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Photography is an infinitely broad field of artwork that is evolving everyday, however there are certain timeless themes within it that are so universal that they not only survive, but continue to thrive in new and exciting ways.
These powerful themes, or genres, within photography can almost be seen as different canvases onto which you can project your own vision and ideas. The most popular exhibitions in photography galleries, in Philadelphia and abroad, usually present us with surprising perspectives and personal outlooks using the medium of artistic photography.
‘Animal photography’, as an extreme example, might immediately bring to mind photos of pets on Instagram, which are great and have their place, but it could just as easily be an exhibition of photography promoting animal welfare, and may include deeply disturbing images of animal cruelty.
In this way, the theme of ‘animal photography’ can mean a lot of different things. So never be put off by your initial preconceptions because often the most powerful and evocative photography takes a very unique look at something that we almost take for granted!
The Perfect Theme for your Photography will depend on where you are!
Depending on where you live certain themes will make more sense to focus on. If you are based in New York City then Nature photography would be a difficult theme to work on, whereas a theme such as Urban Life or High Rise photography would be an easier subject to work from. Rural areas offer scenery and situations that you will not find in the cities, and visa versa. So work with what you have available and let your creativity be the main attraction throughout your work!
5 of the most Popular and Successful Themes in Photography.
Sunset photography is a fantastic theme and one that you can take advantage of no matter where you are! Sunsets are evocative, powerfully beautiful displays of nature’s presence in all of our lives, and whether you are taking photos in the middle of the desert or within a huge city, the deep hues and vivid colors make a superb backdrop for your photography.
When taking sunset photography it’s often a good idea to focus on a subject in the foreground, which will naturally be silhouetted, giving your image excellent contrast and depth of field.
The Natural World.
The natural world is one of the most diverse and remarkable themes that you can focus your photography on. Each region of the world has its own unique flora, fauna and bird life and capturing the essence of the ecosystems and animal life around you is as challenging as it is rewarding.
Experimenting with different filters and post production techniques can add an interesting dimension as well as helping to express your inner vision and relationship with the natural world.
You can take some great shots of rare animals in the zoo but getting out into the real wilderness will give you the opportunity to find the deeper meanings of the natural world. Camping trips, road trips and visits to National Parks is the easiest way to get into this amazing theme for photography.
Architecture.
The theme of architecture is a fascinating theme to explore because it is the buildings around us that create the stage for most of our lives, especially in the urban environment. Architecture itself has undergone huge changes over the last hundred years and this is an interesting story in itself that reflects how we, as a society, have seen ourselves within the context of the city itself.
Rural architecture is also a great subject so don’t feel this is only a theme that is possible in the city! Bridges, damns, farming buildings and small towns also make great pictures and can often have a deeply nostalgic presence to them.
While you are taking architectural photography, try to capture new angles and perspectives. Always try to make the most of strong vertical and horizontal lines in the architecture while picking out interesting details on the façade, particularly if they have a deeper symbolic meaning within the overall image. I absolutely love architecture photography in Philadelphia, particularly in Center City around Rittenhouse Square.
Travel.
Travel photography will literally open up new worlds to you and your camera! It’s extremely exciting to travel and meet new people, see new cultures and try new cuisines, but if you are photographing the journey and the places you experience it adds a whole new level of wonder to the trip!
Travel photography is a varied theme, with some photographers focusing on the day to day life of the places they visit, while others may focus on the differences between cultures, temples, places of worship and other touristic icons. Travel photography is always inspiring for your audience to see, and as you become a known travel photographer you also become an ambassador for far away places!
Another advantage of travel photography is that while you are in other people’s countries, they will want to show you the special and beautiful things about their homeland, giving you rare glimpses into aspects of foreign cultures that you may not have seen if you were just travelling as a tourist.
Urban Life.
This is one of the most exciting themes in photography that has a universal appeal for people all over the planet. Cities are constantly awake with dozens of subcultures moving around amongst each other. There are so many avenues of exploration within the life of a city, or any urban space you may have to narrow down your focus to really create a cohesive collection of photography.
Urban life encapsulates so much of our modern world it will give you the chance to really present something amazing. Within the urban setting, outside of the glittering city center, there are also the run down abandoned buildings, empty lots and shuttered stores in the dying industrial suburbs so don’t feel restrained to the thriving heart of the city!
Within the bustling city center street performers, vendors, store windows, monuments and parks all make up an intricate tapestry of vibrant and often emotive potential photographs!
All themes in Photography are Powerful and have the Capacity to Inspire Great Art!
No matter what theme you decide to focus your camera and your work on, remember that the theme is only the canvas for your creativity to shine forth on! If you’re working towards, or planning a future project, it’s usually a good idea to have a general theme in mind, not only to clarify your aims but also to give your work a general framework.
For photographers setting out to make an income from their photography, it can be a good strategy to stay with a few themes that you are both comfortable with and can also put across your unique vision with. This makes your work easier to associate with you, helps with your sales and marketing and can improve your chances of landing an exhibition with a photography gallery.
Don’t let a theme become a straitjacket!
There’s a lot of value in choosing a theme, or at least having a good idea of what they are, but never let it stop you snapping a picture on an impulse or sometimes, just following your feet and seeing where it takes you and your vision finder!
Which theme do you like?
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