There are many types of photography a beginner may partake in, whether as a hobby or as a professional venture. As camera technology continues to improve, more and more kinds of photography become possible, from the deepest depths of the ocean to the vast expanses of space. A beginner may not be willing enough to go deep into the ocean, or into space, so other, more accessible kinds of photography may be sought instead.
The Many, Many Kinds of Photography
Camera technology is now capable of photographing the largest structures in the farthest lands, to the microscopic particles that make up our everyday items. While a beginner may not have aspirations to take pictures of microscopic placenta all day, a good camera will allow him or her to photograph nearly anything imaginable.
Here are a few things a beginner photographer can try out:
• Macro Photography – Getting a closer look at plants, animals, or your everyday belongings can be done with macro photography. While professionals will typically use specially-made lenses and equipment designed for macro photos, beginners can take very close-up photos with a basic kit lens to a certain extent. Just be sure you have a steady hand, a tripod, and a good eye for photos.
• Black & White Photography – When film cameras were still the primary mode of photography, photographers needed to buy film specially made for black and white photos. This is not the case with modern DSLR cameras, as you can simply select an option to turn off colors in the digital menus.
• Landscape Photography – Hobbyists who have a taste for adventure can try out landscape photography. This type of photography is especially possible with even the most basic of camera equipment, and can be done with nothing more than your trusty camera on hand. Others may use a tripod and other equipment to snap photos, but beginners with minimal equipment are not at a loss.
• Portrait Photography – Taking portraits of your friends and family can be done by the beginner photographer. To get the most out of a portrait, professionals will typically go out with studio equipment, complete with diffusers, special flashes, filters and light boxes. Don’t discount what a simple camera and a bit of natural light can do for a portrait, though.
• Art Photography – The camera is also used by many artists to express things that a canvas or sketchpad can’t. With a good eye for composition, a beginner photographer may blossom as an artist even with a minimal camera setup. It can be done with, people, places, things, and more, depending on how flexible of an artist you are.
• Glamor Photography – Fashion and glamor are not just things of the wealthy and bourgeois anymore. A group of friends, a set of costumes, props and a good camera can get all kinds of legitimately glamorous shots during a photo session. Some may even get a good laugh out of the silly things you can do while acting glamorous.
• Underwater Photography – Here’s where special equipment might be needed; most commercial cameras require the use of a water-protective shell in order to be used underwater. Some beginners may opt for rugged cameras designed for light water splashing, but taking pictures deeper underwater will require more specialized equipment.
• Wildlife Photography – This type of photography can be done by beginners at zoos or wildlife reserves. Photographers who love nature may find that wild animals are the best subjects for photos, especially if they are in their natural habitat.
• Night Photography – As you learn more about photography, your beginner status may begin to disappear as you get more used to taking photos at night. Typically, a flash is used to take pictures of subjects in low light, but taking advantage of long exposures and slow shutter speeds can be used to make more creative photos, like light paintings.
• Photojournalism – Social media has proven that even amateurs are capable of being journalists in their own way. A beginner who happens to be proficient with a camera, and shows up to a significant event when one goes down, may gain media exposure if the photos turn out good. You can also try submitting photos to media outlets and publications, if you feel your photos are good enough.
• Aerial Photography – Few beginners will have access to helicopters and planes that will allow them to take aerial photography. If you don’t know a good pilot or airfield operator, you can somehow make it to the top of a very tall building and snap pictures of the scenery below to pass off as an aerial shot.
While these types of photography may be good for beginners, don’t be afraid to try new things that don’t fall under these categories; developing skill is all about getting out of your comfort zone, after all.
