar to street photography ranging from $25,000 to $42,000pa with some top earners reaching $62,000pa.
Wildlife Photography
This is a tough gig to pursue. It requires some experience to succeed with some great photography of wild animals. You will also need a lot of patience, waiting for the animals to appear or to do something worth photographing. It can take a lot of time waiting for the perfect shot of a particular animal. Some animals are a lot harder to catch than others too.
And of course, there are some animals you may want to photograph, but not be noticed by them. They are dangerous, like bears, wolves, sharks and the like. You will also need to consider preparing in advance the type of camera you need, the disguise (if required) and any other equipment necessary for the shot, or the waiting.
You need good equipment to succed
The equipment you will need includes telephoto lenses, wide-angle lenses, macro lenses, tripods, shutter release and maybe a hide kit. Another thing that will help a lot is a camera trap (or a few of them). These are where you can set up a camera with a motion detector that triggers a few shots (or video) when something in the focus area moves. This can be useful so that your scent or other does not spook the wild animal. It also means you do not have to stay hiding in a tree for 2 days waiting. It also means you have a measure of safety.
Many of these authentic photos are used in editorials, magazines or documentaries. Wildlife photography is one career where your best work occurs when you slow down. Show patience.
Due to climate change there are many types of wildlife that can command high rewards for endangered (or new) species being photographed. This means the popularity of wildlife photography is high and could result in your work getting published a real possibility.
You need a good portfolio to get work from a publisher or agency. You could start with animals at your local zoo or semi-wild animals in your area. Horses, bulls, pigs, badgers, rats, possums. There are probably a lot near you right now. Try to gain exposure with various agencies, social media and stock photography providers.
Earning potential ranges from $23,000 to $52,000 pa
5. Event Photographer
An event photographer goes where the crowds are. Political rally’s, sporting events, large weddings, public events, graduations and live shows or concerts. An event photographer covers both the event and the crowd reactions to the event. Also, any side activities that might be happening at or near the event.
These types of photography are fast-paced and fluid, meaning that the main focus is always changing. The event can be affected by weather or people or something going wrong or when the planning is not organised. Because it is so dynamic,
Most event photographers can earn good money for one gig (or event) if they are there to catch the action. Sometimes they tell a story like a photojournalist, and sometimes the capture the individual’s reaction – their emotion – to the event, like a portrait photographer. Some photos are used to promote the current or next event. Others are just as a memorable keepsake.
Event photography also cover other types of events such as group portraits, weddings, corporate parties, dances competitions, awards ceremonies, funerals, conferences, live concerts, and anywhere that people gather together.
People will buy these photos for personal, sentimental or commercial reasons. Often these images are taken a candid photography, taken as the photographer observes it.
Earning potential ranges from $23,000 to $41,000 per year.
Sports photographer
In sports photography your goal is to capture the action of a sporting event or of a player (or team) receiving the accolade for their efforts. Nearly all sporting Photographers need to use a high-end telephoto lens to capture the action that people want to see. Whether it is the photo finish of a running race, the try scored at the other end of the football field or the rally car moving very fast into a dusty corner.
This is a fast pace job as there is usually always some form of sports action occurring. You will need to know your camera and how to adjust it quickly to get that special shot. You can practice at your local soccer field and see how much action you capture. This will help you to improve in your skills as well as knowing what to look for just before the action happens.
Sell what you have taken to local newspapers or team up with the club to promote your work for free or cheap. Every goal, try, target or finish line you capture will get you closer to the big leagues. If you love sports, then being a sports photographer is a great job. Your photos may end up in promotional materials for teams, in advertising and marketing, and even on the news both online and in print.
Location is also an important part of getting a great shot. You want to be able to capture the action from the best angle, but also get the expression on the sport players face, the crowd reactions. Anything that makes your photo unique from the other photographers.
Earning potential ranges from $34,000 to $74,000 per year
Video Production and Photography
Nearly all modern DSLR camera have a video option as to all smartphones. A video production can consist of pure video, photographs as slides and artwork. Usually this type of photography is for short videos to accompany a photo-shoot.
This it is used for are Wedding Video creations, Commercial Advertising and Social Media. One job I did for some people was to put their photos of a sports carnival into a type of animated slide show. Each player was focused for a moment and then blended with any action shots that player was part of. I also incorporated some short video segments. Completed with appropriate music and presented at the awards night for the team.
There is a growing need for short videos for youtube, social media and corporate functions, just like the one described above. If you can string photos, animation, video, sound, voice-overs and text together, then you can create some excellent short videos.
