Photography Genres I Want to Explore More

I've known that wanted to break in to the photography industry since I was 15 years old. Since then, all I've been told is that I need to specialise in one particular genre. I mean, this makes sense doesn't it? Specialising will make you more employable I get that. I love taking pictures of people and have always wanted to take portraits for a living or, if I'm feeling really ambitious, attempt to break into the fashion industry. But my problem with this "golden rule" is that I feel it limits my options. I love taking pictures of EVERYTHING so why should I feel restricted? I love taking pictures of landscapes just as much as I love taking portraits so what's stopping me? Well...nothing. So I want to discuss the other photography genres that I wish to explore more.

1) Music/Event Photography

At my uni interview nearly 4 years ago, alongside a portrait portfolio I produced in college, I showcased a photo book that I made displaying pictures of various concerts that I had attended. These were taken with either my phone camera or a standard camera that doesn't have a detachable lens. I mean...obviously these photos weren't perfect! But the genre fascinated me so much. A music photographer I particularly admire is Dana Pacifico (http://www.danapacifico.com). Her photos are absolutely stunning and I can only live and hope that I will be given the opportunity to take photographs as good as her one day.

I love attending events and ADORE going to concerts and the first thing that I do after I leave the event is to look at the press pictures that were taken that day. I want to be in the press pit at least ONCE in my life. The photo above was taken at the NFL opening event at London Piccadilly in September 2018. I was so thrilled when the event organisers said that I was allowed to take my DSLR in with me (something you weren't usually allowed to do). I wasn't press so I wasn't in the press pit but let me tell you, it was enough to give me a bug for the genre! I came out itching to photograph more events and that is something I intend to do!

2) Film

This is actually a genre I'm already planning on exploring more. In May, I should be starting a 3 month programme for a creative media hub where I will be trained on how to use film. When I was at university, I was told that I could explore all areas of the media. However, there was a slight catch; the modules that you chose in your freshers year determines what modules you take in the next two years. I didn't choose any modules in film in my first year which means I wasn't able to do any film in my last two years either. I wasn't aware of this and by the time I found out then it was already too late. It was something that I have always regretted as I would really like to be able to use a film camera for motion picture as well as being able to take stills. It still isn't too late to learn though! So hopefully by the summer of this year I will have some experience in film.

3) Product Photography

I've only done one product photoshoot and that was for a designer that created some stunning furniture accessories. I was actually recommended to her by a fashion designer that I had previously worked with. I've been trained in how to take photographs of products but this was the first photoshoot I had full control over. It was a challenge to say the least! I was so used to taking pictures of people and giving them clear direction as to how I want them to stand that it seemed weird taking photos of something that didn't move. The lighting was also an aspect that I found particularly difficult. But I loved the challenge! And it is something that I want to practice more and eventually get better at.

Be sure to check out Ambers designs! Her creations are so beautiful that I wanted her to decorate my entire house! - https://www.instagram.com/amberleigh_design/

4) Travel Photography

I come from a small town where not much goes on. I've wanted to travel and explore the world since I was in school. Unfortunately, I don't come from the richest of families so it's difficult to even leave the town never mind the country. However, I do keep a list of all the places that I want to visit. These places include:

- Paris

- Norway

- Sweden

- New York

- Amsterdam

- Croatia

The only reason I want to visit these places is so I can document my adventures through my photographs.

The national geographic is the perfect place to gain inspiration and motivation when it comes to travel photography (https://www.nationalgeographic.com). I'm obsessed with seeing where professional travel photographers go and the experiences that they capture through their camera. I would do anything to be in there shoes. Maybe one day I will be.

5) Documentary Photography

Finally, the last genre that I wish to explore more is documentary photography. I've only ever done two documentary projects since I became a photographer. The main one that I did was when I was working at a radio station called Swindon105.5. I wanted to document life in this particular work place as it was something I found so interesting! It had such a great atmosphere and I was surrounded by some of the nicest and most interesting people you could ever meet in your lifetime. Being able to capture the hard work that goes in to this small station was something that I was honoured to do as they do so much for the community and it tends to go unnoticed.

I really want to do this more with other companies and businesses. Some ideas that I've had that I would like to turn in to a documentary project are:

- A barbar shop

- A vintage clothing shop

- A tattoo studio

- A bridal shop

- A wedding

- A bar

Well...to name a few! Maybe I should start sending some emails out to some of these companies now...

I have just recently re-posted the Swindon105.5 documentary project on to my Instagram if you wanna have a look - https://www.instagram.com/em_images/

So that's all the photography genres I wish to explore more. I guess the main thing to take away from this post is to try not and feel restricted with your creativity. I would say that I specialise in portrait/fashion photography HOWEVER if opportunities came up in any of these areas will I take it? Hell yeah I would! Why shouldn't I? I'm a photographer, I take pictures of things. Why should I have to choose which genre I like best? Because to be honest, I've never been able to decide. I love taking pictures of EVERYTHING.