20 Different Types of Photography You Must Know in 2024: Styles, Genres, and More

Photography has been one of the most sought-after art forms for decades. With the advancements in technology these days, the possibilities in photography have only expanded exponentially. Rightfully so, there have been so many different types of photography that have emerged.

Whether it’s about taking pictures of breathtaking landscapes, capturing a person’s soul through a portrait, or uncovering the hidden beauty in everyday objects, every style of photography has developed its characteristics and purposes.

Every type of photography helps photographers express their creativity, tell stories, and share unique perspectives with the broader world. Each has its magic and has the power to captivate and inspire us.

By exploring a wide range of photography styles and genres, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the art form and beautiful stories that can be narrated through a single photograph.

In this blog, we will look at different types of photography to depict their distinctive qualities and provide portfolio examples built using Pixpa.

Here is the List of Top 20+ Different Types of Photography Genres you can Pursue:

• Wedding Photography
• Event Photography
• Portrait Photography
• Product Photography
• Fine Art Photography
• Fashion Photography
• Architectural Photography
• Travel Photography
• Lifestyle Photography and more

#1. Wedding Photography 

One of the most sought-after things in a couple’s life is the wedding, and the event photography of this day takes a special place in their hearts. You need the right equipment, practice, and preparation to capture unforgettable moments in the wedding. You should learn the technicalities and environmental details to tackle the long, busy wedding day shoots.

Diego Marcel - Wedding Photographer

Diego Marcel's gallery is an great showcase of wedding photography related shoots & poses. Diego and Elizabeth have been running the wedding photography business for 10 years. They are passionate about telling stories of couples through beautiful photos.

Their wedding photography portfolio includes photo albums beautifully capturing the wedding's emotions, joy, and beauty. It comprises everything from documenting the formal ceremony and reception to taking candid photos of the bride, groom, and guests.

#2. Event Photography

This kind of photography usually overlaps with other styles of photography. Event photographers can cover many events, from film festivals to soccer championships.

Event photographers also possess versatile characteristics. In one event, they would be shooting a seminar with thought leaders from the tech industry addressing the audience. In another event, they would be shooting for an art fair.

Deliver Americas showcases a collection of event photographs, capturing the energy and atmosphere of their annual conference. The website documents vital moments from the Deliver America event, preserves memories for future reference and showcases its significance. The images show leaders from retail, supply chain, and logistics industries connecting and discussing various business-related topics.

Checkout The Beginner's Guide to Event Photography

#3. Portrait Photography

It’s a style of photography that captures the essence of a person, their personality, emotions, and unique characteristics, all within a single frame. It’s not about taking pictures of someone’s features but about a story waiting to unfold.

Being a master of their camera is a must for portrait photographers. They should also be able to make their clients feel at ease.

Portrait photography is a great place to start out as a photographer. Building a great portfolio of quality shots can lead to more business. It can often lead to more work for families and weddings as word of mouth marketing does its magic. It can also lead to fashion and product photography gigs.

Michael Clarke - Portrait Photographer

Michael is a Suffolk photographer specializing in street, portrait, and motorsport photography. The image samples displayed on the site show Michael’s affinity towards minimalist photography and thought-provoking imagery.

Michael’s portfolio of portrait photography showcases his subjects' individual personalities and emotions. His portraits are intimate and revealing, offering a glimpse into the inner world of the people he is photographing.

#4. Product Photography

It showcases products for advertising or ecommerce. It can involve taking photographs of shoes, cosmetics, gadgets, etc. It’s a significant field of photography as it can make or break a sale. It can have a massive impact on consumers’ buying decisions.

Product photos need to be visually appealing and effective. It has to showcase the product’s features and benefits in a clear, concise, and engaging way.

Product photography is not just about showing the physical appearance of products but also about evoking emotions and creating a desire for ownership.

McKinnon Galloway - Product Photographer

McKinnon Galloway's portfolio offers a showcase of product photography, demonstrating attention to detail and an ability to highlight each product's unique features. McKinnon has lost her hearing and uses this silence to her advantage. She captures the best shot without any distractions. She specializes in photography, including products, travel, animals, and newborns.

