Whether you’re a digital photography hobbyist, specialist or professional, taking better photos of any subject matter requires two actions on your part. First, try to make digital photography a regular part of every day. Generally, the more pictures you take, the better you will become. Second, learn the techniques of the photography process and how to photograph specific types of subject matter. Your goal is to achieve a balance of formal knowledge and practical experience, which is the combination that leads to success as an amateur or a pro.

This PhotographyTalk article presents a palette of 10 digital photography subjects that will result in you becoming a well-rounded hobbyist or a professional with the broad knowledge to serve a larger client base.

1. Baby and Children’s Photography…Every parent and grandparent want photographs of their children and grandchildren. Hobbyists that take the time to learn baby and children’s photography techniques will capture lasting memories in images that go well beyond snapshots, and reflect some of the elements of professional work. Young professional photographers, aspiring to specialize in this market, tend to be more successful when they learn from accomplished photographers in this field. Recommended Reading: The Art of Children's Portrait Photography |  Children's Portrait Photography Handbook

2. Pet Photography…For many hobbyist photographers, their pets is a close second to their children, as digital photography subjects. Creating a true pet portrait is much more than simply pointing the camera at Fido or Fluffy. With a bit of formal knowledge, the hobbyist will be able to capture their pets’ personality and make the process easier and less of a hassle. Pet photography can also be a lucrative market for the professional, but only with an understanding of unique environmental, lighting and spatial techniques. Recommended Reading: Beautiful Beasties: A Creative Guide to Modern Pet Photography | Pet Photography 101: Tips for taking better photos of your dog or cat

3. People Photography…When you make digital photography a daily activity, you’re likely to find that many of your compositions are of people. After all, they’re everywhere! Their shapes, sizes, facial features, textures, clothing and cultural identity are some of the most interesting photographic elements. Once again, however, you must have a trained eye to observe people and their behavior, and then put yourself in the best position with the proper techniques to capture memorable images.  Recommended Reading:  People Pictures: 30 Exercises for Creating Authentic Photographs | Beyond Portraiture: Creative People Photography

4. Street Photography…Many of the people that make for excellent digital photography subjects are found on the streets. Whether it’s the quiet streets of a neighborhood or the bustling avenues of a metropolis, each offer an amazing environment for the hobbyist or professional photographer. It’s the interaction of people with each other, the place and the activities occurring there that lead to the most creative and interesting images.  Recommended Reading:  Extraordinary Everyday Photography: Awaken Your Vision to Create Stunning Images Wherever You Are | Street Photography Now

5. Weekend Travel Photography…One of the best opportunities for hobbyists to improve their photography is to plan a weekend getaway that is both a respite from the workweek and a new photography experience. Learning a few shooting techniques will lead to images of architecture, landmarks, nightlife and the effects of weather that your family and friends will want to see again and again.  Recommended Reading: Lonely Planet's Guide to Travel Photography | Travel Photography: Tread Your Own Path

6. Exotic Travel Photography…When you travel to faraway places filled with new visions of color, culture and people, being armed with the right techniques will help you bring home amazing images. Recommended Reading: Travels to the Edge: A Photo Odyssey | Top Travel Photo Tips: From Ten Pro Photographers

7. Big Game Photography…You may never travel to the Artic, the Serengeti Plains of Africa or the jungles of the Amazon to photograph the wild creatures there; but your friends will think you have when you learn how to photograph them in a zoo or game park, so they appear to be in their natural environment. Recommended Reading:  Improve Your Wildlife Photography | Wildlife Photography

8. Flower Photography…Finding flowers to photograph is generally not difficult. The challenge is to capture their beauty and color in new ways. To overcome this challenge, you must learn specific techniques, relating to light, angle, lens choice and depth of field.  Recommended Reading:  Photographing Flowers: Exploring Macro Worlds | Flower Photography Artistry 

   NIKON Prime Lenses	CANON Prime Lenses	SIGMA Prime Lenses
   Nikon 24mm f/1.4	Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II	Sigma 24mm f/1.8 EX DG
   Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G	Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM	Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM
   Nikon 35mm f/1.4G	Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L	Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM
   Nikon 85mm f/1.4G	Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II	Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM
   Nikon 300mm f/2.8G AF-S ED	Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS	Sigma 300mm f/2.8 EX DG IF

9. Landscape Photography…Few photographic subjects capture the attention of the general public more than landscape images. With the right guidance, you can transform your boring landscapes into spectacular photos that will truly mesmerize your family and friends.  Recommended Reading:  The Digital SLR Expert Landscapes | Creative Landscapes: Digital Photography Tips and Techniques

10. Nature/Wildlife Photography…Animals, flowers and landscapes are all part of the natural world, but the secret to successful photographs is learning how to approach and work within the natural world. Metering, fill-flash, camera panning and other techniques are the tools you need to show how any wild species is integrated with its natural habitat.  Recommended Reading:  The Complete Guide to Nature Photography: Professional Techniques for Capturing Digital Images of Nature and Wildlife | Nature Photography Photo Workshop

Recommended Reading: 

• Master Lighting Guide for Portrait Photographers
• Best Business Practices for Photographers
• 500 Poses for Photographing Women
• 500 Poses for Photographing Men
• Light It, Shoot It, Retouch It: Learn Step by Step How to Go from Empty Studio to Finished Image
• Secrets of Great Portrait Photography: Photographs of the Famous and Infamous
• Shooting in Sh*tty Light: The Top Ten Worst Photography Lighting Situations and How to Conquer Them

Photo copyright PhotographyTalk member Astrid

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