10 Photography Genres to Explore and the Lenses to Match
As photographers, we are constantly on the hunt for that perfect shot; the one that captures the essence of a moment, the beauty of a scene, or the emotion of a subject. And with so many different styles and genres of photography to choose from, the possibilities are truly endless. Whether you're drawn to the sweeping vistas of landscape photography, the intimate moments of portrait photography, or the fast-paced action of sports photography, there's a lens and a technique for you. In this blog, we'll take a closer look at some of the most popular styles of photography, and the most ideal lenses used for that style.
A quick look at what styles we’ll be looking at:
1. Travel/ Landscape Photography
2. Portrait Photography
3. Couple/ Engagement/ Wedding Photography
4. Street Photography
5. Boudoir Photography
6. Black and White Photography
7. Club/ Nightlife/ DJ Event Photography
8. Real-Estate Photography
9. Product photography
10. Food photography
Travel/ Landscape Photography
Landscape and travel photography is a genre of photography that captures the beauty and wonder of natural and man-made environments. It is a popular choice for photographers of all levels, as it allows for a wide range of creative expression and technical experimentation.
One of the key elements of landscape and travel photography is the lens. The right lens can make all the difference in capturing the majesty of a mountain range or the delicate beauty of a flower. Here are some of the best lenses for landscape and travel photography:
Wide-angle lens: A wide-angle lens is essential for landscape and travel photography, as it allows you to capture a broad expanse of scenery in a single frame. Look for a lens with a focal length of around 24-35mm.
Telephoto lens: While a wide-angle lens is great for capturing sweeping vistas, a telephoto lens is ideal for isolating specific elements within the landscape, such as a single tree or mountain peak. Look for a lens with a focal length of around 70-200mm.
Fisheye lens: A fisheye lens is a fun and creative option for landscape and travel photography. It has a very wide angle of view and distortion, which can result in some interesting and artistic images.
Prime lens: A prime lens is a fixed focal length lens, as opposed to a zoom lens. Prime lenses generally have a wider aperture, which makes them great for low-light situations and capturing beautiful bokeh (the aesthetic quality of the blur in the out-of-focus areas of an image).
Zoom lens: A zoom lens is a lens that allows you to change the focal length, allowing you to easily switch between wide and telephoto perspectives. This can be useful in landscape and travel photography, as you may encounter a range of different scenes and subjects.
No matter what lens you choose, landscape and travel photography is all about finding the right light and composition. Experiment with different lenses and techniques to find the look that works best for you.
Portrait Photography
Portrait photography is all about capturing the essence and personality of a person through images. It can be a single person or a group, and the goal is to create a visually pleasing image that conveys the subject's character. A good portrait photograph should be well-composed, with the subject perfectly lit and in focus.
There are several lenses that are ideal for portrait photography, each with its own unique characteristics that can enhance the final image. Here are some of the best lenses for portrait photography:
85mm prime lens: This is a classic lens for portrait photography, as it allows you to get close to your subject and blur out the background for a more cinematic look. It also has a wide aperture, which allows you to shoot in low-light conditions and create a shallow depth of field.
50mm prime lens: Another popular choice for portrait photography, the 50mm lens is versatile and affordable. It's a great lens for capturing candid shots and has a similar focal length to the human eye, making it easy to create natural-looking images.
70-200mm zoom lens: This lens is perfect for shooting portraits from a distance, as it allows you to zoom in and capture intimate details of your subject. It also has a wide aperture, making it ideal for low-light situations.
24-70mm zoom lens: This is a versatile lens that's great for capturing a range of portraits, from wide shots to close-ups. It has a wide focal range, so you can easily switch between different framing options without having to change lenses.
When it comes to portrait photography, the lens you choose will depend on your personal style and the look you're trying to achieve. Whether you want a lens that can capture intimate details or one that can create a cinematic look, there's a lens out there that will suit your needs.
Couple/ Engagement/ Wedding photography
Wedding photography is a special type of photography that captures the memories and emotions of a couple's big day. It's a challenging but rewarding field that requires a combination of technical skills and artistic vision. A good wedding photographer should be able to capture the mood, the details, and the candid moments of the event, and create a cohesive visual story that reflects the personalities of the couple.
When it comes to wedding photography, having the right lens can make a big difference in the quality of your images. Here are some of the best lenses for wedding photography:
50mm prime lens: This is a classic lens for wedding photography, as it allows you to capture a wide range of shots, from portraits to candid moments. It has a wide aperture, which allows you to shoot in low-light conditions and create a shallow depth of field.
