Genres of Photography Task

Fashion

Example 1

This image showcases an item of clothing on a rack. The photographer places the item in
the foreground, and uses a longer focal length and narrow depth of field to keep it in focus.
The use of LED lighting and a cooler white balance highlights the blue and black tones
present in the items of clothing.

Composition is also key in the image. The 1:1 ratio means that there is no free space on
either side of the rack, which keeps the clothes highlighted. The shirt and hanger are
opposite the ones behind it, creating visual contrast, and also allowing the logo to be
clearly visible.

Overall, the photographer has achieved the aim of showcasing the item of clothing, while
inviting the viewer to buy it by placing it in a store environment.

Source: IG @shellsoul.tech https://i.redd.it/phpkxw7npwq81.jpg

Example 2

For this image, the photographer uses a style-board format, laying out the items of clothing
as a suggestion for how to style them. This format allows the viewer to use their
imagination because it does not limit the clothing to a model. The photographer also uses
a coffee cup to associate outfit in with a particular lifestyle
A cool grey background is used here, which contrasts the earthy tones of the clothing, and
causes them to be more visually interesting. A heavy film grain is present on the image,
giving the image a vintage feel; this reflects the classic nature of the clothing.
Overall, the image succeeds in showcasing an interesting outfit and inviting the audience
to imagine wearing the items present.

Source: IG @awalker4715 https://www.instagram.com/p/BMwwPqdDB6w/

Example 3 (flawed)

This image shows an excellent outfit, but the use of background and composition
diminishes the effect. The aim of the photographer may have been to have the image
appear more candid, but with poor choice of background.
Positioning the model next to a bright red bin causes the viewer’s eye to be drawn away
from the outfit and towards the trash next to it. Seeing as people unconsciously read left to
right, it creates an association between the outfit and literal rubbish. Similarly, the
background is a boarded up, derelict building.
Placing clothing in an undesirable location undermines the goal of selling it to viewers. The
flaws in this image highlight the importance of location in photography.

Source: https://clutch-cafe.com/blogs/news/aleks-cvetkovic-s-style-guide-3a-autumn-
layers
Music
Example 1

This image of the artist, taken in concert, is excellent in showing the dirty and gritty nature
of a live performance. Rule of thirds is used here, with the artist positioned centre and the
top third dedicated to a dark background. This creates the feeling that the artist is being
pressed by the dark space above him, reflecting the darkness of the music.
The choice to leave the film frame on the image furthers this interpretation of the artist
being surrounded by darkness. It also gives the image a retro feel, dating it to the 90s
when the concert took place.
A shallow depth of field keeps the artist and the microphone as the central focal point. This
further isolates him from the crowds around him. Overall, the photographer achieves the
goal of making the artist seem alone and surrounded at the same time.

Source: Joseph Cultice

https://www.revolvermag.com/sites/default/files/styles/original_image__844px_x_473px_/
public/media/images/section-gallery/4-j.cultice-nin-woodstock-1994v1_etv1.jpg?
itok=xxb_FYkv&timestamp=1544201591
Example 2

This album cover, for playboi carti’s “Die lit” is a dynamic still of a stage dive. The use of
black and white is reminiscent punk music from the 80s, which the music takes inspiration
from. Flash photography has allowed a high shutter speed, freezing the artist in place.
Flash fall off causes Carti to be framed in darkness, creating contrast and reflecting the
dark, heavy nature of the music.
“Punk” is also reflected in the clothing and hairstyles of the crowd. However, Carti is above
them, wearing Air Jordan sneakers and skinny jeans, more reminiscent of modern hip hop
culture. The image is therefore implying that Carti is taking punk to new heights, by
combining it with elements of hip hop/trap.
Overall, the cover succeeds in showing the genre and attitude of the artist, and stands out
among over album covers.

Source:Nick Walker
https://images.complex.com/complex/images/c_fill,dpr_auto,f_auto,q_auto,w_1400/
fl_lossy,pg_1/cjswt6lszt0lnyfyz3bd/die-lit-playboi-carti-hi-res-cover?fimg-ssr
Example 3 (flawed)

This image, used as an album cover, has many flaws which cause it to be unsuccessful.
The artists are positioned separate from one another, with their hands either clasped or
hanging. Nothing about this positioning indicates that the four subjects are close or create
music together.

The background of the image is a blue void. This, coupled with the cropping of the artist’s
shoes, causes the image to have a perceived lack of depth. This effect is made worse by
the harsh front lighting of the artists.

No props or style choices are made to emphasise the genre of music the cover is for. A
viewer seeing the record in a store would be given no indication of what kind of music
“Weezer” is. Coupled with a seeming lack of enthusiasm in the artists pictured, the
impression is that weezer’s music isn’t important or worth listening to.

