61 Types of Photography: Stunning Styles and Iconic Photographers

Photography is a vast and diverse field with numerous genres and styles. Whether you’re an amateur photographer or a seasoned pro, there’s a type of photography that suits your interests and skills.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into 61 types of photography, from capturing portraits to documenting the natural world, and everything in between And don’t forget to join our Ongoing Competitions to showcase your talent and passion in these captivating genres!

People Photography

1. Portrait Photography

Portrait photography is the art of capturing the essence of an individual through images. It focuses on the subject’s facial expressions, emotions, and personality. Renowned portrait photographer Annie Leibovitz is known for her iconic celebrity portraits.

Girl-portrait photography

2. Self-Portrait Photography

Self-portrait photography allows you to be both the photographer and the subject, offering deep insights into self-expression. Cindy Sherman is a master of self-portraits and often transforms herself into various characters.

man-self-portrait

3. Wedding Photography

Wedding photography is all about capturing the beauty, emotions, and moments of a couple’s special day. Yervant Zanazanian is celebrated for his creative and artistic approach to wedding photography.

wedding-bride-groom

4. Child Photography

Photographing children requires patience and a special connection. Anne Geddes is famous for her adorable baby portraits, which have become iconic in the photography world.

child portrait

5. Newborn Photography

Newborn photography is a distinct category that focuses on capturing the fleeting moments of a baby’s early days. Kelly Brown is renowned for her expertise in newborn photography.

newborn photography

6. Headshot Photography

Headshot photography is dedicated to creating professional portraits often used in acting or business. Peter Hurley is an expert in capturing compelling headshots.

woman-headshot

7. Boudoir Photography

Boudoir photography is a sensual and intimate style that empowers individuals to express their beauty and sensuality. Sue Bryce is a leading name in boudoir photography.

woman-boudoir

8. Glamour Photography

Glamour photography focuses on enhancing sex appeal and allure, often featuring female models. The late Helmut Newton was a pioneer in the world of glamor photography.

beautiful girl

9. Family Photography

Family photography celebrates the bonds and connections within a family. Notable photographer Sally Mann is known for her poignant family portraits.

family-photo

10. Pet Photography

Pet photography captures the personalities and charm of our furry companions. Carli Davidson is famous for her expressive pet portraits.

pet-photography

Nature Photography

11. Landscape Photography

Landscape photography explores the natural world, from majestic mountains to serene seascapes. Ansel Adams is an iconic figure in the realm of landscape photography.

landscape-photography

12. Wildlife Photography

Wildlife photography is an exciting journey into the animal kingdom, requiring patience and a love for nature. Frans Lanting is celebrated for his stunning wildlife images.

wildlife photos
Reindeer

13. Bird Photography

Bird photography is a specialized genre that focuses on capturing the beauty and behaviors of avian creatures. Tim Laman is renowned for his exceptional bird photography.

bird photography

14. Macro Photography

Macro photography delves into the world of tiny subjects, unveiling intricate details not visible to the naked eye. Thomas Shahan is a master of macro photography.

macro-photography

15. Sunset Photography

Capturing the beauty of a sunset can be challenging, but when done right, it produces breathtaking images. Max Rive is known for his mesmerizing sunset photography.

sunset photography

16. Ocean Photography

Ocean photography celebrates the beauty and mysteries of seas and oceans. David Doubilet is a world-renowned underwater and ocean photographer.

ocean photography

17. Underwater Photography

Taking photos underwater yields mesmerizing results, offering a unique view of the world beneath the surface. David Doubilet is a prominent name in underwater photography.

underwater photography

18. Seasonal Photography

Seasonal photography captures the essence of each season, from the vibrant colors of autumn to the icy wonders of winter. Edwin Martinez is celebrated for his seasonal landscape photography.

Urban and Architecture Photography

19. Cityscape Photography

Cityscape photography finds beauty in urban environments, highlighting architectural marvels and city life. Michael Kenna is known for his serene and minimalist cityscapes.

cityscape photography
China

20. Aerial Photography

Aerial photography provides a bird’s-eye view of landscapes and structures, often used for mapping and exploration. Yann Arthus-Bertrand is famous for his captivating aerial photographs.

