Image Types & Where They Fit

This category explores the different kinds of images photographers make — and why they exist.

Not every photograph is trying to do the same job. Some images are about timing, others about structure. Some rely on interaction, others on quiet observation. Problems arise when we judge one type of image using the expectations of another.

Posts in this category break down image types, visual roles, and contextual intent — not as rigid genres, but as working frameworks you can use to understand what you’re shooting, what you’re missing, and what a scene is actually offering.

If you’ve ever felt uncertain about whether an image “works,” chances are the issue isn’t execution — it’s misalignment between image type and expectation.

Start with the pillar article here for the full framework:
Image Types Explained

From there, individual posts dive deeper into specific image types, edge cases, and how they appear in real-world shooting conditions.