Source: Peter Gowland

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/70/Weezer_-_Blue_Album.png
Journalism
Example 1

This image of a cementery in India, taken during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic,
highlights the dark and depressing nature of the death toll.
The image is composed to feature housing on the left side and cremated corpses on the
right. This highlights the thin line between life and death that many people lived on during
the pandemic.
The top down perspective makes the viewer feel separated and powerless to intervene,
reflecting how authorities were powerless to stop the spread of the virus.
Overall, the photographer creates an emotional impact which highlights the tragic nature of
the pandemic by presenting the human toll.

Source: Danish Siddiqui https://www.pulitzer.org/winners/adnan-abidi-sanna-irshad-

mattoo-amit-dave-and-late-danish-siddiqui-reuters
Example 2

This image shows a candlelit vigil for a victim of gang violence. The photographer has
attempted to capture the impact the tragedy has on the community.
A low angle and wide focal length make the crowd stretch into the distance. This shows
the large number of people affected by the issue. It also gives the buildings in the
background an imposing nature. In the same way the buildings are cold, passive
observers, the authorities are passive in dealing with gang violence.
Overall, the image casts a light on a social issue which affects a large community, while
reminding us of how powerless they are to stop it.

Source: Barbara Davidson

https://www.pulitzer.org/cms/sites/default/files/styles/image_slider/public/
davidson05web.jpg
Example 3 (flawed)

This image, created to reflect Elon Musk’s purchase of Twitter, is flawed in its presentation.
I believe it is an example of a hasty effort to create a relevant image instead of a genuine
attempt at art.
The use of a stock image of a computer keyboard is unimaginative, as it doesn’t relate to
the issue any more than any other technology. I feel a background image related to twitter
and it’s purchase would better illustrate the issue.
Placing the subject alongside the twitter logo reflects that they are “paired”. This is
effective, however could be improved by showing twitters actual interface, or tying it to
Musk’s own Twitter account; this would naturally connect the two.
The editing on the image can also be criticised here. There is visible artifacting on the
subjects shoulders from an attempt to colour correct them with the background – more
indication of a “rush job”
Overall, I think this image highlights an issue with many photos on news articles; they are
so literal in their interpretation that there is no room for creativity or expression.

Source: https://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/news-photo/tesla-ceo-elon-musk-looks-up-
as-he-addresses-guests-at-the-news-photo/1242798333
Food
Example 1

This image shows cocoa being sifted on a cake. The photographer has used a wide
aspect ratio and portrait orientation to capture the full scene, including the sieve and plate.
The implication is that this is the serving suggestion for the food, and shows a process the
viewer might expect if they ordered it.
A black background is used with a vignette on the left and right sides of the image. The
darker tones compliment the darkness of the dessert, but the brightness in the centre still
draws the eye. This implies a richer and more complex flavour than a saturated colour
palette would.
A high shutter speed and flash freezes the cocoa, so the viewer can clearly see each
individual grain. This detail reflects the attention to detail a chef might have preparing the
dish.

Source: https://laurenshortphotography.com/#&gid=1&pid=39
Example 2

This photo of a breakfast arrangement uses a colourful palette and natural lighting on the
food. The use of softer white lighting makes the food appear more natural and reflects a
realistic plating and eating scenario.
A shallow depth of field keeps the focus on the croissant, with the complex texture of the
food appearing sharp and defined. Use of cooler blues and whites on the tablecloth and
plates contrasts with the warm brown tones of the croissant as well as the bright red
berries, increasing their appeal.
Overall, this is an excellent example of a photographer using natural lighting and
arrangements to create a pleasant display of the food.

Source:
https://cdn-bjpdk.nitrocdn.com/dyjDRTumiVVFLKEpXMADzKdEUUbypNrL/assets/static/
optimized/rev-182bc01/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Home-cooking-2148.jpg
Example 3 (flawed)

This food photography fails to create appeal for the foods shown here. High saturation
creates unrealistic tones that do not reflect reality.
The plating and composition of the food is good, but also shows an unrealistic scenario;
people would not eat off of an unvarnished block of wood, and would not allow ketchup
and grease to stain it.
Beige and white tones dominate the frame here. Including either complimentary or contrast
colours in the background (such as blue) may resolve this issue or make it less obvious.
Overall, the flaws in the image highlight the fact that food photography needs to be
grounded in reality, especially if it aims to promote foods that people might buy
themselves.