Cherry Blossoms
Aerial View of Pink Cherry Blossoms by Tawatchai07

21. Architecture Photography

Architecture photography showcases buildings and structures, emphasizing design, lines, and shapes. Julius Shulman is celebrated for his architectural photography.

22. Urban Exploration Photography

Urban exploration (urbex) takes you into abandoned places, showcasing the beauty and decay of forgotten urban environments. Rebecca Bathory is known for her haunting urban exploration photography.

urbex photography
Kid’s Attraction Park Chornobyl

Event and Documentary Photography

23. Event Photography

Event photography covers a wide range of occasions, from weddings to festivals, capturing memorable moments. Kevin Carter was a photojournalist known for his impactful event photos.

event photography

24. Photojournalism

Photojournalism reports on news and events through compelling images, providing a visual narrative of the world. James Nachtwey is one of the most renowned photojournalists in history.

photojournalism
Boy in Shelter

25. Documentary Photography

Documentary photography creates narratives using images, diving into themes and ideas to tell stories. Dorothea Lange is famous for her impactful documentary photographs.

documentary photography

26. Street Photography

Street photography captures candid moments in everyday life, offering a raw and unscripted worldview. Henri Cartier-Bresson is a legendary street photographer.

Street photography

27. Travel Photography

Travel photography documents remote and exotic places, inspiring us to explore the world. Steve McCurry is renowned for his captivating travel images.

Local Events photography

28. Editorial Photography

Editorial photography accompanies stories and interviews in magazines and online publications. Steve McCurry is famous for his editorial work.

29. War Photography

War photography shows the harsh realities of conflict, bringing the true human cost of war to light. Robert Capa is a legendary war photographer.

war photography

30. Band Photography

Band photography is dedicated to capturing musicians, live performances, and the unique energy of the music scene. It often highlights band dynamics and individual personalities, serving as promotional material that brings fans closer to the artists.

Photography by Technique

31. Film Photography

Film photography, which uses traditional film cameras, has a timeless appeal. The legendary Ansel Adams is known for his iconic film photography.

film photography

32. Pinhole Photography

Pinhole photography utilizes simple, homemade cameras with a tiny aperture. Justin Quinnell is celebrated for his innovative pinhole photography.

pinhole photography

33. Digital Photography

Digital photography has become the norm, offering convenience and flexibility. Annie Leibovitz is a master of digital photography.

digital photography

34. Smartphone Photography

Smartphone photography is accessible to all, enabling us to capture life’s moments with our mobile devices. Murad Osmann is famous for his unique and creative smartphone photography.

smartphone photography

35. Drone Photography

Drone photography provides stunning aerial perspectives. Dirk Dallas is a notable drone photographer.

drone photography

36. Tilt-Shift Photography

Tilt-shift photography uses specialized lenses to create a unique perspective, often making real scenes appear as miniature models. Keith Loutit is renowned for his tilt-shift photography.

tilt-shift photography

37. Infrared Photography

Infrared photography captures wavelengths beyond human vision, resulting in surreal and dreamlike images. Richard Mosse is known for his infrared photography.

infrared photography

38. Light Painting Photography

Light painting photography is a creative technique involving long exposures and light sources. Eric Paré is celebrated for his mesmerizing light painting photography.

light painting

39. High-Speed Photography

High-speed photography captures fast-moving subjects with incredible precision. Harold Edgerton was a pioneer in high-speed photography.

high speed photography

40. Astrophotography

Astrophotography captures the beauty of the night sky, from stars to nebulae. Terence Dickinson is known for his stunning astrophotography.

astrophotography

41. Panorama Photography

Panorama photography creates ultra-wide-angle views by stitching multiple shots together. Peter Lik is famous for his breathtaking panoramic landscapes.

panorama photography

Creative Photography

42. Fine Art Photography

Fine art photography creates images that are considered pieces of art. Cindy Sherman is celebrated for her thought-provoking fine art photography.

