Understanding Photography Genres

Photography is a vast and expressive medium, and genre classification helps bring a little clarity to that creative expanse. Genres give us a shared language—a way to describe what we’re drawn to, what we practice, and where our images feel most at home. They help photographers identify their strengths, explore new territory, and understand the traditions they’re stepping into.

At the same time, genres aren’t cages; they’re pathways. Many images belong to more than one category, and many photographers move freely between approaches as their vision evolves. What matters most is recognizing how each genre shapes intention: the way we use light, space, subject, and mood. Whether you’re fascinated by architecture, captivated by nature, or inspired by still life or narrative work, each genre offers its own history, techniques, and creative possibilities.

Below is a growing collection of photography genres, each linked to articles where I explore the craft, share examples, and reflect on what makes that type of work meaningful. My hope is that these categories help you deepen your own understanding of photography—and maybe discover a few new directions along the way.