Source: https://www.kai-stiepel.com/food/fast-food-en/
Nature
Example 1

This image shows a deer with mountains in the background. The photographer has left
free space on the left and right of the deer to show its free nature and natural habitat.
Use of a telephoto lens and wide aperture means the focus is entirely on the deer.
Generally, the exact point of focus should be an animal’s eyes, which has been achieved
here. It is important that the photographer waited for the deer to face the camera directly,
as it makes for a more striking composition. The fact that the subject and viewer are
exchanging a look furthers the connection they have to the image.
Including elements of a subject’s habitat is also important in nature photography. A
photographer should aim for the image to feel as natural as it is.

Source: https://jamesroddie.files.wordpress.com/2020/12/1.jpg
Example 2

Images like these show that nature photography can be skilful and comedic at the same
time. The use of a wide angle lens causes the cow’s face to appear comically huge and
distorted.
The photographer has also used HDR to expose the cow, grass, and sky at the same time.
HDR works to expose the image closer to how the human eye may see it. The rule of
thirds also applies here, with the grass occupying the bottom third of the image. This is
understandable as the photo creates the impression that the viewer is among the grass.
I feel that the photographer has successfully created an interesting composition which
breaks from the usual trends of using telephoto lenses and landscape orientation to
capture nature. Photographers should try to experiment in order to have their photos stand
out, especially in a market as saturated as nature photography.

Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/22763810@N06/4053140436/
Example 3 (flawed)

Shots like this highlight the need for precise focus. At first glance, the toad appears to be in
focus, but the actual focal point is slightly forward. This, coupled with the shallow depth of
field, means part of it’s body is out of focus.
Composition is also an issue here. The frog is center of frame, but using the rule of thirds
and the movement of the toad tells us that a better composition would place it on the right
and give it more head space. Even though there is room around the toad, the image still
feels claustrophobic.
Colour balancing could also enhance this image significantly. The image has many greens,
but they feel muted. Increasing the vibrancy and saturation would make the subject and its
surroundings “pop” more.

Source: https://hoothollow.com/Image%20Super%20Folder/Images%20-%20Story
%20Behind%20the%20Photograph/American%20Toad_0868_1.jpg
Sports
Example 1

This photo of a high jump athlete shows what can be achieved with perfect timing and
effective use of camera equipment when capturing sports photos. During a sports event, a
photographer is limited by the distance to the subject and the fast movement relative to the
camera. This is overcome by using an extreme focal length such as 400mm, but makes it
even more difficult to have the subject in frame.
The photographer has therefore succeeded significantly by having the entire subject in
frame and centered. The composition is striking because the action is captured in full.
Use of a low aperture means the background is thrown out of focus. The entire attention is
on the action in the scene as it is the only part clearly visible. A low aperture also has
allowed a high shutter speed, meaning the action is frozen in place. This is preferable in
sports photography as it shows more detail and keeps the action sharp.
Overall, the photographer is successful because they have used their camera this photo
as clearly and as well composed as it could be. Capturing action that takes place in a tiny
window of time is an achievement in sports photography.

Source:Tom Jenkins https://i1.adis.ws/i/canon/canon-pro-tom-jenkins-sports-tips-1-1140?

w=1140&qlt=70&fmt=jpg&fmt.options=interlaced&bg=rgb(255,255,255)
Example 2

This photo is a great example of positioning relative to the subject. The photographer has
achieved a better composition by placing themselves directly in the path of the oncoming
bike. This increases the intensity of the image by making it feel “head-on”. The effect may
have been diminished if the photo was from any other angle.
Using a slightly higher aperture, the photographer has kept the focus of the area directly in
front of the rider, while the background is out of focus. This gives a sense of direction to
the subject despite being frozen in place by a higher shutter speed.
The editing of the photo also uses a high contrast, and the reds have been adjusted to
give more “pop” to the image’s colour pallete. The result is a vibrant image that highlights
the beauty and colour of the setting.

Source:
https://img.redbull.com/images/q_auto,f_auto/redbullcom/2016/04/01/1331786051346_2/
filip-polc-at-red-bull-valparaiso-cerro-abajo. /
https://www.instagram.com/claudiolguinphoto/?hl=en
Example 3 (flawed)

This photo covers an interesting subject, but suffers from issues with composition.
Because of the use of flash, there is harsh front lighting on the riders, and flash fall off.
Combined with the distracting yellow light in the top right, there are problems that would be
diminished by better composition/photographer placement.
Another issue with this image is colour balancing. The yellow backlight and white front
lighting creates a contrast which demands two different balances. The easy way to resolve
this issue would be to edit the photo with a warmer white balance, and tone down the
yellows in the image manually.

Source: Bieniecki Piotr - http://www.fototeo.pl