APPLICATIONS OF

PHOTOGRAPHY

Advertised Photography
This is when the images are used to promote some form or product or service. The most common
methods of doing this will range from taking a simple image of the product itself; which will commonly
have been prettied up in some way shape or form, to an image of someone using whatever is being
advertised. The photographers will use the position, lighting, location and many other techniques to
make the product as appealing possible to whoever may be buying it.
It began around 1850s but due to the limited technology the main technique of getting the images
out would be to hand physical copies to customers. During the 1920s the photographs were black
and white until the 1950s where colour became more available and prominent. By 1985, digital
photography changed everything, with the ability to easily and smoothly alter images to create more
varied methods of advertising. As consequence, through the invention of the green screen, it became
easier to isolate the products and make more complex images and locations.

Advertised Photography - Examples

The ad above uses many subtle

messages to make you want
the product, from the droplets
around the lens (showing how
hydrating it is) to the large glass
(showing that there is a lot of
liquid in the cans).

The delivery company here shows

how their service is fast and to a
high standard by using three things:
the intact vase, the way it is being
passed through, as well as it being a
small box.

This ad uses humour as its

main drive to make it
memorable by referencing the
board game Cluedo. It also
uses colour to focus your
attention on the product itself.

Promotional Photography
Though it may seem similar to advertisement photography, promotional photography is slightly
different. Advertisement's main purpose is to make something more appealing and sell it whilst
promotional is used to try and control the image or brand of something or someone. This can be
done by having the subject in a certain environment or doing something in particular.

Promotional Photography - Examples

By having each person in a different pose
and location in the room shows that each
one is different in their personality,
though the clothes they are wearing show
they are all a group together.

The mix of casual attire, having them pull

silly faces and most of them looking at
the camera, creates the image of them
being a friendly group, most likely a band.
Also, the dark colours and setting denote
the kind of band they are.

Fashion Photography
This is when photographs are taken of clothes and accessories, and are predominantly used to either
sell the product in question or to sell magazines. There are many ways in which you can approach a
fashion image, depending on the effect you want to create for the subject. You can make it stylised
through the use of artificial scenery or by taking images naturally and of normal situations.
Famous photographers that worked in fashion include David Bailey (who focused on black and white
portraitures), Rankin (images would contain abstract imagery and makeup), Helmut Newton (who had
mostly women in his photos and were black and white) and Guy Bourdin (who used very bright and
ranging colours in his imagery).

Fashion Photography - Examples

David Bailey

Rankin

Helmut Newton

Guy Bourdin

Photojournalism
As the name suggests, these are photos taken for journalism purposes. These can be for newspapers,
magazines, on television, online etc. They will most often be about celebrity gossip, sport or world
events. These photos will most of the time be unscripted and from the event themselves, and are used
to give any viewers a visual representation for whatever story they are reading or watching at the time.
However, unfortunately, due to the invention of photo editing software, such as Photoshop, a lot of
images produced by news outlets are seen to be less believable.
Photojournalism became a lot easier and less cumber some around the year 1927, when the Lucia I
went on sale. This was a handheld camera that had quality film and high detail lenses. This meant
that journalists could take photos of events and stories more effortlessly.

Photojournalism - Examples
The image on the right was taken during the
Vietnam War just after an area of land had
been napalmed. The image does the job of
capturing the emotions that one would
experience during such an event.

Both images perfectly capture the events being

reported on by keeping the picture unedited.

Portraiture Photography
This application focuses heavily on pictures of people. Much like with promotional photography,
portraiture aims to tell the viewer something about the subject. Many different photographers have
their interpretations on how to take portraiture images, with some preferring studios and artificial
environments and some with outdoor and on location. They can also be casual as well as formal.

Portraiture Photography - Examples

Taken by:

David Bailey

Eve Arnold

Angus McBean

Documentary Photography
Though a lot of the themes seem to be similar to photojournalism, documentary photography more
frequently has care and effort taken over it to make sure the message intended is purveyed. The
images they take will often try to reveal fact about the places and people theyre reporting on,
however, it isnt always sympathetic to the matter.

Documentary Photography - Examples

Below are all images taken by James Ravilious, who spent 17 years photographing a community in North Devon.

High Street Photography

These are photographers that hire their services for anyone. Most of the common work they produce
will be for weddings, engagements and other family events, but they do sometimes get hired by small
businesses to take commercial images for them. This became a lot easy when the company Kodak
introduced the Eastman, which was a simple camera that could be commercially bought for 1 and
then the company would print them for you at one of their shops (for a price).

High Street Photography - Examples

Studio Photography
This is simply when the images are taken in a studio environment, with all aspects of the final product
being controlled. Different lighting can create different feelings, different backgrounds can convey
different messages to the viewer and some photographers may even use props and abstract makeup
or special effects for other various impressions. The resulting image will be of very high quality.

Studio Photography - Examples

Architectural Photography
Put plainly, these are images of the inside/outside of buildings and structures. These will commonly
be seen in magazines as well as for construction companies and architects. The pictures themselves
will be well lit and comprised in formal way.

Architectural Photography - Examples

Medical Photography
Medical photographers will take incredibly accurate and intricate images of particular parts of the
body such as skin, blemishes and other such things. Lots of specialist equipment will be used to
eliminate shadows and will make sure the colouration is to a high standard. This is done because the
images will most likely used to show up and coming medical students case studies on what to look for
to show evidence of various illnesses or conditions.

Medical Photography - Examples

Note the amount of
lighting equipment used
to make sur as much
detail is shown on the
subject

Illustration Photography
These are simply images used in conjunction with instructions to give a clear idea to the viewer of
whatever the are doing. These photos will be simple but detailed to make sure the reader understands
fully.

Illustration Photography - Example

Fine Art Photography

This is a very independent and personal form of photography, with the images being motivated by the
photographers own ideas and concepts. The images produced can bring about large amounts of
money due to their niche styles and professional quality. In some cases, photographers use these
ideas and concepts in their hired work too.

Fine Art Photography - Examples