This is a question that crops up frequently in photography circles. But what exactly makes a photo inspirational? Some people might be quick to point out that there’s no such thing as the perfect photo.
However, this doesn’t take into account the many different interpretations of that statement. Even if it’s not the most original answer, there are certain types of photos (and photographers) that always manage to strike a chord with others.
Whether it’s their sincerity or ability to capture elusive moments in time, these are the photographs we feel have the greatest inspirational value—no matter how cliché they may be.
Wedding Photography
If wedding photography is the most inspirational type of photography, it makes sense that it might also be the most cliché. Many couples, both newlyweds and those who’ve been married for a while finding inspiration in the same photographs over and over again yet we still find them inspiring.
It doesn’t matter if these photographs are of an elegant garden ceremony, a splashy beach wedding, or an intimate backyard affair—they all hold a special place in our hearts. When newlyweds are full of excitement and anticipation, they can often take some amazing photos.
However, this same excitement can often lead to some cliched wedding photographs. By choosing to shoot photos that speak more to other couples than to your own relationship, you can avoid such pitfalls.
Street Photography
Street photography is one of those genres of photography that tends to capture a certain “moment” in time and inspire others with the way in which it was captured. It often sees photographers walking around cities or towns either on foot or via a car and taking pictures of wherever their eyes land.
Some of these photos can be extremely unashamed of being “just a photo,” yet this just adds to the magic of them being what they are. To put it simply, street photography is about capturing moments in time.
If you’re taking photos of things that don’t necessarily mean anything, you’re missing out on the bigger picture. It’s not always about taking the most “inspiring” photo, but more often than not, it is about capturing a moment in time.
Sports Photography
Photographing sporting events and sporting events that aren’t professional sports can be difficult—especially when it comes to sports photography with a meaningful, inspiring, or emotional message. However, this doesn’t mean that there are no such photographs out there.
It can be easy to take the easy route when it comes to sports photography, but you should never stop trying to take photos with a little more meaning. Whether you’re taking photos of amateur or professional sporting events, the most inspirational sports photos take their cues from the athletes themselves.
Instead of focusing on the “spectacle” of the event or the venue, the most inspiring sports photos try to capture some of the emotion of the athletes or the audience themselves. This can be done by framing the shot in a way that emphasizes the subject or their surroundings.
wildlife photography
Wildlife photography especially that which captures the elusive moment of a wild animal giving birth or being caught in the act is often seen as the most inspirational type of photography. However, while this is an important aspect of many photographers’ work, it’s not the only thing that makes up such a powerful genre.
While it’s true that there are very few photos that capture the elusive moment of a wild animal having a baby or being caught in the act, many photographers make the effort to reshape the world around them in a meaningful way. This can be done through both the framing of the shot and the unique perspective of the photographer.
Portrait Photography
Just as many photographers try to capture an emotion in the sports photography they capture, so too can they try to capture an emotion in a portrait. And while there are many different ways to frame a portrait, the most inspirational images often focus on the subject itself.
While it can often be tempting to take more creative shots with a little more editing, the most inspirational portraits often focus on the subject itself.
HDR Photography
HDR photography is best categorized as the most significant type of photography yet. It’s a type of photography that takes advantage of the latest in camera technology to create an image that is more than one photo.
HDR photography can be used for many different things from capturing specific moments in time to creating a more realistic or vibrant image. Rather than taking one photo and then editing it to make it look better.
HDR photography is a type of photography that takes multiple photos of the same subject and then combines them together to create one image. This kind of photography is best known for its ability to capture subtle changes and make them more vibrant or “realistic.”
Conclusion
Photography can be a challenging and even frustrating medium to work in—whether it’s for hobbyists or professionals. While certain types of photography like street photography and wildlife photography can be inspiring, more often than not, they’re also extremely difficult to capture successfully. However, these are the types of photographs that are also the most inspirational.