If you have a look at his portfolio, product photos of Mountain Dew, Neutrogena, Polo, etc., have been shot from various angles, including closeups to show specific features. These product images are composed thoughtfully by considering factors such as framing, angles, and the arrangement within the frame.

#5. Fine Art Photography

Fine art photography involves creating images primarily intended to convey an artistic message or create an aesthetic experience rather than to document or record an event or object. Fine art photographers often use their creative vision to express their ideas or emotions through their photographs.

Of all of the types of photography, this is the one with no rules. Fine art photographers create art. They display their work in galleries and at art shows, and generally, they sell a finished, framed print product to their customers.

Krzysztof Mackowiak - Fine Art Photographer

Krzysztof Mackowiak is a fine art photographer and has a collection of beautiful black and white photographs. The gallery has photos with themes like New York, Point of View, and Beauty. It showcases his talent for capturing his subjects' essence through monochrome imagery's timeless beauty. These black-and-white photos are rich in contrast, texture, and light.

Mackowiak’s portfolio uses light and shadows well as he skillfully manipulates natural light to create dramatic effects and highlights the details and textures of his subjects in a way that draws the viewer in.

His image compositions use leading lines and negative space that guide the eye through the image and give a sense of balance and harmony.

#6. Fashion Photography 

Fashion photography is a specialized genre of photography that focuses on creating images that promote and sell fashion apparel and accessories. It is a highly creative and demanding field requiring photographers to understand fashion, trends, and marketing deeply.

Sohom Das - Fashion Photographer

The gallery of work available in this portfolio shows Sohom Das’ affinity towards styling, accessories, composition, lighting, storytelling, etc.

The photographer beautifully captures the model’s personality and conveys emotions through their expressions and poses. It has the right kind of styling and accessories that tell a story and create a cohesive visual impact.

#7. Architectural Photography 

While many find taking pictures of buildings to be a fun hobby, many specialized photographers make careers out of it. Employed by architectural agencies or working as freelancers, these photographers capture the essence of buildings from inception to completion. Details captured include the exteriors and interiors, and subtle details that make the building's design unique. Architectural photography requires some special techniques and equipment to minimize distortion and perspective problems that become apparent on a building’s many right angles.

A subdivision is real estate photography. Realtors always need excellent photographs, especially in today's market where many customers view many properties online before deciding to go see them. High-quality architectural pictures are difficult to get right, and realtors will pay for professional photos especially in the high-end market.

Henes Company, based in UAE and Oman, is an excellent example of an architecture photography website. It specializes in interior and exterior design, fit-out works, renovation, maintenance, home furnishing, and project management. Their projects come alive in the form of fantastic photos taken of residential spaces, external landscapes, service buildings, and commercial spaces. 

#8. Travel Photography 

Do you love to travel? Would you like to get paid for it? Who doesn’t? Travel photography allows you to do just that while having fun with your camera in dynamic settings. Travel photography blends many different types of photography into one. On one trip you might want to focus on the people and the lifestyles present in a place, while also capturing the landscapes and the natural world in which it’s located. Macro details and wildlife photography might be included too. 

Be it on the beaches of Bali or the ice fields of Antartica, the job of a travel photographer is to transport their audience to that place without them having to leave home.

Asheville Waterfall Tours

Asheville Waterfall Tours is an excellent example of a travel photography website. Carolyn Wilde, founder of this travel and tourism business, specializes in providing personally guided tours to see impressive waterfalls in Western North Carolina. The photos section contains some spectacular collections of waterfalls and happy tourists. 

#9. Advertising or Lifestyle Photography 

Everywhere we go we are surrounded by photography. Photography is on billboards, street signs, magazine ads, even in our pockets on our smartphones. Captivating photography makes the advertising world tick, and photography has never been more in demand than it is right now.

Advertising photography can include a range of subjects, like street photography, lifestyle photography, fashion photography, or product photography. Advertising photographers can work as freelancers, selling images on a project-by-project basis, or they might work directly for major ad agencies. Either way, this is a dynamic field where you may be shooting for a print ads campaign one day and shooting internet ads the next, always with a new subject.

