What style of photography is this?

These are all a bunch of photos i took on our recent trip to NYC and i got some criticism saying my photos were too dark, and that being the only thing that made them not “good photos” but this is my style of photography and i just haven’t found a name for it yet that feels right. I love dark photography that makes you think, or feels ominous or relaxing almost. Not sad or depressing, just dim. I’m not asking if anyone likes them, but what would you call them??

Things i’ve heard this style compared to:

-Industrial

-Grunge

-Apocalyptic

-Urban

-Analog

*I haven’t editing the brightness, exposure, etc on any of these. These are all exactly as they turned out on my camera. I haven’t decided if i want to edit them yet, so no i didn’t intentionally lower the exposure or anything to make them like this. Just the way i have my Canon EOS Rebel T5 set up on the Manual setting :)*

#dark documentary style photos #unfiltered #travelwithme2024 #Lemon8Diary #photographyinspiration

2024/10/26 Edited to

... Read moreI totally get what you mean about loving dark photography! It's such a unique way to tell a story and create a mood that brighter photos often miss. When I first started playing around with my camera, I was always drawn to those "dimly lit" scenes, much like your amazing NYC shots of Bryant Park or that moody shot of wine bottles. It's not about making things sad, but about capturing that raw, authentic atmosphere. If you're looking to dive deeper into this style, or if others are wondering how to get similar effects, especially without heavy editing like you mentioned with your Canon EOS Rebel T5 on manual, here are a few things I've found helpful. First, mastering manual settings is key. You're already there! Keeping your ISO lower helps reduce noise in darker areas, while adjusting your aperture can control how much light comes in and what's in focus. For those "ominous" or silhouetted shots, a faster shutter speed can capture movement in low light, or a slower one can create cool light trails from car headlights on a dark street. Look for dramatic lighting. This doesn't necessarily mean bright sunlight. Think about how a single "street lamp with a glowing bulb" can create incredible contrast against a dark sky, or how an "illuminated sign" like 'QUALITY MEATS' pops in the evening. Even indirect light filtering into a "circular mirror reflecting a ceiling with multiple industrial-style light bulbs" can give you that desired gloomy yet captivating feel. I often look for scenes where light is scarce, forcing the eye to focus on specific details, like "two pumpkins resting on hay bales" in a "dim, autumnal setting." Composition is everything. Instead of trying to brighten everything, embrace the shadows. Use them to frame your subject, create depth, and add mystery. A "low-angle" shot can make a building or even a 'skeleton figure wearing a white t-shirt, hanging on a fire escape' feel more imposing. I love how you captured the grittiness of NYC – the "graffiti" and "neon pink sign" on a dark street scene really add character. Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with the mood. Whether you're going for "industrial," "grunge," or something "apocalyptic," as you mentioned, the intention behind your shot matters. It’s about evoking a feeling, making the viewer pause and think, rather than just seeing a pretty picture. Your decision not to edit the brightness or exposure is a powerful statement about authenticity, and it really lets the natural "moody atmosphere" of your scenes shine through. Keep exploring! Your unique eye for "dark documentary style photos" is truly inspiring.

12 comments

Jessica Paige's images
Jessica Paige

Do you live in New York? It’s my dream to take my daughters one day.