Adventure photography has grown and expanded over the years, but the overall look/feel of adventure photography remains the same. Adventure photography is rooted in adventure, which means dirty hands, sore bodies, and wonderful stories to tell. As the genre of adventure photography expands there have been five distinct types of adventure photography which are:
Editorial
Commercial
Lifestyle
Artistic
Influencer
Read on to discover what type of content is created in each of these groups.
Taking a leap of faith off the peak at Mavericks in Half Moon Bay, CA. Photo by Dalton Johnson
Documentary/editorial
Editorial adventure photographers specialize in capturing images that tell a story or convey a specific narrative related to outdoor adventures, exploration, and travel. They aim to document the spirit of adventure, showcasing unique landscapes, activities, and the people involved in these experiences. The types of photos created by editorial adventure photographers can vary, but here are some common themes and subjects:
Epic Landscapes: These photographers excel at capturing expansive and breathtaking natural landscapes such as mountains, deserts, forests, and coastlines. They often use wide-angle lenses to emphasize the grandeur and scale of the surroundings.
Outdoor Activities: Editorial adventure photographers document a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, rock climbing, skiing, surfing, kayaking, camping, and more. They strive to capture the action, adrenaline, and passion of these activities, often freezing moments of intense focus or physical exertion.
Travel and Exploration: These photographers frequently embark on expeditions to remote and lesser-known destinations, capturing the essence of exploration and discovery. They document the journey, the interactions with local cultures, and the unique experiences encountered along the way.
Adventure Portraits: Editorial adventure photographers not only capture the environment but also the people involved in these adventures. They aim to portray the character, determination, and spirit of individuals engaged in outdoor pursuits, showcasing their passion and the challenges they overcome.
Environmental Conservation: Many editorial adventure photographers are deeply committed to raising awareness about environmental issues. They may capture images that highlight the beauty of nature and the need for its preservation, showcasing the fragile balance between humans and the natural world.
Storytelling and Narrative: These photographers often create a series of images that collectively tell a story or convey a specific narrative. Through their photographs, they aim to evoke emotions, inspire viewers, and immerse them in the adventure or travel experience.
Overall, the photographs created by editorial adventure photographers capture the thrill, beauty, and raw essence of outdoor adventures, while also emphasizing the connection between humans and the natural world.
Commercial/advertising
Commercial adventure photographers focus on capturing images that promote and advertise products, services, or destinations related to outdoor adventures and travel. Their photographs are intended to be used in marketing campaigns, advertisements, websites, brochures, and other commercial materials. Here are the types of photos commonly created by commercial adventure photographers:
Product Showcasing: Commercial adventure photographers often work closely with brands and companies to capture compelling images of their products in action. This could include showcasing outdoor gear, apparel, adventure equipment, or any other products related to outdoor activities.
Destination Marketing: These photographers aim to capture the essence and allure of specific destinations or travel experiences. They create visually stunning images that promote the beauty, adventure, and unique aspects of a particular place, encouraging viewers to visit and explore.
Lifestyle and Aspirational Imagery: Commercial adventure photographers often focus on creating aspirational and lifestyle imagery. They capture moments that evoke a sense of adventure, freedom, and an active lifestyle, aiming to inspire viewers and create a desire to be part of those experiences.
Action and Sports Photography: Commercial adventure photographers excel in capturing high-energy and dynamic images of outdoor activities and extreme sports. They freeze moments of intense action, showcasing the excitement, skill, and adrenaline associated with these pursuits.
Brand Storytelling: Commercial adventure photographers work closely with brands to tell their story and convey their brand values through visual storytelling. They create a series of images that represent the brand's identity, ethos, and desired messaging.
Stock Photography: Commercial adventure photographers also contribute to stock photography platforms, where their images can be licensed by businesses, publications, and individuals for various commercial uses. These images often cover a wide range of adventure and travel-related themes, providing a diverse selection for potential buyers.
It's important to note that there can be overlap between editorial and commercial adventure photography, and some photographers may work in both realms. While editorial photographers focus on storytelling and capturing the spirit of adventure, commercial photographers cater to the marketing and promotional needs of brands and businesses within the adventure industry.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle adventure photographers specialize in capturing images that showcase the spirit, experiences, and everyday moments of individuals engaged in adventurous and active lifestyles. They focus on documenting real-life scenarios and activities, often blurring the lines between candid and posed shots. Here are the types of photos commonly created by lifestyle adventure photographers:
Candid Moments: Lifestyle adventure photographers excel at capturing authentic and spontaneous moments. They aim to document the genuine emotions, interactions, and expressions of individuals involved in adventurous activities, creating images that feel natural and unscripted.
Storytelling and Narrative: These photographers tell stories through their images, documenting the journey and experiences of individuals within the context of their adventurous lifestyle. They capture a series of photographs that collectively portray a narrative, showcasing the progression, challenges, and triumphs of the subjects.
Everyday Adventures: Lifestyle adventure photographers focus on showcasing the adventure in everyday life. They capture individuals participating in outdoor activities, exploring local landscapes, and engaging in hobbies and pursuits that bring them joy and fulfillment. These images aim to inspire others to find adventure and beauty in their own surroundings.
Authentic Portraits: Lifestyle adventure photographers take portraits that go beyond traditional posed shots. They strive to capture the essence and personality of the subjects in an adventurous context. These portraits often feature individuals in their natural environments, showcasing their connection to nature and their passions.
