A list by @Jess Eddy - do you have a suggestion? DM me on Twitter.
| Aesthetic title | Aesthetic description | Film/camera suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Abstract | Focuses on forms, colors, and patterns rather than a clear subject | Cross-processed slide film, Sigma dp Quattro series |
| Architecture | Focusing on the architectural elements in an urban environment | Wide angle lens to capture large buildings, Tilt-shift lens to correct perspective, Canon EOS 5DS R, Nikon D850, Sony Alpha A7R IV, Fujifilm GFX 100S |
| Bohemian | Loose, layered clothing, relaxed and free-spirited vibe | Lomography films, Canon AE-1 |
| Candid | Unposed, spontaneous shots of people going about their day | Ilford HP5 Plus 400, Fujifilm X100V |
| Chic | Sophisticated, elegant fashion | Kodak Portra, Fujifilm GFX series |
| Cyberpunk | Futuristic, neon-lit, often nighttime cityscapes inspired by cyberpunk literature and film | Cinestill 800T for night photography, Sony A7S III for its high ISO capabilities |
| Documentary | Realistic portrayal of people, events, or environments, often telling a story | Fujifilm Neopan Acros, Leica M10 |
| Double Exposure | Superimposing two exposures to create a single image, often resulting in surreal compositions | Some film cameras, certain DSLRs/mirrorless like Fujifilm X series, or post-processing software |
| Drone Photography | Aerial photographs taken from a drone, providing a bird's eye view of urban landscapes | DJI Mavic series, DJI Phantom series |
| Eclectic | Unique, creative combinations, bold colors | Cross-processed slide film, Leica Q |
| Environmental Portraits | Portraits of people in their natural environments, telling their story | Fujifilm Pro 400H for skin tones, Pentax 645Z for its medium format depth of field |
| Ethnic/Traditional | Traditional clothing of different cultures | Fujifilm Velvia 50, any camera |
| Fine Art | Images intended to be appreciated for their beauty or emotional power, rather than a straightforward depiction of a scene | Medium or large format film cameras for high detail, such as Hasselblad 500 series |
| Golden Hour | Photographs taken during the 'golden hour' - the period shortly after sunrise or before sunset where light is redder and softer | Any film/camera, but Fujifilm Velvia 50 can highlight the warm tones |
| Gothic | Dark, dramatic fashion | Ilford Delta 3200, Nikon Df |
| Grunge | Edgy, distressed clothing, unconventional poses, moody and raw aesthetic | Cinestill 800T, Fujifilm X series |
| High Fashion | Latest trends, designer outfits, polished and editorial feel | Kodak Portra, Nikon D850 or Sony A7R series |
| Hipster | Indie-inspired, retro-influenced fashion | Expired film, Olympus OM series |
| Infrared | Photography using infrared light, which can result in otherworldly colors and appearances | Infrared film or modified digital camera, like certain Nikon DSLRs |
| Long Exposure | Uses slow shutter speeds to blur moving elements and create a sense of motion or passage of time | Neutral density filters, sturdy tripod, DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual controls |
| Macro | Close-up photography of small subjects, often natural details | Macro lens (e.g., Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM, Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED, Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS, Fujifilm XF 80mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro) |
| Minimalist | Clean lines, simple compositions, restrained color palette | Ilford HP5 Plus, Leica M |
| Monochrome | Black and white photography, emphasizes contrast, texture, and form | Kodak Tri-X 400 or Ilford Delta 100, Fujifilm X-Pro3 |
| Moody | Dark tones, rich shadows, an overall somber or introspective feel | JCH StreetPan 400, Canon EOS 5D Mark IV |
| Night | Captures city life after dark, including neon signs, city lights, and nightlife | Cinestill 800T, Sony A7S III |
| Pop Art | Bright colors, bold contrasts, often inspired by commercial art | Lomography films, Olympus PEN-F |
| Punk/Rock | Rebellious, non-conformist styles, edgy | Kodak Tri-X 400, Ricoh GR series |
| Rainy Day | Capturing the mood and reflections of rainy, overcast days | Sony Alpha A7R IV, Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Nikon D850, Fujifilm X-T4 |
| Silhouette | Dark figures against a lighter background, emphasizing forms and shapes over details | Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Nikon D780, Sony Alpha A7 III, Fujifilm X-T4 |
| Sporty Streetwear | Athletic wear combined with fashion, bold colors, graphic prints | Kodak Ektar 100, DSLR or mirrorless camera |
| Surreal | Unusual, dreamlike, or bizarre elements, disrupting ordinary scenes | Infrared film, Nikon Z7 II |
| Traditional Film | Uses the aesthetic and unpredictability of film | Any film camera and film stock, Rolleiflex TLR with Kodak Portra |
| Urban | Depicts city life, graffiti, architecture, and concrete landscapes | Kodak TMax 400, Canon EOS R |
| Vintage | Retro-inspired outfits, nostalgic feel | Agfa Vista Plus, Pentax K1000 |