As a photographer, it is inevitable that you will meet a lot of other photographers in the industry. While I’m not a fan of putting anyone in a box, it’s still fun and can make for some great jokes. In this article, I’ll just do just that: list seven of the most popular types of photographers I’ve come across.
There are a lot of stereotypes about photography, as a fashion photographer I’m probably a little more exposed to them than a food photographer. When I meet people who don’t work in the fashion industry and say I’m a fashion photographer, people assume I’m in a relationship with a model. This has happened so many times, making me uncomfortable with the question and rolling my eyes. The answer, which is perhaps a bit disappointing for someone who wants to get in on the “action”, is that I am with someone who is not even in the fashion industry. Furthermore, I purposely separate work and relationships to keep things professional. I’m dating a model, though, not by job title, but by looks.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the five most common types of photographers.
The Creep
While the subject is about photographers with questionable behavior, some people start taking pictures not for artistic pleasure, but for a different subject. Some time ago, I wrote an article about what is and isn’t fashion photography. In it, I hinted that it would be wrong to call yourself a fashion photographer if all you do is shoot nude girls in sexy poses. While boudoir photography is not a creepy genre, if anything, I’ve photographed nude work. There is such a thing as scary nude photographers.
Models around the world have shared countless stories of photographers who have acted glamor around them. Furthermore, even world-class models like Emily Rajtakovski have been accused of sexually assaulting the photographers they work with.
This is probably the worst type of photographer on this list.
Gear head
What frame rate? Nikon Z9 shoot at? How to sharpness of EF 16-35 III compare to RF 15-35? I can shoot 8K on one R5 without getting too hot? You know the person I’m talking about, who should make money selling cameras, not shooting them. This photographer likely also owns too much equipment, but also complains about not having enough equipment to do what they want.
They are the ones who consider it a personal insult when someone doesn’t use the brand they do. For example, people who hate a particular brand for no reason. While I use Profoto for most of the work, since I love flash, I’m happy to work with Broncolor or anything else that can get the job done just the way I need it. Probably the same reason I use Canon and not Nikon or Sony. I just happened to pick up my dad’s Canon EOS300, smash it and then save up for a new one because I don’t know about other cameras. I would use Nikon if I chose a Nikon. After all, there’s little or no difference in what the camera does for me, as there hasn’t been a bad camera since 2009 and now it’s the only brand that makes one device different from another. that. 
Artist
These are the opposite of the gear head. Their work is probably nothing like what you have seen before and will ever see.
They are often arrogant and will constantly complain that no one understands their art. In their eyes, they are the next Helmut Newton, and their art will comment on what art does best: “society”.
The Narcissist
They will pretend to be famous even when all they do is photograph their partner’s wedding. If done right, being a photographer can be a great way to draw attention to yourself. They are the ones who care more about how good they look in the shoot than how good the photos are. It’s almost like the act of taking pictures is a side activity intended to create an exposure pretext for self-expression. If someone is taking more selfies with the model, the subject and themselves. Live the flashy photographer lifestyle, without actually being a photographer.
Hipster
Do they have film cameras? Do they only shoot movies that are out of date from the 90s? Do they just shoot gas stations at night? They can be a discerning photographer. To find a connoisseur, just go to any artisan cafe and you’ll find them in no time. While there’s nothing wrong with taking film, even expired film, there are plenty of other things that can be really creative and not boring to “Instaworthy” photos.
iPhone Pro
They will tell you that all you need now is an iPhone. And they are not wrong. I don’t carry my camera everywhere I go. If there’s anything I’ll take one Profoto C1 rather light and have a good flash wherever I want. It actually makes for some pretty cool iPhone photos. I even took pictures of everything with my iPhone and professional flash. But there is a clear divide between those who say the phones are equally good and those who enjoy using them but understand that professional cameras are still needed.
If someone is evaluating how their phones are better than photographers and they find their work obsolete because of AI, politely ask if AI can be as creative as humans and how much will it cost? years for the small sensors to become as good as the large ones. The answer is, no matter how good the software is, the phone has hardware limitations. The iPhone is good, but it’s not all. 
DSLR-Evangelist Evangelist
Okay, you get it. This person is probably me. I say religiously that DSLRs aren’t as bad as people make them out to be. I feel like the debate was fueled by companies marketing cameras in the first place. If mirrorless is right for you, good! Some people just don’t need to upgrade, but I digress. I’m a DSLR evangelist, or perhaps just an “upgrade when you need” evangelist. That is for you to decide.
Do you know of any photographers who might fall into these categories? I’d love to know in the comments!
