Quick answer: There are dozens of types of photography, but most fall into a few big families based on what you shoot — people (portrait, wedding, newborn), places and nature (landscape, travel, wildlife, night, astrophotography), objects and products (food, still life, product, pet), and documentary and creative work (street, black and white, double exposure). Most photographers begin with one or two genres they love, then specialize as their skills grow.
Photography is huge. The same camera can capture a newborn’s first yawn, the Milky Way over a desert, a plate of food styled for a menu, or a split-second of a cyclist mid-race — and each of those is its own genre, with its own gear, settings, and skills. If you’re wondering where to start or what to try next, this guide is your map.
Below you’ll find the main types of photography grouped into simple families, with a short description of each and a link to a full how-to guide so you can go deeper on the ones that excite you. There’s no “best” genre — only the one that fits what you love to shoot.
Table of Content
Types of Photography at a Glance
Here’s a quick overview of the most popular genres, what each one is about, and how beginner-friendly it is. Use it to spot a few you’d like to explore, then jump to the full section below.
| Genre | What you shoot | Beginner-friendly? | Gear that helps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | People, personality, expression | Yes | 50mm or 85mm lens, soft light |
| Wedding & event | Ceremonies, parties, big days | Advanced | Two bodies, fast lenses, flash |
| Landscape | Scenery, light, weather | Yes | Wide lens, tripod, filters |
| Travel | Places, culture, moments | Yes | One versatile zoom, light kit |
| Wildlife & macro | Animals, insects, tiny detail | Intermediate | Telephoto or macro lens, patience |
| Night & astro | Cities, stars, low light | Intermediate | Tripod, fast wide lens |
| Food | Meals, ingredients, styling | Yes | Natural light, a few props |
| Still life & product | Objects, goods for sale | Yes | Lightbox, tripod, clean backdrop |
| Pet | Animals with personality | Yes | Fast shutter, treats, patience |
| Documentary & street | Real life, unposed moments | Intermediate | Small, quiet camera, one lens |
| Black & white | Light, shape, and tone | Yes | Any camera; strong light |
| Creative & experimental | Double exposure, motion, effects | Intermediate | DSLR/mirrorless, imagination |
Photographing People
People photography is where most photographers start, because we’re all drawn to faces and emotion. The core skill is making your subject comfortable so their real personality shows — the technical settings come second.
Portrait photography — the art of capturing a person’s likeness, mood, and character, whether in a studio or outdoors. It’s the foundation for almost every people-focused genre. Read the full portrait photography tutorial.
Newborn photography — gentle, patient work photographing babies in their first weeks, with safety and soft posing at its heart. See how to take newborn pictures like a pro.
Senior & elderly photography — flattering, dignified portraits of older adults that celebrate a life well lived. Explore elderly photography ideas.
Posing & direction — knowing how to guide a subject is what separates snapshots from flattering portraits. Learn how models pose in photography.
Winter & snow portraits — a beautiful but tricky variation, because bright snow fools your camera’s meter. See tips and settings for snow portraits.
Weddings & Events
Event photography means capturing moments that can never be repeated. It’s high-pressure and demands reliable gear and quick thinking, but it’s also one of the most rewarding — and profitable — areas of the craft.
Wedding photography — the flagship event genre, blending portraits, candids, and documentary storytelling across a fast-moving day. Read our wedding photography tips.
Party & celebration photography — birthdays and gatherings where the goal is fun, natural moments rather than formal poses. See our birthday party photography tips.
Landscapes, Nature & the Outdoors
Outdoor photography is about light, timing, and patience. The scene is already there — your job is to be in the right place when the light is best. Learning the best time for outdoor photography (usually the golden hours near sunrise and sunset) does more for these shots than any piece of gear.
Landscape photography — wide scenic views where composition and light do the heavy lifting. Sub-styles include sunrise photography, desert photography, and beach photography.
Travel photography — documenting places, people, and culture on the move, usually with a light, versatile kit. Read 23 practical travel photography tips.
Wildlife & macro photography — capturing animals and tiny subjects, from birds to insects, which rewards patience and the right lens. See how to photograph butterflies.
Night photography — shooting after dark, from city lights to light trails, where a tripod becomes essential. Start with our night photography guide, or try photographing Christmas lights.
Astrophotography — photographing the night sky, stars, and beyond; the most technical outdoor genre. Explore the world of space photography.