Earning potential: There are too many variables to answer this, each video must be considered separately.
6. Scientific Photographer
Scientific Photographers document forensic activity, medical procedures, micro things, outer space and images taken over time. They create a visual image for a technical fact. The Coronavirus is a fact in point, everyone recognises the virus pattern as depicted by a photographer on the news. It makes an invisible micro-organism visible to the human eye, so that we can understand what we need to fight against.
Scientific Photography requires specialized equipment to capture the images required in this area. Other areas covered here include Drone photography and astrophotography. Scientific Photography is not what you would normally consider as a career choice, but it is a profession in high demand, even now during these difficult times. The best part is that it is a really unique and interesting field of photography to consider.
You have to take data provided and illustrate it through photography for: medicine, science, documentary services, magazines, news, businesses, and some Government needs. Much of the photography captured is used in training programs, exhibitions and corporate meetings. The results are designed to show technical data in a visually appealing way. Often to please the financial backers of a scientific project where their money is going simply and visually.
To work in this area, you may need to develop an educational understanding of the field you’re interested in. Consider this as expanding your horizons and learning a new skill.
Earning potential averages out around $41,000 per year.
Aerial / Drone Photography
Drone Photography is a fast-growing area for its unique perspective in capturing photos. There have always been Arial Photographs taken form planes or rooftops, but with the development of the drone, this area has grown exponentially. Some of the areas where Aerial Photography is now used ranges from real estate photography to weddings and events to capturing architecture from never before seen angles. The unique perspective that drones provide has created a whole new area of photography to explore.
Drone photography captures images (or video) from high in the sky. It requires access to a helicopter, plane, balloon or a drone. Drones are the best value for money and accuracy. Most countries now have strict regulations as to where drones can fly. So, make sure you are aware of the legal requirements before you lift off.
Arial Photography can be used to create area maps, or cartography. They are also commonly used in movie productions, landscape photography, climate change of the environment, to inspect buildings, poles and things up high. The most popular use though is for surveillance. This is a very grey area that may go against privacy laws, intruding on a person’s personal space.
In most countries, drone pilots must be licensed for any commercial use of a drone. The process is relatively simple to show your knowledge of the rules and have your name registered.
Earning potential ranges from $16,000 up to a massive $148,000 per year averaging around $51,000 for most licenced operators.
Astrophotography
Taking photos of everything related to the stars, sky and universe is called Astrophotography. It includes objects like stars, planets, the Sun, lunar or solar eclipses, meteorites, satellites, some planes, aurora borealis and the milky way. Anything that occurs in the night sky.
Some types of astrophotography uses a lot of long exposure recording to capture images of stars, nebular and other almost invisible space related events. Some photographers have access to (or work in these areas) optical telescopes that can record light onto photographic plates, simulating a giant camera.
Photographers can use special equipment and techniques to capture the fine details (like the telescope above) but any modern camera on a tripod will get some great shots. Other equipment that will aid in this photography are telescopes, wide-angle lenses, tracking mounts that follow the night sky, imaging sensors and as mentioned earlier a good tripod. There is also a lot of post processing in this area.
Other types of Astro Photography are with the right telescope; other solar systems, black holes, nebula’s, faraway objects in the sky, Star trails, time-lapse and constellations.
Infrared Photography
This is a specialized area of science that requires infrared sensors to capture images. These filters or image sensors block out the visible light as all the light passes through the camera. It is the next range of light down from thermal imaging.
Filters are used to create a type of dreamlike image using an eerie colour effect or even black and white. Often the colours are inverted so the sky is darker, the trees are pink and clouds become a focal point in the photo. This is because water is reflected differently than the sky. IR light also penetrates a few millimetres into the skin and give a milky look to portrait photography. One catch is that the persons eyes are usually black.
You can create infrared photography in post processing with as well.
Ultraviolet photography is similar to infrared, except as you can imagine it captures images using ultraviolet (UV) light instead. Harnessing the infrared light is important part of science as there are many areas where Infrared images are the only way to detect anomalies.
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Areas that infrared photography is used are detecting drugs which give off a different colour from surrounding plants (usually corn). In the area of medicine, IR photography is particularly useful as it can show up things like the enamel on teeth darker than the rest of the tooth helping dentists. It can make varicose veins visible or breast tumors or the extent and depth of a burn’s victim.
In astrophotography, celestial objects normally invisible can be seen and photographed. It also shows cloud clusters around stars, entire infrared galaxies, interstellar molecules and some of the cooler or dwarf stars.
