What Is Photography? Things You Need To Know About Lens Art

Photography – an art that combines technique and emotion has developed dramatically from the days of film photography to the current digital age. Each photo is not simply a still image but also contains the story, the thoughts of the photographer and the message they want to convey. With the explosion of technology, the art of photography has opened up many directions with diverse styles, from traditional to modern, from classic to creative according to technology trends.

The choice of photography style not only affects the quality of the work but also determines personal style, the way to communicate with customers and the direction of career development. In this article, we will explore the diverse photography styles . Through that, you will have more motivation and useful information to confidently choose a suitable style for yourself, thereby affirming your personal position in today's vibrant photography market.

1. What is photography?

Photography can be translated literally into Vietnamese as photography. This is an art form with the main tool being the camera and some other auxiliary equipment to create beautiful, vivid photos, expressing the perspective and artistic views of the photographer. This art form appeared along with the development of technology, at the same time, technological advances also strongly impacted the development of Photography.

In the past, photographers had to use large and cumbersome cameras with darkrooms, but now it is completely different. Cameras are becoming more compact with increasingly modern features such as 4k recording, slow motion, anti-shake... Lenses with different focal lengths are also being researched and developed, providing powerful tools for photographers. However, there are still many people who follow their own schools such as only using film cameras to take pictures because of the special quality of the photos that no other camera can create.

2. Overview of photography styles

Before delving into specific styles, we need to have an overview of current photography styles. In general, photography styles can be classified into several main groups as follows:

Artistic photography: This type of photography focuses on the creative aspect, expressing the emotions and subjective views of the photographer. Artworks are not only for display but also convey profound messages and stories.
Commercial Photography: This style focuses on advertising, sales, and communication goals. The work is often used in marketing campaigns, product advertising, or brand image building.
Journalism, fashion, travel and many other fields: Each field will have its own characteristics, requiring photographers to capture the spirit, style and message to be conveyed through each photo.

Each style has different requirements and goals. For example, in photojournalism, the priority is on being current and authentic, while in fine art photography, creativity and originality are the main focus. This diversity allows each photographer to choose a direction that suits their personality, interests and career goals.

3. Popular photography styles

In this section, we'll dive into each popular photography style, analyzing their characteristics, shooting techniques, and factors to consider to create impressive work.

3.1. Portrait Photography

Portraits are not just images of a person, but also a way to express the soul, emotions and personal story of each individual. A successful portrait often highlights the natural beauty, personality and even the unspoken aspects of the subject.

To get a good portrait, the photographer needs to pay attention to light – a key factor in revealing lines and emotions. Using natural light or studio lights can bring different effects, depending on the message you want to convey. In addition, choosing the shooting angle and composition also plays an important role in helping to depict the characteristics of the subject.

3.2. Landscape Photography

Landscapes are always an endless source of inspiration for photographers. To take beautiful landscape photos, understanding and applying composition is an indispensable factor. The arrangement of elements in the frame, from the horizon to natural highlights, will create a lively, harmonious picture.

The “golden” and “blue” hours are ideal times for landscape photography. The soft light of dawn or dusk not only adds warm colors but also creates a magical atmosphere in the scene. In addition, the choice of unique locations – from majestic mountains to vast coastlines – also contributes to the appeal of the photo.

To enhance the quality of the image, many photographers use a tripod to keep the frame stable and avoid camera shake. At the same time, specialized lenses such as wide-angle or telephoto are also chosen depending on the purpose and creative idea.

3.3. Fashion Photography

Fashion photography is not just about taking beautiful photos of products or clothes, but also the art of storytelling, creating vivid and attractive images. Fashion photos are often designed to convey messages about the lifestyle, trends and class of the brand.

A successful fashion photo shoot is the result of a harmonious collaboration between the photographer, stylist and makeup artist. From the choice of clothing, color coordination to the pose and setting, everything contributes to creating a perfect work of art.

Fashion trends are always changing every season, every year. Photographers need to constantly update and be creative to keep up with the trends, thereby creating photos that are not only beautiful but also innovative and unique. New ideas, combining art and modern technology have opened a new era in fashion photography.

3.4. Macro Photography

Macro photography is a genre of photography that involves taking photos at very close range, allowing the viewer to appreciate small details that are often overlooked. From the delicate petals of a flower to the intricate structure of a butterfly, macro opens up a whole new world of clarity and uniqueness.