Catherine Gratwicke - Advertising Photographer

Catherine is a British photographer specializing in lifestyle, interiors, still-life, flowers, advertising, editorials, and books. The gallery of images on this website is as natural as possible.

Catherine has employed subtle branding elements to reinforce brand recognition. The products in this portfolio are the image's focal point and maintain a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing composition. Different lighting techniques create a sense of warmth, drama, excitement, and elegance.

#10. Photojournalism 

Photojournalism is the art and practice of recording current events through photography. It is a branch of journalism that uses photographs to tell news stories.

Photojournalists play a vital role in informing the public about important events worldwide. They capture images that can bring attention to social injustice, political turmoil, and natural disasters. Their work can inspire people to take action and make a difference in the world.

Tara Crossley - Photojournalist

Tara is an experienced photographer with extensive experience in portrait photography and photojournalism. The best samples of photojournalism have been included with a short caption of what they are about, which makes viewers aware of the context under which these images are taken.

Checkout More Photojournalism Portfolio Website Examples Here

The mastery in composition and visual storytelling is palpable in this portfolio as it guides the viewer’s eye and draws attention to the most critical elements of the image. The clear, impactful images in challenging conditions show excellent technical skills in lighting and exposure.

#11. Pet Photography 

If your perfect subject is a furry friend, then pet photography might be for you. This is a growing sector and is very similar in working conditions and type of styles to portraiture; only your subjects may require treats when they are good. If you love animals, then there is no better job as a photographer. 

By establishing connections with local pet daycare facilities and dog show circuits, you can swiftly develop your pet photography business, which encompasses a delightful blend of studio sessions, outdoor shoots, and, for those seeking expert advice, here are some valuable tips for shooting pet portrait photography. A great way to start out is to volunteer your time to your local pound, taking pictures of the animals and helping them find their forever homes.

Vicky Durham - Pet Photographer

Clever girl photography is an excellent example of a pet photography website run by Vicky Durham, an animal-focused photographer based in Scotland. The portfolio presents pet photograph samples, imbibing portrait and adventure shoot styles.

The photographer uses natural light or softbox lighting to a great effect to enhance the pet’s fur and expressions. The creative angles and perfectives add dynamism and personality to the pet images.

Checkout more Pet Photography Portfolio Website Examples here

#12. Sports Photography 

If you love sports, then being a sports photographer is a great gig. Sports photography is an adrenaline-fueled art form that captures competitive sports' raw emotion, athleticism, and drama.

It's a fast-paced and demanding field that requires photographers to deeply understand the sport they're covering, technical expertise, anticipation, and the ability to think on their feet.

Sports photographers use their skills to capture the game's drama, tension, and excitement, drawing viewers into the heart of the action. From the sidelines, sports photographers use quick cameras and long lenses to zoom in on the action and capture the winning shots. Photos wind up in publicity materials for teams, in advertising and marketing, and in the news media online and in print.

Here is the Complete Guide to Sports Photography for beginners

Kendrick Sims - Sports Photographer

Sportraitsbyken is an excellent example of a Sports photography website built on Pixpa. It is run by Kendrick Sims, a photographer based in Florida. He loves capturing dramatic sports portraits of kids battling it out in different sports. The portfolio includes work samples that show photos with a wide range of emotions as the kids give it their all on the field or the court.

Checkout More Best Sports Photography Portfolio Website Examples here

#13. Aerial Photography 

From a helicopter's dizzying heights to a drone's smooth glide, aerial photography offers a unique perspective, capturing breathtaking landscapes, intricate urban sprawls, and hidden natural wonders that would otherwise remain unseen.

Capturing photos from an elevated vantage point is itself a challenging task. But when done with perfect execution, it offers unique perspective on the world. It breaks the barriers of ground-level view and provides hidden details invisible from below.

Sven Hansche - Aerial/Drone Photographer

Sven is a aerial photographer based in London. He covers everything from landscapes to concepts with models in the water and product photography.

The aerial photos of landscapes are exceptionally breathtaking. The portfolio comprises a fantastic exhibition of high-altitude photography, offering extensive coverage and capturing vast landscapes.

