These days, it might seem like anyone with a decent smartphone can take photos and contribute to the photography industry. Although this might be true in some cases, photography remains an art form that enthusiasts should take extra time to study. Photography is not simply pointing at a subject matter and hitting the shutter. It is about offering a new perspective that has never been considered by modern society.
The world of photography has evolved through the years as it has shifted from analog to digital forms. Cameras have evolved, and photography processes have been innovated to create transformations in the image-making practice. Nowadays, images can be found everywhere we look – from billboards to social media. As a photography enthusiast, there are things you need to consider before heading out into the professional world of photography.
Making it in the photography scene might not be as easy as you think, given the hours of practice involved and the resources you need to acquire. Many photographers use post-processing techniques to enhance their photographs. This includes sharpening images and color-correcting using photo editing software, especially for commercial product photography that needs a classy look. For instance, jewelry image retouching services offer ways to make gems stand out more, giving the effect that they still sparkle even in the image captured by the camera. The developments in photography have made services like these possible.
Types of Photography
To become a photographer, you have to be familiar with the different types of photography you could experiment with. Take note that, as an artist, it should be part of your artistic practice to explore the various styles and types of photography available to continuously hone your craft. This will allow you to expand your horizons and enhance your skillset. Here are some types of photography that you can try out, whether as a beginner or as a professional photographer.
Portrait photography is one of the most common types of photography out there. Portraiture aims to capture the mood and personality of the subject through composition and the various elements of art that take place in a given shot. When taking portrait photos, you must learn how to make your subject comfortable in front of the camera, especially if you are taking photos of ordinary people and not professional models. Awkwardness can translate into your photos, and that might not be the message and mood you are aiming for.
Still-life photography involves inanimate objects as the subject matter. This may include fruits, jewelry, or anything natural or manmade. Taking photos of still life may be either commercial or artistic. With this type of photography, what is essential is how you make ordinary objects come to life.
While portraiture and still-life photography may often be planned in terms of composition and subject matter, photojournalism is a type of photography that tells a story by capturing unscripted moments. Photojournalists aim to capture events as honestly as possible instead of focusing on getting the most picture-perfect photo.
There are more types of photography in the industry that you could explore and experiment with. You can even combine two types of photography and see what you can come up with. Photography is a fun medium to work with, and it poses many possibilities in the art of capturing images.
Women in Photography
Becoming a photographer, whatever subject you may choose, is a creative and professional pursuit. While men often dominate industries, many women who have made and continue to make waves in the photography world. Here are some women photographers that you should know about.
Annie Leibovitz is one of the most famous female photographers in the field. Born in Connecticut, Leibovitz has developed her style through the years as she has taken photographs of many iconic personalities, such as John Lennon.
Cindy Sherman is a celebrated artist due to her conceptual portrait photography. Cindy is known for her project on self-portraiture. Her self-portraits challenge the notions of various issues, including gender stereotypes.
Known as a documentary photographer, Margaret Bourke-White is also famous for being the “first female American war photojournalist.” What started as a hobby led to her becoming a legendary photographer in history.
As you study the basics of photography, including camera types and the principles of art, you should likewise explore the history and the icons in the world of photography. This will provide you with information on the possibilities you can tap into as well as the power that a photograph may have in a given community.
Becoming a photographer and making it in the art scene may be a challenge these days, given the multitude of available images we have at our fingertips. Nevertheless, it is a skill and a craft worth studying, especially as we face big challenges as a population. Documenting today’s events will soon be priceless.