Exploration of Local Culture: Lifestyle adventure photographers not only focus on the activities but also the cultural aspects of adventurous lifestyles. They capture images that portray the intersection of adventure and local culture, showcasing the unique experiences and interactions with diverse communities.
Environmental Awareness: Many lifestyle adventure photographers are passionate about environmental conservation and sustainability. They capture images that highlight the beauty of nature, as well as the need to protect and preserve the natural world. These photographs may convey messages of environmental awareness and inspire viewers to take action.
Overall, lifestyle adventure photographers document the adventurous spirit and experiences of individuals in a way that feels genuine, relatable, and aspirational. Their images capture the joy, passion, and sense of exploration that come with embracing an adventurous lifestyle.
Artistic
Artistic adventure photographers approach their craft with a creative and artistic vision, focusing on pushing the boundaries of traditional photography and exploring new techniques, styles, and interpretations. Their goal is to create visually captivating and thought-provoking images that evoke emotions and inspire viewers. Here are the types of photos commonly created by artistic adventure photographers:
Abstract and Experimental: Artistic adventure photographers often employ abstract and experimental techniques to create unique and visually striking images. They may experiment with unconventional angles, compositions, long exposures, multiple exposures, intentional camera movement, or other creative methods to transform the subject matter into a more abstract representation.
Mood and Atmosphere: These photographers excel at capturing the mood, atmosphere, and the essence of a scene or adventure. They use light, shadows, colors, and textures to create evocative and atmospheric images that convey a sense of mystery, tranquility, drama, or awe.
Fine Art Landscapes: Artistic adventure photographers capture landscapes in a way that goes beyond traditional representations. They aim to evoke an emotional response from viewers by emphasizing the artistic elements of the scene, such as composition, lighting, texture, and color. These images often have a painterly quality and may showcase unique perspectives or interpretations of well-known landscapes.
Conceptual and Symbolic: Some artistic adventure photographers delve into conceptual and symbolic representations of adventure and exploration. They incorporate metaphorical elements, symbolism, and visual storytelling techniques to convey deeper meanings and provoke thought and reflection.
Intimate Details: These photographers focus on capturing the smaller, often overlooked details of an adventure or natural environment. They may zoom in on textures, patterns, or specific elements that convey a sense of intimacy and allow viewers to experience the subject matter in a new and unique way.
Photo Manipulation and Digital Art: Artistic adventure photographers may incorporate digital manipulation and post-processing techniques to create surreal or fantastical images. They blend multiple exposures, composite elements, or manipulate colors and textures to create imaginative and visually captivating artworks.
Artistic adventure photographers often strive to evoke emotions, spark the viewer's imagination, and present a fresh and unique perspective on adventure and exploration. Their images can be highly subjective and open to interpretation, inviting viewers to engage in a deeper appreciation of the beauty and artistry of the natural world and human experiences.
Influencer
Influencer adventure photographers focus on creating visually appealing and engaging images that cater to their social media following and online audience. They combine their passion for adventure and photography with the goal of building a personal brand, gaining followers, and inspiring others to pursue their own adventures. Here are the types of photos commonly created by influencer adventure photographers:
Dynamic and Action-Oriented Shots: Influencer adventure photographers excel at capturing dynamic, action-oriented shots that showcase their own participation in various outdoor activities. These can include activities such as hiking, climbing, biking, skiing, surfing, and more. The goal is to convey a sense of energy, excitement, and skill in their own adventures.
Scenic and Awe-Inspiring Landscapes: Influencer adventure photographers often travel to stunning locations and capture scenic landscapes. They aim to showcase the beauty of nature and inspire their audience to explore these places. These images often feature iconic landmarks, picturesque vistas, and epic natural settings.
Adventure Lifestyle: Influencer adventure photographers document their lifestyle and the experiences they encounter during their adventures. They capture images that reflect the thrill, freedom, and joy of living an adventurous life. These can include camping scenes, outdoor cooking, storytelling around a campfire, or moments of relaxation amidst nature.
Inspirational Quotes and Captions: Influencer adventure photographers often pair their photos with inspirational quotes or captions that resonate with their audience. These quotes can be related to adventure, personal growth, motivation, or the beauty of nature. The goal is to provide a positive and uplifting message that encourages others to pursue their own adventures.
Sponsored Content and Brand Collaborations: Influencer adventure photographers often work with brands and companies to create sponsored content. They may showcase products, gear, or services related to outdoor adventures in their photos. These collaborations often involve promoting the brand's message or values to their audience.
Behind-the-Scenes and Personal Stories: Influencer adventure photographers offer glimpses into their personal journey and behind-the-scenes moments. They may share stories, challenges, and lessons learned during their adventures, aiming to create a sense of authenticity and connection with their audience.
It's important to note that while influencer adventure photographers may prioritize creating visually appealing content for their online presence, many are also passionate about sharing their love for nature, promoting sustainability, and inspiring others to explore and appreciate the outdoors.
An environmental portrait of a lobster fisherman in San Juanico, Baja. Photo by Dalton Johnson
As you can see, adventure photography has several sub-categories of work. While it is important to know each category, understand that you can mix and match all of them as you shoot. This outline of the types of adventure photography should be used as a guide to help you understand the industry and pitch potential clients the ideas you have for them. Please, don’t let boxes or words hold you back. Go out and shoot. Have fun. Live.