Learn How to Use Best Drones for Aerial Photography

#14. Scientific or Specialty Photography 

Many fields rely on great photography for publications, training materials, and record keeping. Many scientific and medical research companies employ photographers to document new findings and discoveries.

Many other industries rely on photos to conduct surveys and studies. For example, in Florida, aerial wildlife studies are routinely performed to study the numbers of manatees and birds living in remote areas. Many insurance companies rely on photographers to inspect homes and buildings, sending their photographic findings to the company to document damage or condition.

These are just a few examples of the specialized fields that use photography regularly. With open eyes and ears, working photographers can find remarkable jobs working with governments and private companies all over the world.

#15. Stock Photography 

Stock photography refers to a vast library of pre-licensed images for purchase and use in various creative projects. These images encompass various subjects, from everyday objects and landscapes to abstract concepts and diverse human experiences.

From captivating images gracing websites and social media posts to informative illustrations, enriching presentations, and educational materials, stock photography is a versatile and valuable resource for businesses, educators, and individuals.

The advantage of selling stock photos is that you can sell any type of image you want. These images are used by major ad agencies and small websites. Whether you like to shoot sunsets, people, kids, pets, or wildlife, you can probably sell your images as stock. Once the photos are captured, a lot of time is spent cataloging and keywording images to ensure that customers can find them.

Rebootanika Visual Boutique - Stock Photo Selling Website

Rebootanika Visual Boutique is an excellent example of a stock photography website. It is a one-stop visual boutique offering small collections of plant-powered stock images. A lightheartedness is felt as you explore the gallery of stock photos.

The portfolio offers curated collections of images arranged by color palettes, mimicking the experience of browsing a boutique. The collections are reflective of four seasons, thereby ensuring that you get to experience fresh and relevant imagery throughout the year.

#16. Nature photography

Nature photography offers a unique and intimate perspective on the natural world. Photographers can immerse themselves in diverse ecosystems, from towering mountains and lush forests to serene lakes and expansive deserts.

Through their lens, they capture the essence of these environments, revealing hidden beauty, intricate patterns, and the delicate balance of life.

Peter Weymouth - Nature Photographer

Peter, based in Ontario, Canada, envisions letting people know the importance of preserving nature and hopes future generations can enjoy the outdoors as we do today.

The portfolio has various nature-focused pictures, including landscapes, waterscapes, wildlife, mountains, deserts, etc. The images in the portfolio are reflective of great composition. Pictures are also taken in good lighting conditions, especially in the early morning and late afternoon since the light is soft and warm during those hours.

Checkout the Best Nature Photography Portfolio Website Examples

#17. Landscape photography

Landscape photography offers a unique and intimate perspective on the natural world. Photographers can venture into remote wilderness areas, explore bustling cityscapes, or capture the tranquility of backyard gardens.

Taking pictures of nature and scenery can be a rewarding experience. It’s a great way to experience the outdoors and enjoy the world's beauty.

Chris Lazzery - Landscape Photographer

Chris Lazzery's Photography portfolio includes high-quality, picturesque images of landscapes ranging from mountains, seascapes, deserts, etc.

The portfolio includes photos taken during the golden hours, just after sunrise or before sunset. It is visible because the light is soft and warm these times and makes these photos pop. The photos are also taken at different angles, such as low to the ground or climbing up to a higher vantage point.

Checkout 25 Landscape Photography Tips to Take Great Landscape Photos

#18. Astrophotography

Astrophotography offers a unique and awe-inspiring perspective on the universe. Photographers can venture into remote locations, far from the light pollution of cities, to capture the celestial wonders that lie beyond our atmosphere.

With tripods and very long shutter speeds, they capture spectacular starscapes, time-lapse images, and light paintings depicting how stars move in the sky as the Earth rotates.

Bret Waddington - Astro Photographer

Bret Waddinton is a wildlife, landscape, and astrophotographer in Northern Illinois. The portfolio has a fantastic collection of images of celestial objects in the night sky.

