Professional photos encompass a vast range of styles and purposes, but when we talk about photography as an art form, we delve into a world of creative expression and technical mastery. If you’ve ever wondered “What Are Professional Photos Called” in the realm of artistic creation, you’re likely thinking about various genres that photographers use to showcase their vision and skills. Let’s explore some key artistic photography styles that define what professional photos can be.
Still Life Photography: Capturing the Beauty in Objects
Still life photography, much like its painting counterpart, focuses on capturing inanimate objects arranged in deliberate compositions. From classic arrangements of fruits and flowers to more contemporary collections of everyday items or vintage finds, still life offers endless possibilities. Mastering still life techniques is also invaluable for photographers looking to specialize in food photography or product photography, as it hones skills in lighting, composition, and detail.
Black-and-White Photography: The Art of Light and Shadow
Black-and-white photography transcends mere image capture; it’s about stripping away color to reveal the raw essence of form, texture, and light. This powerful medium is not only a stunning artistic style in itself but also an excellent training ground for aspiring photographers. By focusing solely on composition, contrast, and tonal range, without the complexities of color, photographers can build a strong foundation in visual storytelling.
Fine Art Photography: Photography as Personal Expression
Fine art photography is perhaps the most encompassing term when discussing artistic professional photos. It’s less about the subject matter and more about the photographer’s intent and artistic vision. Whether it’s a landscape, a portrait, or a still life, what elevates a photograph to fine art is the photographer’s conscious pursuit of aesthetic expression and personal meaning. Fine art photographers use their craft to communicate ideas, emotions, and perspectives, making each image a statement of their unique artistic voice.
Double Exposure Photography: Layering Realities
Double exposure photography, once a technique achieved manually in film cameras, is now readily accessible through digital editing. It involves superimposing two or more images to create a single, layered photograph. This technique opens up a world of creative possibilities, allowing photographers to blend realities, create ethereal effects, and explore visual metaphors in innovative ways.
Surreal Photography: Dreamlike Visions in Reality
For photographers aiming to provoke thought and challenge perceptions, surreal photography is a compelling genre. Surrealism in photography takes recognizable subjects and places them in unexpected, dreamlike, or illogical contexts. It’s about creating images that bend reality, evoke a sense of mystery, and tap into the subconscious. This style often involves photo manipulation and compositing to bring fantastical visions to life.
Abstract Photography: Finding Art in Perspective
Abstract photography shifts the focus from literal representation to form, color, texture, and pattern. It’s about capturing subjects in a way that emphasizes visual elements over recognizable objects. Whether zooming in to reveal the intricate details of a surface or taking an aerial view to capture vast patterns, abstract photography encourages viewers to see the world in new and unexpected ways. It’s about finding the extraordinary within the ordinary and presenting it through a unique photographic lens.
Exploring these diverse styles is just the beginning. To truly excel in any of these photographic avenues, a solid grasp of fundamental photography skills is essential. Understanding concepts like focal length, shutter speed, ISO, aperture, and depth of field will empower you to control your camera and capture your artistic vision effectively. Furthermore, mastering photo composition techniques, such as the rule of thirds, will enhance the visual impact of your images.
Whether you are using a DSLR or a mirrorless camera, the journey into artistic professional photography is an exciting one. With editing tools like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, you can further refine your images, enhance their artistic qualities, and bring your creative ideas to fruition. The most important step is to choose a style that resonates with you, get behind the lens, and start shooting.
