Final answer:
The third important photographic genre alongside portraiture and landscape is still life, a genre focusing on inanimate objects arranged thoughtfully to highlight composition, light, and texture, and has gained importance in fine art photography.
Step-by-step explanation:
The third important photographic genre that includes images of inanimate objects, such as fruit, is still life. This genre concentrates on capturing objects that do not move, arranging them in a specific way to highlight composition, light, and texture. It's distinct from other genres such as portraiture, which focuses on depicting individuals, and landscape, which captures expanses of the natural or urban environment. In the realm of fine art photography, still life allows the photographer to create a composition that reflects the natural world and also the creative intent of the artist.
Historically, still life was regarded as less significant compared to grand historical or religious themes. However, over time, it gained importance as artists depicted the observed reality with acute detail and craftsmanship, whether it was the lighting in a Dutch landscape or the subtleties in a basket of fruit. The still life genre has continued to evolve, showcasing the artistic virtuosity of photographers and painters alike.