24-70mm zoom lens: This is a versatile lens that's great for capturing a range of shots, from wide angles to close-ups. It's a popular choice for wedding photographers because it allows you to quickly switch between different framing options without having to change lenses.
70-200mm zoom lens: This lens is perfect for shooting portraits from a distance, as it allows you to zoom in and capture intimate details of your subjects. It also has a wide aperture, which is ideal for low-light situations.
85mm prime lens: This lens is another classic choice for wedding photography, as it allows you to get close to your subjects and blur out the background for a more cinematic look. It's a great lens for capturing portraits and candid moments.
When it comes to wedding photography, it's important to have a lens that can handle a range of situations. Whether you're shooting wide angles of the ceremony or close-ups of the couple's first dance, having the right lens can make all the difference in the quality of your images.
Street Photography
Street photography is a type of photography that captures candid, unplanned moments in public places. It's a popular and challenging genre that requires a combination of technical skills and artistic vision. A good street photographer should be able to capture the mood, the details, and the sense of place of a scene, and create images that tell a story or convey a message.
When it comes to street photography, having the right lens can make a big difference in the quality of your images. Here are some of the best lenses for street photography:
35mm prime lens: This is a classic lens for street photography, as it allows you to capture a wide range of shots, from close-ups to wide angles. It has a wide aperture, which allows you to shoot in low-light conditions and create a shallow depth of field.
50mm prime lens: This is another popular choice for street photography, as it has a similar focal length to the human eye, which makes it easy to create natural-looking images. It's a great lens for capturing candid shots and has a wide aperture, which is ideal for low-light situations.
28-70mm zoom lens: This is a versatile lens that's great for capturing a range of shots, from wide angles to close-ups. It's a popular choice for street photographers because it allows you to quickly switch between different framing options without having to change lenses.
85mm prime lens: This lens is perfect for shooting portraits from a distance, as it allows you to zoom in and capture intimate details of your subjects. It also has a wide aperture, which is ideal for low-light situations.
When it comes to street photography, it's important to have a lens that can handle a range of situations. Whether you're shooting wide angles of a bustling street scene or close-ups of candid moments, having the right lens can make all the difference in the quality of your images.
Boudoir Photography
Boudoir photography is a type of portrait photography that focuses on the sensual and intimate side of the subject. It is often associated with lingerie or implied nudity, and is meant to be alluring and empowering for the subject.
One of the key elements of boudoir photography is the lens. The right lens can help to create a sense of intimacy and bring out the best in the subject's features. Here are some of the best lenses for boudoir photography:
Prime lens: A prime lens is a fixed focal length lens, as opposed to a zoom lens. Prime lenses generally have a wider aperture, which makes them great for low light situations and capturing beautiful bokeh (the aesthetic quality of the blur in the out-of-focus areas of an image). A lens with a focal length of around 50mm is a popular choice for boudoir photography, as it allows for a natural-looking perspective.
Macro lens: A macro lens is a specialized lens that allows you to capture close-up details with incredible clarity. It is a great option for boudoir photography, as it allows you to highlight the finer points of the subject's features and clothing.
Telephoto lens: A telephoto lens is a longer focal length lens, typically over 70mm. It allows you to compress the distance between the subject and background, creating a sense of intimacy and separation.
Wide-angle lens: While a wide-angle lens is not typically the first choice for boudoir photography, it can be used to create interesting and creative compositions. Just be mindful of distortion, as wide-angle lenses can cause the subject's features to appear stretched or distorted.
In addition to choosing the right lens, lighting is also crucial in boudoir photography. Soft, diffused lighting is generally the most flattering for this type of work. Experiment with different lighting setups and techniques to find the look that works best for you.
Remember, boudoir photography is about celebrating the beauty and sensuality of the subject. With the right lens and lighting, you can create stunning and empowering images that make the subject feel confident and beautiful.
Black and White Photography
Black and white photography can be a beautiful and powerful art form, allowing the photographer to capture the world in a way that highlights form, texture, and tonality. While color can often be a distraction, black and white allow the viewer to focus on the composition, lighting, and emotion of the photograph.
One of the keys to successful black-and-white photography is having the right lens. While any lens can be used to create black-and-white images, some lenses are better suited to the task than others. Here are a few of the best lenses for black-and-white photography:
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM: This budget-friendly lens is a great all-around lens for black-and-white photography. Its wide aperture allows for beautiful bokeh and low-light performance, and its compact size makes it easy to carry around.
