Sticking to one genre of photography

[RubyGloom]

I met a photographer this weekend who did every genre of photography and I was wondering how important it to stick to one kind of photography?

 

[WesternGuy]

By every genre, I am going to assume that you mean he does portraits, weddings, nature, wildlife , architectural, etc. My initial question would be - is he for real? I think, sometimes, that photography is a bit like medicine - you have generalists and you have specialists and who make the most money(?). I am not a pro, and I have been doing wildlife, nature and landscape photography as a serious hobby for more years than I care to think about and there is so much more for me to learn - I don't even go anywhere near photography that has anything to do with having people in pictures, unless it is travel snapshots of my wife in front of our safari jeep. He must have access to a lot of equipment(?) to do every type of genre...

If you look at the very good pros who are recognized for what they do, they have one thing in common, they specialize in one specific genre and do it very, very well. Even if you look at the great masters (my opinion) such as Adams (landscapes), Yousuf Karsh (portraits), Breton (candid street photography), you find that they all specialize in very specific aspects of photography, even to the point of folks like Bill Doster who specializes in photographing water sports, wakeboarding, water skiing, etc, and Michael Clark who specializes in action and higher risk sports - mountain biking, mountain climbing...and then you look at those who today specialize in things like landscapes and nature, Alain Briot, Galen Rowell, George Lepp, and as you are from my part of the world, look at the works of Edward Burtynsky (old master), Malak Karsh (Yousuf's brother who was a very good photographer in his own right), Darwin Wiggett, Mike Grandmaison, John Marriott, and Ethan Meleg, to name a few. You can also have a look here for more "specialists" - 50 MASTERS OF PHOTOGRAPHY.

Personally, I fail to see how one photographer can do all genres and be any good at any of them...sort of a "jack of all trades and master of none" kind of thing. In my opinion, it is important to pick one area and get very good at it, particularly if you are going to try and sell your images. Anyway, my 0.02¢ FWIW.

Cheers,

WesternGuy

 

[Tomasko]

You don't need to stick with one genre, but if you want to stand out from the crowd, you should have one primary point of interest, which you will specialize in. Otherwise you will be only average at best...

 

[Foxx]

Shoot what makes you happy. If it catches your eye and you can find a way to photograph the subject that you enjoy and makes you go "wow" who cares what it is.

 

[investmenttechnology]

By photographer in your original post, do you a professional photographer?

 

[Railphotog]

I'm an amateur photographer, and over the years I've done quite a few different types of photography, and I think it helps my overall knowledge and capability in photography. I've done car races (drags & stock cars), weddings, family shoots, birds and other wildlife, zillions of shots of our family growing up, aviation, tons of my other hobby of model railroading, real railroads, etc. I did a lot of photography when I worked (now retired) because I was the guy who knew how to use a camera. Did a lot of aerial photography, awards presentations, you name it. I am more accomplished than most of my photographer friends because of the varied work and experiences I've had. It all adds up one way or another. By "accomplished" I mean my photos have won first and second place awards in national hobby conventions many times over the years, and I've won all places in hobby magazine contests (1st, 2nd. 3rd. Hon. Ment.). And so on, and I believe my many experiences have helped.

 

[RubyGloom]

By photographer in your original post, do you a professional photographer?

Yes a professional.


Thanks I was just curious I have herd conflicting things. I personally want to stick to pin-up, boudoir, fitness as I find thats what I enjoy best.

 

[gsgary]

I used to stick to sport but then went into a studio and had a good time and never shot landscape but got inspired by a friend Cornwall Photographer - Specialising in Photojournalism, Commercial & Editorial Photography | Vince Bevan and now i'm getting into landscapes, so now i'm big into 3 genre's but i'm known for my sport, if you know how to use a camera you should be able to turn your hand to most if you have the equipment

 

[Overread36]

I think if you're a professional you need to have a clear market for your product and that means a clear list of areas that you specifically work within; in which you have experience, equipment and general knowhow of how to perform and create the proper effect. Outside of those areas you network with other local photographers and simply refer the work to them. That isn't to say that you couldn't try your hand at it, but that its simply a service that you are not best suited toward and thus one that you don't commercially hire yourself out to do.

Hobby wise and in your free time - heck shoot whatever you want.

 

[Village Idiot]

Specialize in something. It doesn't have to be as limiting as saying you're just a "pin-up & fitness" photographer. Like an editorial & commercial photographer may shoot a little bit of everything from food to people to satisfy the needs of the clients they're shooting for be it a magazine article or an advertisement campaign.

 

[BuS_RiDeR]

... stick to one kind of photography?

Personally, I experiment with whatever catches my attention...

I gravitate more towards portrait/people photography though... because I seem to be better at that.

My gear is a bit limiting as well. I don't have a proper macro lens or even extension tubes or a macro filter.... and I don't have a "good/fast" telephoto or zoom for sporting events.. But I shoot them anyway. One of these days I will get a "keeper" with the gear I have.

 

[AmazingGrace0385]

I'm an aspiring photographer (I consider myself a little bit past the "ameture" point, LOL). I'm interested in portrait (specifically seniors, newborns, engagements, and maternity) & wedding photography. I'm not big on photographing children, family portraits, or events other than weddings. My stepdad and I also have a vinyl backdrop business, and so I photograph textures and scenes that could be used as a backdrop in a studio. Eventually, once the business gets to the point I can quit my full time job and have the time needed, I'd like to branch into birth photography.

 

[12sndsgood]

think the phrase is usually jack of all trades master at none. or something to that effect. if you want to be really known i think you'd be best to stick with one type and become the best at it. but some people may not need to be the best, they'd rather be happy shooting what they want. im not a pro and probalby will never be one. just a hobby for me. but i'll shoot anything. diffrent types require diffrent skills and for me its all a learning experience.

 

[c.cloudwalker]

Since we are talking about pro work, I doubt this person does all genres of photography. For one thing, I can probably name 10 genres he's never heard of right off the top of my head. Next, some types of photography are highly specialized because of the knowledge or gear required. Third, I don't think the clients would take you that seriously if you actually did too many different things and, because of my second point, I think they would be right.

Now, that does NOT mean that you cannot do several different things. I do. But everything I do is related somewhat.

I agree with gsgary that photography is photography and as a photog you should be able to put out a more than decent photo of just about anything. Businesswise it is not good to spread yourself too much. However it is not much better to be so highly specialized that you don't know how to shoot anything else.