To take quality macro photos, photographers often use macro lenses - specialized lenses that help magnify the subject while still ensuring detail. In addition, specialized flash is also a powerful support tool to enhance light and create sharp, clear images.

Not just an art, macro photography also has important applications in the field of science, helping to study the structure of small organisms and natural phenomena. At the same time, many artistic photographers also exploit macro to create creative, unique and abstract works.

3.5. Street Photography

Street photography captures candid, natural moments in everyday life. These are unstaged photos, but the randomness of life creates a special appeal. Everyday scenes such as street vendors, random encounters on the street, or the genuine expressions of passersby can all become a source of inspiration for photographers.

To capture natural and unique moments in urban life, photographers need to be able to react quickly and capture the changing landscape in time. This technique requires keen observation, flexibility and always being ready when the opportunity arises.

When shooting street photography, one thing to keep in mind is the privacy of the subject being photographed. Many countries have laws against taking photos in public, so being cautious and respectful of others is essential to the creative process.

3.6. Travel Photography

Travel photography is not just about capturing scenic spots, but also the art of storytelling through images that capture the beauty of culture, people and unique traditions of regions. Each travel photo is a story, from small streets to ancient architecture.

Successful travel photography requires a thorough understanding of the location, culture, and timing of the shoot. For example, morning or sunset light can create a more magical, magical photo than regular daylight.

When it comes to travel photography, storytelling is extremely important. A photo not only needs to be beautiful, but it also needs to convey emotion, thereby giving the viewer a deep sense of the culture, people and history of that place.

3.7. Still Life Photography

Still life photography is usually done in a studio, where you have complete control over lighting, composition, and other elements. It is a popular genre in product advertising, installation art, and commercial media campaigns.

A striking still life photograph requires careful composition: lighting must be adjusted to highlight the details of the subject, while creating a harmonious and artistic composition. The subtle use of light – from natural to artificial – is the key to transforming ordinary objects into captivating ones.

Beyond its commercial use, still life photography is also an art form where photographers express their creativity through the combination of colors, textures, and shapes. From abstract artworks to luxury advertising collections, this style has contributed to the diversity and richness of the photography industry.

3.8. Event Photography

Event photography plays a vital role in preserving the memories of special occasions such as weddings, festivals, conferences, etc. An event photo not only captures the image but also expresses the emotions, excitement and spirit of that moment.

Due to the nature of events that often take place in dynamic environments, photographers need to be able to react quickly and adjust their shooting techniques so as not to miss any important moments. This requires careful preparation, from equipment to strategic arrangements to capture the most realistic and vivid images.

Event photography is more than just a technical skill; it is also an art of capturing emotions. The naturalness, gestures, and eyes of attendees can create a unique story, enriching the overall picture of the event. Building a good relationship with clients and attendees is also an important factor in helping photographers capture the most authentic moments.

4. New Trends in Photography

Technology and artistic trends are constantly changing, opening up new opportunities for photographers to create and explore. Here are some of the new trends that are popular in the photography world:

4.1. Digital photography and digital post-production

The advent of advanced photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom along with mobile applications has changed the way we process images. Digital post-production not only helps improve the quality of photos but also becomes a form of artistic creation, allowing you to express your ideas in a unique and individual way.

4.2. Drone photos and 360° photos

With the development of drone technology, photographers can now capture aerial views, creating unique and impressive landscape photos. In addition, 360° photography techniques allow viewers to have a panoramic experience, opening a new era for virtual reality and interactive experiences.

4.3. The combination of photography and artificial intelligence (AI)

AI is gradually becoming a powerful assistant in the process of image processing. From automatically recognizing objects, suggesting edits to creating special effects, AI is opening a new direction for the art of photography. This technology not only saves time but also helps to significantly improve the quality of works.

Through the journey of exploring diverse photography styles from portrait, landscape, fashion to macro, street, travel, still life and events, we realize that each style has its own characteristics, expressing different artistic and commercial values.

Choosing a style is not only based on personal preferences but also depends on career development orientation, creativity and understanding of market trends. A successful photographer is someone who constantly learns, experiments and adjusts his style to keep up with the times and renew himself.