Nikon 50mm f/1.8G: This lens is similar to the Canon EF 50mm, offering great value for the price and excellent performance in low light. It's also relatively lightweight and compact, making it a good choice for photographers on the go.
Sony FE 50mm f/1.8: This lens is a great option for Sony shooters, offering excellent image quality and a wide aperture for beautiful bokeh. It's also relatively affordable, making it a good choice for those on a budget.
Fuji XF 35mm f/2: This lens is a great choice for Fujifilm users, offering excellent image quality and compact size. Its wide aperture allows for beautiful bokeh and low-light performance, making it a great choice for black-and-white photography.
Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH: This lens is a bit of a splurge, but it's worth it if you're serious about black-and-white photography. Its wide aperture and high image quality make it a top choice for professional photographers.
In addition to these lenses, it's also important to consider the sensor size of your camera when choosing a lens for black-and-white photography. Larger sensors, such as full-frame sensors, tend to produce better black-and-white images due to their ability to capture more detail and dynamic range.
Club/ DJ/ Nightlife Event Photography
Nightlife and club photography is a genre of photography that captures the energy and atmosphere of nightlife events and venues. This can include concerts, parties, clubs, and other social gatherings.
One of the key elements of nightlife photography is the lens. The right lens can help to capture the action and energy of the event, as well as the mood and atmosphere of the venue. Here are some of the best lenses for nightlife photography:
Wide-angle lens: A wide-angle lens is a great choice for nightlife photography, as it allows you to capture a broad expanse of the scene in a single frame. This is especially useful in crowded or tight spaces, such as clubs or concert venues. Look for a lens with a focal length of around 24-35mm.
Telephoto lens: A telephoto lens is a longer focal length lens, typically over 70mm. It allows you to zoom in on specific elements of the scene, such as a performer on stage or a group of people.
Prime lens: A prime lens is a fixed focal length lens, as opposed to a zoom lens. Prime lenses generally have a wider aperture, which makes them great for low-light situations. This is especially useful in nightlife photography, as many events take place in dimly lit or dark environments.
Zoom lens: A zoom lens is a lens that allows you to change the focal length, allowing you to easily switch between wide and telephoto perspectives. This can be useful in nightlife photography, as the action may be constantly moving and changing.
In addition to choosing the right lens, it is important to pay attention to the lighting in nightlife photography. Many events will have flashing or changing lights, which can be challenging to photograph. Experiment with different settings and techniques, such as using a high ISO or slower shutter speed, to capture the mood and atmosphere of the event.
Nightlife photography is all about capturing the energy and excitement of the scene. With the right lens and technique, you can create stunning and memorable images that showcase the atmosphere of the event.
Real-Estate Photography
Real estate photography is a type of photography that captures the interior and exterior of properties for the purpose of marketing and selling them. It is a specialized field that requires a particular set of skills and equipment to produce high-quality images.
One of the key elements of real estate photography is the lens. The right lens can help to showcase the features and layout of a property, as well as create a sense of depth and space. Here are some of the best lenses for real estate photography:
Wide-angle lens: A wide-angle lens is essential for real estate photography, as it allows you to capture a broad expanse of the property in a single frame. This is especially useful for small spaces or for showcasing large open areas. Look for a lens with a focal length of around 16-35mm.
Telephoto lens: A telephoto lens is a longer focal length lens, typically over 70mm. It allows you to compress the distance between the subject and background, creating a sense of depth and perspective. This can be useful for showcasing specific features of the property, such as a fireplace or outdoor view.
Tilt-shift lens: A tilt-shift lens is a specialized lens that allows you to shift the perspective of the image. This can be particularly useful for correcting distortion in architectural or interior photography.
Prime lens: A prime lens is a fixed focal length lens, as opposed to a zoom lens. Prime lenses generally have a wider aperture, which makes them great for low-light situations and capturing beautiful bokeh (the aesthetic quality of the blur in the out-of-focus areas of an image).
In addition to choosing the right lens, lighting is also crucial in real estate photography. It is important to showcase the property in the best possible light, which may require the use of artificial lighting or adjusting the white balance. Experiment with different lighting setups and techniques to find the look that works best for you.
Real estate photography is all about showcasing the features and layout of a property in the most appealing way. With the right lens and lighting, you can create stunning and inviting images that help sell the property.
Product Photography
Product photography is a type of photography that focuses on capturing images of products for the purpose of advertising and marketing. It is a specialized field that requires a particular set of skills and equipment to produce high-quality images.
