Genres and Topics

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Documentary Photography

Documentary photography is a genre that can provide a solid foundation for photography skills. It’s important you at least master the basics before moving to other genres. Documentary photography can be a way for you to discover your own photography style. Learn to understand documentary photography and how you can use it to communicate.

How To Photograph the Elderly—Shining a Light on Old Age

Old age has always been a rewarding topic for photography. Famous photographers like Yousuf Karsh or Irving Penn don’t try to conceal the stories and experiences a person has etched on their face. On the contrary, they accentuate these lines with subtle lighting to truly reveal a story. How can a photographer approach the topic of old age with sensitivity?

The Art of Japanese Shibari

Shibari (Japanese for “bondage”) or Kinbaku (the name of the activity itself) is originally the Japanese art of bondage. These fascinating bondage techniques combine both sex and art. Consensual bondage is very visually stimulating and can be breathtaking, not only for the viewer. It is based on a close relationship between the binder and the bound—A relationship built on intimacy and complete trust. With such an intimate shoot, what role does the photographer play? 

Photography along the Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago)

What exactly is the Way of St. James or Camino de Santiago? Originally, it was the pilgrimage route to the tomb of St. James, located in the Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela. Today, there is more than one route to Santiago. The most famous is the 770km (478mi) long French Way (Camino Francés), but there are many other official and unofficial routes.  

The Azores—9 Remote Islands in the Atlantic Ocean

Are you looking to photograph something in Europe that’s exotic, but think Iceland and the Canary Islands are overdone? Try exploring the Portuguese waters. In addition to the beautiful and photo-worthy Madeira, there are also the Azores. These islands have a little bit of everything, yet are very distinctive. Thanks to their remoteness, the Azores are still a safe haven from mass tourism. You will need at least one stopover when visiting any of the islands. Today, we’ll be talking about the largest and most easily accessible island, São Miguel. There are nine islands in total and all are unique. However, it is on this island where you’ll find the highest concentration of sights.

Fire Station Photo Story: Hoping Your Subjects Aren’t Called into Action

Doing an extensive photoshoot at the fire station requires more preparation than an ordinary shoot. I normally shoot firefighters in action using a more reportage style right at the scene or during training. This time, I wanted a more planned photoshoot with greater control over the results. At the same time, I wanted to experiment with different types of lighting, because light is fundamental to the theme of fire prevention.

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