Photographs are taken with longer exposures to capture more light and detail. It also has been taken in the right location away from all the light pollution.

Read More on Astrophotography : A Complete Beginner's Guide

#19. Real estate photography

Real estate photography offers an opportunity to build a career capturing home photos. It is more of a commercial take on building photography.

Real estate photography isn't just about snapping pictures, it's about storytelling. Through the lens of a camera, real estate photographers capture the essence of a home, highlighting its inviting atmosphere, functional spaces, and the lifestyle it promises.

They weave together a visual narrative that showcases the property's best features and evokes a sense of comfort and desirability.

Avintel Media - Real Estate Photographers

Avintel Media is an excellent example of a real estate photography portfolio website built using Pixpa. It’s a classic example of a business that helps its clients make their real estate listings stand out through splendid visuals. The gallery of images on the website gives you a virtual tour of the properties. 

#20. Drone photography

Drone photography elevates us above the ground, providing a bird's-eye view of the world that reveals hidden patterns, intricate details, and the grand scale of our surroundings.

Photographers can capture sweeping vistas, showcase the intricate geometry of urban landscapes, or track the movements of wildlife in their natural habitats.

Adam Gallagher - Drone Photographer

From the dizzying heights of skyscrapers to the vast expanses of natural landscapes, Adam has a collection of breathtaking aerial visuals.

The portfolio consists of dynamic and creative shots that follow moving objects, create stunning panoramic views, and capture intricate details from close range. Adam also uses drones perfectly as the gallery of images consists of locations that are difficult to access, like mountain peaks, remote islands, or the interiors of buildings.

#21. Headshot Photography

A professional headshot is essential for making a positive and lasting impression, whether you're a business executive, actor, entrepreneur, or anyone seeking to enhance their professional brand. Headshot photography is an art form that captures the essence of an individual's personality, professionalism, and unique qualities.

Konstantin - Headshot Photographer

Konstantin runs Spotlight Headshots to help his clients create headshots that show their versatility and talent as actors or creative professionals. The homepage consists of some of Konstantin's best works.

#22. Documentary Photography

Documentary photography is a powerful art form that captures the essence of human experience, providing a window into the lives of individuals and communities worldwide. It's a form of storytelling that uses images to chronicle events, expose social issues, and celebrate the diversity of human existence.

Kendal - Documentary Photographer

Kendal is a photographer based in Boulder, Colorado. There’s a minimalist feel as you land the portfolio. It includes documentary-style photos - seaside to the street artists.

For instance, Kendal’s documentary photography portfolio captures fishermen's hard work and dedication, the changing landscape of coastal environments due to climate change, fishing rituals, the joy people find in surfing, the vast array of marine life, etc.

#23. Street Photography

Street photography is an art form that captures the candid and often fleeting moments of everyday life in public places. Its genre thrives on spontaneity, observation, and connecting with the human experience in its raw and unfiltered form.

Street photographers act as visual anthropologists, documenting the diverse tapestry of human interactions, emotions, and the unique character of urban landscapes.

Mark Hession - Street Photographer

Martin is a photographer, video creator, and musician from London. It has some gorgeous black & white and color images of the streets of London.

Mark uses natural light, shadows, and reflections to add depth and drama to his photographs. He also uses leading lines, the rule of thirds, and other techniques to deliver strong composition and framing in his images.

#24. Food Photography

Food photography is an art form that captures food's essence, beauty, and allure. It's a visual symphony that tantalizes the taste buds, evokes emotions, and transforms ordinary dishes into masterpieces of culinary art.

Food photographers are culinary storytellers, using their cameras to narrate the compelling tales of flavors, textures, and the passion behind each dish.

Lisa Hecht - Food Photographer

Lisa is a food photographer and stylist based in Philadelphia. The portfolio includes some of Lisa's best works that attempt to transform even the simplest dishes into the works of art, using lighting, composition, and styling to create visually stunning and mouthwatering images. 

#25. Still life Photography

Still life photography, or simply still photography, is a type of photography that captures the beauty, texture, and intricate details of inanimate objects.

It's a genre that allows photographers to explore the interplay of light and shadow, experiment with composition and perspective, and create remarkable narratives.