Objects, Food & Products
When your subject doesn’t move, you gain total control over light and arrangement — which is why these genres are perfect for practicing at home. They’re also the backbone of commercial photography, from menus to online stores.
Food photography — making meals look delicious through styling, natural light, and angle. See 11 food photography tips for beginners.
Still life photography — the classic art of arranging and lighting inanimate objects, and one of the best ways to learn light. Read our complete guide to still life photography.
Product photography — clean, well-lit images of goods for sale, often shot in a lightbox for a pure white background. Learn how to use a lightbox for product photography.
Industrial photography — documenting factories, machinery, and worksites safely and professionally. See our industrial photography tips.
Pet photography — capturing animals’ personalities, which takes fast reflexes, patience, and plenty of treats. Read how to start a pet photography business.
Documentary & Street Photography
These genres are about capturing life as it really is — unposed, honest, and in the moment. They lean less on gear and more on observation, timing, and the courage to press the shutter.
Documentary photography — telling a true story over a series of images, from social issues to everyday life. Learn how to choose a documentary photography topic.
Street photography — candid moments in public places, and a close cousin of documentary work that thrives on a small, quiet camera and quick instincts.
Creative & Specialty Photography
Once you know the fundamentals, these genres let you bend the rules and develop a signature style. Some are artistic techniques, others are niches with a dedicated following.
Black and white photography — stripping away color to focus on light, shape, texture, and emotion. Read 20 essential black and white tips.
Action & motion photography — freezing (or artfully blurring) fast movement in sport, wildlife, and everyday life. See how to take blurred action photos.
Double exposure photography — blending two images into one for a dreamlike, artistic effect. Learn how to shoot double exposures.
Kirlian photography — a fascinating experimental technique that captures the “aura” glow of objects using high voltage. Discover what Kirlian photography is.
Cosplay photography — a vibrant niche photographing costumed characters, blending portrait and storytelling skills. Read our cosplay photography tutorial.
Yoga photography — a specialty blending portrait, fitness, and outdoor work to capture strength and calm. See our yoga photography tips.
Still stuck for ideas? Browse 30 creative photography ideas for beginners to try out different styles and find your favorite.
How to Choose Your Type of Photography
With so many options, the best way to choose is to ignore what’s “popular” and start with what genuinely excites you. A few questions to guide you:
What do you love looking at? If you save photos of mountains, you’re a landscape shooter at heart. If you’re drawn to faces, portraits are your path.
Do you want people or quiet? Some genres (weddings, events, portraits) are social and fast-paced; others (landscape, still life, macro) are solo and meditative.
What can you practice today? You don’t need to travel to start. Food, still life, product, and pet photography can all be practiced at home with the gear you already own.
Are you shooting for love or money? Some genres (wedding, product, real estate) have clear commercial demand, while others are best kept as a creative outlet.
Whichever direction you pick, the fundamentals carry across every genre. Master your camera settings, the rules of composition, and the elements and principles of photography, and you’ll be able to move between types of photography with confidence. New to it all? Start with how to learn photography on your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main types of photography?
The main types of photography are usually grouped by subject: people (portrait, wedding, newborn), places and nature (landscape, travel, wildlife, night, astrophotography), objects and products (food, still life, product, pet), and documentary and creative work (street, black and white, double exposure). There are dozens more niches, but almost every genre fits into one of these families.
What type of photography is best for beginners?
Portrait, landscape, still life, and food photography are the friendliest starting points. They can be practiced with an entry-level camera or even a phone, don’t require expensive specialist gear, and teach the core skills — light, composition, and exposure — that transfer to every other genre.
How many types of photography are there?
There’s no official count, because genres overlap and new niches appear all the time. Most photographers recognize somewhere between 20 and 50 distinct types, from broad categories like portrait and landscape to specialties like astrophotography, cosplay, and Kirlian photography.
Can you do more than one type of photography?
Absolutely. Many photographers shoot several genres, especially early on while they discover what they enjoy. Over time most people specialize in one or two, because deep skill in a single genre — and a focused portfolio — is what attracts clients and builds a reputation.
Which type of photography makes the most money?
Commercial genres tend to pay best: wedding, product and commercial, real estate, and fashion photography all have steady paying demand. That said, income depends far more on your skill, marketing, and business sense than on the genre itself — a great photographer can build a living in almost any type of photography.