The 9 Common Species of Amateur Photographers

Photography Tips

Thanks to digital cameras and smartphones the world of amateur photography has evolved. The evolution of the common photographer has branched out into many different species and subspecies. If the amateur photographer can be assumed as a class, its species would include many colorful varieties. This video by DigitalRev is an amusing attempt to classify these species into their binomial nomenclature. Just one piece of advice—don’t take anything personally:

The Streetus Togus

A rare photographer species that roams the urban jungle with his or her camera.

A quiet lonesome figure that waits patiently to collect images without much fuss. At most times the Streetus Togus blends into its environment to observe its prey before photographing them.

The Photographus Bombus

A highly territorial photographer who would never relinquish his prime photography spots to another casual photographer.

As soon as they see another photographer approaching their spot, they make their move and mark the spoto as their own. There is not much that a stray photographer can do about a fiercely territorial Photographus Bombus, except relinquish and find greener pastures.

The Gear Whore-us

The Gear Whore-us is the epitome of a photographer who is obsessed with his gear.

He or she will usually be found (rather found buried) with a plethora of gear. It is an intimidating sight for the humble photographer. It’s like his very appearance seem to yell – “Here I come”.

The Instagramanus

The Instagramanus or the so called Instagram obsessed selfie shooters are the next species we learn about.

Smartphones can be directly held responsible for the spur in the growth of this intriguing species. Of late, these Instagramanuses have started to grow a sort of protrusion from their bodies; the selfie-stick. It is said that these protrusions allow a better shot.

The Hipstagramanus

The Hipstagramanus is closely related with the Instagramanus.

A strange group of photographers who stick together and shoot together. You often find them treading a path that no one else takes.

The Photographus Touristus

The Photographus Touristus is an interesting breed of photographer.

They are somewhat inconsistent, largely because of the fact that their migration patterns are unpredictable. These species are most often seen traveling allone. At other times they might be seen traveling in flocks. Regardless of their traveling habits, one thing is for sure, they take photos of places and stuff the indigenous breed finds not so attractive.

The Shootus Tittus

Did you see it? I bet you didn’t.

Introducing the Shootus Tittus. A highly evolved photographer that has mastered the art of concealment. If you are his prey you will never see him taking shots at you from a distance with his monstrous telephoto lens.

The Foodie-Grammus

An interesting breed of amateur photographer, the Foodie-Grammuses are often found absorbed in the act of photographing their food.

As young, we are advised never to play with our food. These Foodie-Grammuses would belie the fact that their parents may have said the exact thing to them at some point in their childhood.

The Yogi-Tog

The Yogi-tog is a graceful long-legged photographer.

You rarely see the Yogi-tog outdoors photographing. But when it’s mating season, the male Yogi will make an appearance and do his graceful dance much like a peacock. Whether he finds success in finding a mate is another story, for another time.

So, which one are you? Share with us!