Photographic Genres
Photography, or photo-imaging, is a major industry of the media sector in its own right with a wide
variety of applications, from the production of personal records such as wedding photographs or
family portraits to technical applications such as industrial or medical photography. Many other media
industries, such as the press, television, film and interactive media use (and often rely on) photo
images to support their products. Professional photographers can also operate independently,
working to commissions or producing exhibition work that derives from their own interests.
Digital technology is rapidly changing the way in which images are produced and digital imaging is
becoming increasingly prevalent within the industry.
This part of your course will enable you to experiment with a range of technology and techniques and
will be explore the capabilities of digital image production and how digital cameras and processes can
be controlled and manipulated to produce the desired effect.
Landscape Photography
Landscape photography is intended to show different spaces
within the world, sometimes vast and unending, but other times
microscopic. Photographs typically capture the presence of nature
and are often free of man-made obstructions. Landscape
photographers often attempt to document the space as well as
convey an appreciation of the scenery. (Left Lee Frost)
Many landscape photographs show little or no human activity
featuring subjects such as strongly defined landforms, weather,
and ambient light. As with most forms of art, the definition of a
landscape photograph is broad, and now including urban settings,
industrial areas, and nature photography. Waterfalls, coastlines,
seascapes and mountains are especially popular in classic
landscape photography.
Portrait Photography
Portrait photography can be one of the most challenging forms of
photography. Capturing a photo that appears natural and conveys the
subject's personality is a skill that takes patience and practice. (Brad Pitt
by Dan Winters)
Portrait photography is all about people. Your photos don't have to be
technically brilliant so long as you capture the essence of your subject.
Think about what makes your model so uniquely "them" and try to
capture that in your portrait. A good portrait photograph will tell a story
about the person in it. Uses include school photos, wedding, magazines,
newspapers, fashion and promotional work
The Task
Using your Word document create at least 6 clearly laid out entries (8 if you include Landscape and
Portrait) evaluating the different uses of photography (Genres), examples may include but are not
limited to: advertising; promotional; photojournalism; fashion; music; high street; studio work;
architectural; medical; illustration; fine art portraiture and documentary this is not an exhaustive list
and most genres have a natural overlap for example Wedding Portrait and Fashion one photo can
capture all three.
Make references to photographers both past and present – photographs and photographers that are
“old” do not mean bad!
Illustrate each Genre with at least two great examples along with one example that you think don’t
works as well even though it is in that genre.
Give a meaningful description of their (The photographer) aims, styles and why these are successful.
Copy the link to the image location so your references can be tracked back to their source, as I have
done above by clicking each image it will take you directly to the source.
You will eventually transfer the responses you make to a page on your website, so make this
document as clear as possible to save you having to re-research your answer. Also make sure the
links you use take you back to the images original position and not a Google Images page as it’s likely
to have moved.
Once complete upload the finished word document using the hand in option in the Moodle folder you
downloaded this from.
