War Photography and Combat Photography

War photography changed how people perceived war and how news publications reported armed conflict. While people may not fully understand the grim reality of war by reading a news article, they often immediately grasp it by viewing graphic pictures of war.

War photography has always been controversial, both in terms of the explicit nature of combat photography and potential military censorship of images. Both issues are as true to day as they were when Mathew Brady’s team first took pictures of the American Civil War during the 1860s.

Black and White Photography

For most of the history of photography, black and white photography was a photographer’s only choice for taking pictures. Even when color became available, black and white photos were initially of better quality and less expensive to develop than their color counterparts.

As its quality improved, color film became a more popular choice for photographs, causing black and white photography to decline in popularity.

However, at present, black and white photos are enjoying a revival. Photographers are rediscovering the power and timeless nature that black and white film can lend to photos.

Ballistics Photography

Ballistics Photography refers to the area of photography concerned with taking pictures of bullets being fired from a gun or bullets penetrating their respective targets. The techniques involved with taking ballistic related photos are similar to those for any other subject of high-speed photography, such as pictures of splashing liquids or popping balloon.

Taking Pictures and Looking at the Past

People take pictures for many reasons, ranging from sentimental motivations to eminently practical concerns. Taking pictures may be an art form, a family hobby or a historical responsibility. Similarly, looking at pictures puts us in touch with the past, keeps us informed of news events and allows us to appreciate artistry.

Travel Photography

Travel photography may span several categories of photography, including advertising, documentary or vernacular photography that depicts a particularly local or historical flavor. A travel photographer can capture the feel of a location with both landscapes and portraiture.