One of the key elements of product photography is the lens. The right lens can help to showcase the features and details of a product, as well as create a sense of depth and dimension. Here are some of the best lenses for product photography:
Macro lens: A macro lens is a specialized lens that allows you to capture close-up details with incredible clarity. It is a great option for product photography, as it allows you to highlight the finer points and features of the product.
Prime lens: A prime lens is a fixed focal length lens, as opposed to a zoom lens. Prime lenses generally have a wider aperture, which makes them great for low-light situations and capturing beautiful bokeh (the aesthetic quality of the blur in the out-of-focus areas of an image). A lens with a focal length of around 50mm is a popular choice for product photography, as it allows for a natural-looking perspective.
Telephoto lens: A telephoto lens is a longer focal length lens, typically over 70mm. It allows you to compress the distance between the subject and background, creating a sense of depth and separation. This can be useful for showcasing specific features of the product, such as intricate details or textures.
Zoom lens: A zoom lens is a lens that allows you to change the focal length, allowing you to easily switch between wide and telephoto perspectives. This can be useful in product photography, as you may need to photograph a range of different products at different distances.
In addition to choosing the right lens, lighting is also crucial in product photography. It is important to showcase the product in the best possible light, which may require the use of artificial lighting or adjusting the white balance. Experiment with different lighting setups and techniques to find the look that works best for you.
Product photography is all about showcasing the features and details of a product in the most appealing way. With the right lens and lighting, you can create stunning and informative images that help sell the product.
Food Photography
Food photography is a type of photography that focuses on capturing images of food for use in advertisements, menus, cookbooks, packaging, and other marketing materials. It is an art form that requires a combination of technical skill, artistic vision, and an understanding of food styling. In this blog, we will discuss the best lenses for food photography, as well as some tips and tricks for getting the perfect shot.
There are a few key factors to consider when choosing a lens for food photography. The first is the focal length of the lens. A wide-angle lens, with a focal length of 35mm or lower, is great for capturing images of food that show the entire scene, such as a table setting or a buffet. A medium-range lens, with a focal length of 50mm to 85mm, is ideal for close-up shots of individual dishes. A telephoto lens, with a focal length of 135mm or higher, is useful for shooting food from a distance, such as in a restaurant setting.
Another factor to consider is the aperture of the lens. A lens with a wide aperture, such as f/2.8 or lower, is great for shooting in low light conditions or for creating a shallow depth of field, which can help to draw the viewer's attention to the food. A lens with a narrow aperture, such as f/11 or higher, is better for shooting landscapes or for capturing images with a large depth of field, where everything in the scene is in focus.
With these factors in mind, here are some of the best lenses for food photography:
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM: This lens is a great budget option for food photography. It has a 50mm focal length, which is ideal for close-up shots, and a wide aperture of f/1.8, which allows for shooting in low-light conditions.
Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR: This lens is a great choice for shooting close-up shots of food. It has a focal length of 85mm, which is perfect for capturing detailed images of individual dishes, and a wide aperture of f/3.5, which allows for a shallow depth of field.
Sony FE 50mm f/1.8: This lens is a great option for Sony camera users. It has a 50mm focal length and a wide aperture of f/1.8, making it perfect for close-up shots and shooting in low-light conditions.
Fuji XF 56mm f/1.2 R: This lens is a great choice for Fuji camera users. It has a focal length of 56mm and a wide aperture of f/1.2, making it perfect for capturing detailed images of individual dishes and shooting in low-light conditions.
In addition to choosing the right lens, there are a few other tips and tricks that can help you get the perfect shot in food photography. One important tip is to use natural light whenever possible. Artificial light can often create harsh shadows and strange colors, so try to shoot near windows or outdoors to take advantage of natural light. Another tip is to pay attention to the composition of your shot. Try to arrange the food in an attractive and visually appealing way, and use the rule of thirds to help guide the placement of the food in the frame. Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with different angles and perspectives. Shooting from above, below, or at a slight angle can often result in more interesting and dynamic images.
In conclusion, the world of photography is a vast and fascinating place, full of endless possibilities and creative opportunities. From the sweeping landscapes of nature to the intimate moments of daily life, there's always something new and exciting to discover and capture. And with so many different styles and techniques to explore, the possibilities are truly limitless. So whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner just starting out, there's something for everyone in the world of photography. And if you're interested in exploring the fashion side of photography, be sure to check out my fashion portfolio on the website for some inspiration and ideas. Happy shooting!