Different subjects demand different settings and approaches. Portrait photography typically uses focal lengths around 85–135mm on full-frame for flattering compression, apertures from f/1.4 to f/4 for subject isolation, and sharp focus on the eyes. A catchlight, a small reflection in the eye, brings a portrait to life, while an environmental portrait places the subject within their own context. Landscape photography usually calls for narrower apertures (f/8 to f/16) to maximize depth of field, often with a tripod for stability and techniques like hyperfocal distance focusing to keep both near and distant elements sharp. Neutral density (ND) filters reduce light to allow long exposures, smoothing water and clouds; 10-stop NDs enable second-long exposures even in daylight, while graduated ND filters balance bright skies against darker land. A polarizing filter reduces reflections and deepens color saturation.
Action and wildlife photography rely on speed and reach. Sports typically demand shutter speeds of 1/500s to 1/2000s, and burst modes firing 5–30 frames per second help capture decisive moments. Panning, moving the camera with a subject at slower shutter speeds (often 1/30–1/125s), keeps the subject sharp while blurring the background, conveying motion. Freeze frames at very fast shutter speeds stop motion entirely. Wildlife photography often requires telephoto lenses in the 300–600mm range, sometimes with extenders, and patience above all else. Macro photography captures small subjects at high magnification, typically at a 1:1 (life-size) ratio or greater, and frequently uses focus stacking, combining several images focused at different distances, to overcome the extremely shallow depth of field at close range.
Street and candid photography document public life and natural, unposed moments. Success here depends as much on attitude as on settings: be respectful, know local laws, and be ready. Product photography, by contrast, is highly controlled studio work with soft, even lighting, neutral backgrounds, and meticulous attention to detail. Across all these genres, intent matters more than gear — knowing why a photograph is being made shapes every decision, from exposure to composition. Pixel-peeping (zooming to 100%) is a common trap, but viewers rarely see images at that scale; viewing work at its intended display size is a better habit.