Areas of Photography: English Vocabulary List

the use of photography for practical purposes such as advertising, journalism, scientific research, and other fields where photography is used as a tool to convey information or communicate a message

"Applied photography serves practical purposes."

"Applied photography uses images for practical purposes like medical documentation architectural recording and scientific research."

the practice of capturing photographs from an elevated position, typically from an aircraft, drone, or satellite, to provide a unique and comprehensive perspective of the landscape, environment, or structures below

"Aerial photography shoots from above."

"Aerial photography captures images from aircraft or drones and is essential for mapping large land areas."

a specialized form of photography that involves capturing images of celestial objects, such as stars, planets, and galaxies

"Astrophotography captures stars."

"Through astrophotography, he managed to capture a stunning image of the Andromeda galaxy with remarkable clarity."

a method for seeing where radioactive materials are located in a sample by using special film or detectors to capture the radiation they emit

"Autoradiography shows radioactive areas."

"The scientist used autoradiography to pinpoint the exact location of radioactive isotopes within the biological tissue sample."

a photographic technique that involves a series of rapidly taken images of a moving subject to analyze and study motion and behavior

"Chronophotography records motion phases."

"Chronophotography was an early technique that captured multiple phases of movement on a single photographic plate."

a type of photography that focuses on the natural environment and landscapes, often capturing geological features, landforms, and natural phenomena

"Geophotography documents geological features."

"Geophotography documents geological features and landforms to help scientists study Earth's structure and processes."

a medical treatment that uses light, typically ultraviolet (UV) light, to treat a variety of conditions, such as skin disorders, depression, and sleep disorders

"Phototherapy uses light for healing."

"Phototherapy uses specific wavelengths of light to treat skin conditions like psoriasis and neonatal jaundice effectively."

a style of photography that emphasizes the realistic and objective representation of the subject, without the use of manipulation or alteration, to convey a truthful and direct depiction of the world

"Straight photography avoids manipulation."

"Straight photography emphasizes sharp focus and accurate detail without manipulation or artistic effects."

the practice of obtaining information about the Earth's surface or other objects from a distance, typically using satellite, aircraft, or drone-based imaging systems

"Remote sensing collects data from distance."

"Remote sensing collects data about Earth's surface using satellites or aircraft without physical contact with the area."

a specialized technique that involves illuminating a sample with oblique or tangential light, causing the specimen to appear bright against a dark background

"Dark-field microscopy shows bright specimen."

"Using dark-field microscopy, the researcher could clearly observe the unstained bacteria, which appeared bright against the dark background."

a technique that involves using specialized equipment, such as high-speed cameras and strobe lights, to capture images of fast-moving objects or events at extremely fast shutter speeds

"High-speed photography freezes fast motion."

"High speed photography freezes rapid events like a bullet piercing an apple or a bursting balloon."

a photographic technique that involves using laser light to create a three-dimensional image, or hologram, of an object by recording the interference pattern created by the beam of light reflected off the object

"Holography records three-dimensional images."

"Holography records three dimensional images using lasers that reconstruct the original light field of an object."

a technique that involves using photographs of a subject taken from different angles to create accurate three-dimensional measurements and models of the subject

"Photogrammetry measures from photographs."

"Photogrammetry creates precise measurements and three dimensional models by analyzing overlapping photographs of an object."

a specialized form of photography that involves capturing magnified images of small objects or details, such as cells, tissues, or microorganisms

"Photography through a microscope is photomicrography."

"Photomicrography attaches a camera to a microscope to capture detailed images of tiny specimens like cells and bacteria."

a specialized technique that involves capturing images of ultraviolet (UV) light, which is not visible to the human eye

"Ultraviolet photography captures UV light."

"Ultraviolet photography reveals skin damage and floral patterns that are invisible to the human eye."

a specialized technique that involves capturing images of infrared light, which is not visible to the human eye

"Infrared photography records heat radiation."

"Infrared photography captures light beyond the visible spectrum making green foliage appear bright white."

a branch of medicine that involves using various imaging techniques

"Medical imaging sees inside the body."

"Medical imaging includes X rays MRI and CT scans that help doctors diagnose diseases without surgery."

a type of photographic portrait that focuses primarily on the subject's face, often used for professional or promotional purposes

"Headshot shows only face."

"The actor needed a professional headshot for his upcoming audition, focusing solely on his facial features."

a collection of pre-existing photographs that are licensed for specific uses, such as for commercial or editorial purposes

"Stock photography sells pre-taken images."

"Stock photography sells pre taken images online for use in advertisements websites and publications without hiring a photographer."

a photographic portrait taken by law enforcement agencies of a person who has been arrested, typically taken at the time of booking and used for identification purposes

"The suspect's mugshot was released to the press."

"The police took a mugshot of the suspect after the arrest yesterday."

a photo of a person that is taken by the same person, usually shared on social media

"She took a selfie."

"He posted a selfie from the top of the mountain."

the act or profession of reporting news articles in newspapers or magazines mainly through photographs

"Photojournalism tells stories."

"Photojournalism captures powerful moments that words alone cannot fully express or convey to audiences."

a type of photographic storytelling that uses images to convey a message or tell a story

"Narrative photography tells a story."

"Narrative photography tells a story through a single image or a sequence of related photographs."

freelance photographers who aggressively pursue and take pictures of celebrities, often in invasive or intrusive ways

"The paparazzi followed the famous singer everywhere."

"The famous singer could not go anywhere without being followed by aggressive paparazzi photographers."

a series of photographs that tell a story or convey a message, often accompanied by captions, text, or other visual elements

"Photo-essay combines images with text."

"The photo essay documented the daily life of a refugee family through a series of powerful black and white images."

a type of photography that captures spontaneous and natural moments of people or animals, often taken without their knowledge or consent

"Candid photography captures unposed moments."

"Candid photography captures people naturally without posing often revealing genuine emotions and unguarded moments."

a casual and informal photograph taken quickly and without much preparation or technical consideration

"Snapshot is a quick casual photo."

"The family snapshot showed everyone laughing around the birthday cake at the child's fifth party."