PHOA209: Problems & Solutions - Week 1 - Sub-genres: Choose one of the following to focus on in PHOA209 - READ ASAP

(Also posted in the Questions for the Professor Section)

Hi Class,

Throughout this course, you'll be thinking about your own portraiture work and what type of genre or sub-genre your work fits into. Please choose one of the following marketable sub-genres to focus on for this class. 

You will focus on the same sub-genre of photography each week and you will photograph a new model, location, or subject matter each week.  You are required to choose a sub-genre that is marketable.

If you are working with human models, consider their schedule and book in advance. You're encouraged to contact different models during Week 1 to create a schedule and ensure that your model is available.


  • Child (ages 2 - 5)
  • Older Child (ages 9 - 12)
  • Senior Portraits (ages 16 - 19)
  • Maternity (women obviously carrying a child)
  • Business (images of wo/men dressed in "suit"/"business" attire)
  • Sports (images of wo/men dressed in athletic gear)
  • Fashion (images of wo/men dressed in unique clothing that makes a conceptual statement)
  • Food (images of food displayed with artistic intent and lit with a professional approach)
  • Product (images of objects displayed with artistic intent and lit with a professional approach)
  • Architecture: Interior & Exterior (images focusing on a structure as the main subject matter; interiors decorated with artistic intent; interior & exteriors lit with a professional approach)
There are many sub-genres out there! If you have another sub-genre in mind that you'd like to focus on in PHOA209, please get in touch with Professor Fiander via e-mail to ensure that your sub-genre is okay for this class by the end of Week 1.  Otherwise, please choose from one of the following noted above.