Scott Everett White - Still life Photographer

Scott is dedicated to unit still photography and has made a name for himself in film and television. He has collaborated with prestigious networks and studios such as ABC, CBS, CW, Fox, Max, Netflix, Nickelodeon, Showtime, etc.

The portfolio includes a robust collection of his best work in feature films, television series, behind-the-scenes, etc. It invites us to slow down and appreciate the finer details. Composition and light take center stage. Leading lines, negative space, textures, and masterful control of light and shadow tell a compelling visual story in this portfolio.

#26. Black and white Photography

Black and white photography stands out as a timeless art form, capturing the essence of subjects through the interplay of light, shadow, and texture.

It's a type of photography that strips away the distractions of color, forcing us to focus on the fundamental elements of a photograph - the composition, the contrast, and the emotions evoked by the monochromatic tones.

Black and white photography is a testament to the power of simplicity, allowing photographers to create timeless images that transcend cultural and linguistic barriers.

William Lambelet - Black and White Photographer

William is a wedding photographer covering events throughout France and abroad. The B&W section draws us in with its stark beauty and expressive power. With the color removed in this B&W photography portfolio, you can focus on the essential elements of the images - composition, light and shadow, texture, and form. It can evoke a broader range of emotions than color.

Checkout Best Black and White Photography Portfolio Website Examples

#27. Surreal photography

In a world governed by logic and reason, surreal photography emerges as a style of photography that defies expectations, challenges perceptions, and invites us to explore the boundless sphere of the subconscious mind.

Surreal photography blurs the boundaries between reality and dreams. As a viewer, you start questioning what’s real and what’s not.

Mihailo Vucenic - Surreal Photographer

The collection of photographs in Mihailo's portfolio can disrupt our sense of reality and transport us to a world where the familiar becomes strange, and the impossible seems plausible.

Juxtaposing familiar objects or beings in unfamiliar settings is a hallmark of this portfolio. It uses a lot of double exposures, dramatic lighting, and unexpected reflections to add layers of mystery and depth. Elements like masks, costumes, body paint, etc. create dreamlike personas in this gallery.

#28. Abstract photography

Abstract photography emerges as a type of photography that transcends the boundaries of physical representation, capturing the essence of emotions, concepts, and the temporary nature of experience.

It's a genre that strips away the distractions of recognizable objects, inviting us to delve into abstraction, where patterns, textures, colors, and light play a symphony of visual storytelling.

Grant Galbraith - Abstract Photographer

Grant Galbraith The gallery of images listed on the portfolio invites us to break free from the limitations of literal interpretation to engage in a personal and subjective experience of the image.

The images have been captured with a lot of freedom and no rules, which is the beauty of abstract photography. Grant has experimented with camera movement, long exposures, double exposures, macro photography, and manipulating objects and materials.

Grant is harnessing the power of natural light, experimenting with studio setups, and even playing with color filters.

Checkout 25+ Photography Tips for Beginners

Conclusion 

It’s almost impossible to compile a list of all of the different types of photography that you can earn money from. For your photography career, it can be difficult choosing which path to take. However, if you're specifically interested in building a portfolio for your photography niche, I highly recommend exploring our comprehensive guide on how to create a model portfolio. Many photographers try out many paths in their career until they find the one that suits them best. The most successful photographers work in a niche, something that they specialize in that few others do. The possibilities are endless, and finding your niche is half the fun. So, which kinds of photography would you like to master?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most popular type of photography?
Portrait photography is one of the most popular types of photography. Portraiture comes up in several different genres of photography, including wedding and engagement photography, family photography, fashion photography etc. This results in a relatively high demand for portrait photographers.

Which type of photography makes the most money?
Wedding photography can be one of the most profitable genres of photography. Weddings are an expensive, once in a lifetime affair and most couples are willing to pay a premium to the right photographer. Depending on experience and the budget of the wedding, photographers can earn anywhere between $1500 to even $10,000 per wedding.  

What are the 6 elements of photography?
The 6 elements of photography are color, line, pattern, texture, viewpoint and the rule of thirds.