fine art

43. Still Life Photography

Still-life photography explores inanimate objects, often turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Irving Penn is renowned for his still-life photography.

still life photography

44. Abstract Photography

Abstract photography strips subjects of their context, focusing on form, shape, and patterns. Man Ray is known for his avant-garde abstract photography.

abstract photography

45. Minimalist Photography

Minimalist photography embraces simplicity, using a “less is more” approach and focusing on strong compositions. Costas Spathis is celebrated for his minimalist style.

minimalist photo

46. Fantasy Photography

Fantasy photography creates magical worlds and characters, often inspired by fairy tales and myths. Kirsty Mitchell is renowned for her enchanting fantasy photography.

fantasy photography

47. Multiple Exposure Photography

Multiple exposure photography combines two or more images to create intricate and surreal compositions. Duane Michals is known for his thought-provoking multiple-exposure images.

multiple exposure

48. Composite Photography

Composite photography combines various images in post-processing to create unique artwork. Maggie Taylor is famous for her surreal and whimsical composite photography.

composite photography

49. Vintage Photography

Vintage photography recreates the nostalgic charm of past eras, using props, filters, and post-editing techniques to achieve an aged or retro look. This style appeals for its timeless feel, often evoking a sense of history and memory in modern images.

Specialized Photography

50. Time-Lapse Photography

Time-lapse photography captures gradual changes over time, transforming them into mesmerizing videos. Ron Fricke is celebrated for his cinematic time-lapse sequences.

time lapse photography

51. Long-Exposure Photography

Long-exposure photography uses extended exposure times to capture motion as a creative effect. Alexey Titarenko is known for his ethereal long-exposure landscapes.

long exposure

52. Black-and-White Photography

Black-and-white photography relies on monochromatic tones, emphasizing contrast, texture, and composition. Michael Kenna is celebrated for his impactful black-and-white photojournalism.

Black & white photography in winter

53. Flat Lay Photography

Flat lay photography involves arranging items on a flat surface and capturing them from above, often used in advertising. JULIE SARIÑANA is renowned for her creative flat-lay compositions.

flat lay photography

54. High Dynamic Range (HDR) Photography

HDR photography combines multiple exposures to produce vibrant and detailed images. Trey Ratcliff is famous for his captivating HDR landscapes.

HDR photography

Photography for Business

55. Product Photography

Product photography focuses on capturing products for sale, emphasizing presentation and detail. David Newton is celebrated for his professional product photography.

cosmetic product

56. Food Photography

Food photography showcases the deliciousness of culinary creations, enticing viewers through images. David Loftus is renowned for his mouthwatering food photography.

photography of local dishes

57. Real Estate Photography

Real estate photography plays a vital role in selling and renting properties, making interiors and exteriors look appealing. Mike Kelley is renowned for his expertise in real estate photography.

real state photo
Real State Photography

58. Social Media Photography

Strategic social media photography thrives on tailored content, platform selection, and scheduled engagement across Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter for optimal online success. Julie Sariñana is celebrated for her influential social media images.

social media photography

59. Commercial Photography

Commercial photography creates images for marketing and advertising purposes, often combining various photography genres. David LaChapelle is famous for his impactful commercial photography campaigns.

Commercial photography

60. Fashion Photography

Fashion photography focuses on capturing clothing, accessories, and styles for marketing and editorial purposes. It blends artistry, style, and commerce to showcase garments and evoke emotions. Photographers like Mario Testino define fashion trends and aesthetics through influential campaigns.

fashion photography

61. Industrial Photography

Industrial photography documents machinery, factories, and industrial sites, capturing the power and precision of industrial processes. It’s widely used for marketing, technical documentation, and showcasing company capabilities in sectors like manufacturing and construction.

Conclusion: 61 Types of Photography

As a photographer, the world is your canvas, offering an extensive palette through these 61 photography genres. Whether you’re into nature’s beauty, human intricacies, or the digital realm, there’s a genre for you. Explore, experiment, and discover the limitless possibilities of photography.

Join our Ongoing Competitions to showcase your unique vision and talent across these diverse genres!

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