Farmers use infrared photography in the early detection of plant disease. A stressed plant will show as a different darker colour than the same plant in normal conditions. They shoot crops to detect any diseases or problems early before major damage is caused.
The biggest area is in forensic science. They use infrared photography (or video) to detect traces of urine, blood and sperm. It can detect small objects in clothing or carpet, ambient heat from things used or touched including whether a computer was on recently. Sensors can also detect soil and water that has been disturbed in recent hours using variations in temperature.
Earning potential: You need equipment and training for some areas of infrared photography, but you can earn from.
Long Exposure Photography
For long exposure photography you use a long duration of shutter being open to capture more light form a stationary scene. Any moving object becomes blurred as well as any light sources will appear brighter. It is still a single snapshot, just taken over a longer period of time.
Sometimes you want to deliberately blur some moving objects to create an effect that improves the look of the image. For example, moving water like a waterfall, taken with long exposure of just 2 seconds can make the water appear misty and smooth. The rest of the image is still sharp and in focus. This nearly always requires a tripod (or a really steady hand).
Night photography often uses long exposure to capture the individual stars or star trails. Set your speed up to 25 seconds to get the best focus and light of the starry sky. Any longer than this will allow the stars (or actually the earth) to move and the stars will lose their sharp focus.
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You can get some really interesting effects from small light sources, like a street light or torch or car headlights. Another fun aspect of long exposure Photography is to create patterns with a light source, called light painting. You use a torch or a sparkler to draw using light and the camera will collect it.
Earning potential is random as this form of photography usually comes under other forms like Night or astrophotography.
Time-Lapse Photography
Time-lapse Photography uses a series of frames, each a good photo by itself and displays them as a small video showing the change that occurred. Just taking a few shots provides a collection that all relate to one another.
Subject like the movement of the sun or moon, the growth of a plant, construction of a building or traffic at an intersection with people crossing. There is a formula to calculate the perceived speed of the images. Different frame rates can make the time-lapse appear to go faster or slower.
Time-lapse photography used in conjunction with Long Exposures can crate blurred additions to the composition of the scenes created. Most of these photographs create stunning imagery.
7. Surreal Photographer
This is what I use to describe any type of photograph that modifies the normal or twists reality to create a surreal image. It requires a great imagination, to see an image in unusual ways. Most of these types of jobs require you to distort and manipulate the images in post processing. Some though like forced perspective can be taken with some clever setup.
Surreal Photography, has similarities to abstract photography because the final image is not always real or recognizable. These photographers look for angles and perspectives that are generally not normal and very unique. It began with people like Salvador Dali during the 1920’s who painted distorted images such as “The Persistence of Memory” – a painting of a landscape with melting clocks draped over a log and a wall.
Surreal Photography also began around this time with the photographers using dark room tricks and optical illusions to create distorted photographs. Perspective was a big one where a small object is in the foreground dwarfing a larger object behind.
Some other types or photography can also be considered surreal because of their distortion, like underwater photographs. Others like portraits where part of the person is obscured by an object (like a mirror or a bright light) creating an optical illusion.
The overall goal of a surreal photographer is to leave you with a feeling. Whether that is a feeling of awe, confusion or an emotion is up to the interpretation of the viewer. It is obvious that the image is not real, but sometimes you are left wondering is it possible, could it be?
Composite Photography
With composite photography, you merge multiple images into one composite image. This means that you take several related photographs and then combine them in postprocessing. Images can compliment each other if the share a common feature.
Multiple exposure is where the photographic plate was exposed to different light sources to form one blended image. In modern times we use layers and transparency in post processing of images to create the same effect.
A montage is where a moving object (or person) is taken several times in the same scene and then combined. Or there is focus stacking, where the scene changes and the object stays the same. The scene is usually the same but from different angles.
Double-exposure photography similar to Composite where just two images are merged into one. Digital cameras now have settings that allow for the capture of multiple exposures. Editing software is also available and even an app on most smartphones can produce this effect. The resulting effect is a surreal or eerie photograph. A common idea is to take a silhouette and then superimpose an image inside of the silhouette image.
These types of photography can be used for artistic pleasure, editorial magazines or banners due to their creative and often striking impact.
Creative Photography
A type of Photography that covers a range of techniques used to ‘create’ photographs with a surreal twist to them. It encourages the photographer to be creative and experiment with different forms of light, objects, angles and composition.
Crystal ball Photography is capturing an image through a glass ball or a wine glass to distort the primary image. The scene within the glass is inverted – upside-down, which can create some interesting effects. You can also us a glass prism to split the light into red, green and blue with different angles for more unusual effects.
Fisheye Lens photography which manipulate the outer edges of the photograph. Use a wide angle lense with a focal length between 8mm to 16mm. The images are distorted on the edges. Similar effects to those mirrors you see at the amusement parks.
You can use filters, textures, and opacity, light, shutter speed, blur and exposure to create something new and interesting. Give it a go. You can also modify your final image with overlays of colour, texture or text to alter the photograph. There are far too many options to caver them all in this blog.
Forced Perspective
When changing the perspective of a photo, called Forced Perspective Photography, you make it look unreal or dangerous. This is a fun way to create images with a big impact to the viewers. A popular example of this is to have a person hang on to the edge of an overhanging rock and lift their feet off the ground. Then you take the photo side on so that the ground is not visible. The result is the person appears to be hanging over a high cliff. Works even better if you can get a distant landscape in the background.
Another option is to have someone lay front down on a rock or concrete surface near a step. Reach out and hold the step. You take the photo sideways looking from above the person and it will appear they are over a cliff. Make sure there are no upright objects in the background.
The third type of forced perspective is to get a person or object to jump into the air and you take the phot from a very low angle just with the sky as a background. Depending on the pose they make this can be very effective.
High Dynamic Range Photography (HDR)
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High Dynamic Range Photography is a fairly new concept that is making images really stand out above the crowd. The idea is that you take a range of photos of the same scene using different exposures. Then in post processing you stitch them together to form a single image with no under exposed areas. This creates detail in both the highlights and in the shadows of your image.
Many of the modern programs now have this as a standard feature and even the latest smartphones have a HDR setting which works very well.
Kinetic Photography
Kinetic Photography is to do with movement of the camera to create a surreal effect. A race car is in sharp focus while the background is blurred. Another idea is to move your camera around while using the long exposure feature to create some wildly creative photography.
At night time this can create a string of light trails or blurred effects. You could even randomly move the camera using the strap (or throw it in the air if you are brave, I’m not). Try this using the multiple exposure setting too.
9. Other Types of Photography
There are always a few types of Photography never seem to fit specifically into any one category.
Fine Art Photography
A special type of photography is Fine art. These photographers create art with no rules, you choose the style, the medium the size and the texture. Your imagination is your limit. This work is displayed in galleries and at art shows. If an item sells from these places it is usually a framed print for the customer.
The essence in Fine art photography is to capture the emotion and communicate that feeling with the audience. It is an idea, concept, message, or emotion being brought to life in imagery by the artist. Creating the vision of a specific feeling to the viewer through the shot.
Becoming popular in the Victorian era through painting and evolving to the present day through both painting and photography along with other mediums. Types of photography in the area of fine art include nude photography, portraits, and natural landscapes. Abstract art is also becoming more popular.
Earning Potential: From $14,000 to $380,000 US per year – average $69,000 p/y.
Social Media Photography
Social media photography is an all-encompassing genre of photography that uses images for social media posts on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn, or any other social network. Images tend to have still-life or editorial qualities to them.
When used for personal posts, images tend to capture a moment or tell a story about a person’s life and usually contribute to their online persona. In commercial campaigns, images are mainly used to promote a brand or sell a product or service.
Stock Photography
Stock photographers sell the rights to use their photos through photo stock websites or catalogues. If you can do a few of the other types of photography then you will love stock photography.
The idea is that you send your photo with a description, tags, keywords and a short description to a stock agency website and they will promote and advertise the photo for you to their customers. If it sells, you get a small commission (very small) and your ranking goes up. As your ranking rises, so does your commission. The best part is that your photo remains there to be sold again and again.
You just have to make sure you have the appropriate people and property permission forms if your photo’s include identifiable people or places. And that your photos meet the minimum size and quality expected.
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The more photos you can list the more returns you will make. Some agencies will license the photos to their customers for a royalty fee per year and you get a portion of that. Getty.com for example does this. The second option is that your photos sell for about 20 to 50 cents each time and the customer get free copyright use of the image. iStock, Shutterstock and Adobe Stock sell this way.
Earning Potential: Low – In time after you put the effort in you could see a small return reaching a maximum of $500 to $1000 per month maybe. Once your photos are uploaded, they can provide an on-going source of passive income.
Expenses: Low. Generally, you take these photos while on other shoots or activities. Also, most sites will tell you what types of Photography they need that month. Anything in your arsenal of images is suitable for Stock Photography.
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James FG @ Create Sum Fun