The world of photography is currently experiencing another wave of transformation. Innovative technologies, target audience tastes and new post-processing options dictate completely different rules of the game. Which trends are at the peak of popularity, and which are rapidly losing their relevance? What photography trends are observed? Let's take a closer look at what is really worth taking on board if you want to be at the center of the photo industry.
Lighting Mastery: The Secret of Cinematic Photography
Photography trends today place special emphasis on working with light. It is not enough to simply light the scene. It is necessary to create the right mood. Cinematic light has come to the fore, which is especially relevant in portrait and interior photography. Complex schemes with soft shadows, deep transitions and accents on details are also popular.
The so-called "modular light" has become very popular among both professionals and amateurs. We are talking about using several sources, each of which has its own specific function - key light, backlight, fill and accent. Quite often, photographers use special RGB panels with the ability to fine-tune the color, which allows you to adjust the light to a certain shooting style or convey the desired atmosphere.
Another photography trend worth mentioning is the imitation of natural light. More and more often, professionals are abandoning flashes in favor of constant light. This is not surprising at all, because it allows you to see the final result already at the shooting stage. This is especially important if you are creating a “live”, natural shot that seems random, but at the same time aesthetically verified.
Choosing the right lenses for shooting
In 2025, a lens becomes not just a working tool, but part of an artistic statement. Glass with character is especially relevant. More and more photographers prefer lenses with non-standard optics: vintage lenses, Soviet classics, as well as modern lenses with so-called “creative” aberrations. For example, lenses with a soft focus effect or bokeh scrolls are back on top and are especially in demand on the market. They can be used to create a "daydream" effect, which in turn fits perfectly into the general trend for emotional, slightly surreal photography.
There is also a rapid growth in interest among professionals in fixed lenses with a wide aperture (f/1.2 and lower), they are especially in demand among portrait photographers. Lenses of this type allow you to separate the subject from the background, which makes it possible to achieve soft depth, enhancing the visual impact of the photo.
However, ultra-wide-angle lenses and "fish eye" are gradually going out of fashion. The reason is that the viewer is already bored with aggressive distortions, and he is looking for more harmony in the frame.
Color correction tips
By color we mean more than just adjusting the white balance, because this is a full-fledged narrative. It works on emotion and atmosphere. Flat, polished colors are a thing of the past. They have been replaced by completely different, new trends in photography, namely film stylization, warm tones, matte contrasts and faded shades.
The main tip for color correction is to make the frame recognizable. Today, it is especially important for a photograph to have its own unique character. For these purposes, it is recommended to use LUT profiles. However, in no case should you abuse them, because many artists prefer manual work, especially with shadows and highlights.
Combinations of warm orange and cool blue (the so-called teal & orange) are also popular. However, a softer presentation is desirable, without any flashy contrasts. In addition, toning effects in green and burgundy palettes are actively used. The reason these trends in photography are so popular is that they add mystery and a special vintage flair. It is worth mentioning the trend of color as a metaphor. For example, cold shades are the best way to create an atmosphere of loneliness, while warm shades are the best way to create a cozy atmosphere. Today, clients expect not just a good picture from a photographer, but a real and extremely sincere story through color.
How to achieve the Hollywood effect
The Hollywood effect refers to the visual impression that the viewer gets from the frame, as if it was cut out of the scenes of a big movie. Today, it has become almost mandatory for fashion, travel and wedding shoots. How to achieve this effect? The following recommendations can help you solve this issue:
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Use wide-format frames (2.35:1 or 2.39:1). Due to this, you can instantly create an association with a movie.
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Pay attention to the light and symmetry in the frame. The composition should be balanced, but not boring.
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The technique of "anamorphic simulation" is in demand among professionals. It involves using filters or editing in post to imitate characteristic glare and distortion.
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An effective technique is adding grain, vignettes, slight defocusing at the edges and imitation of film texture.
Also, do not forget about color, because cinematic color correction requires the presence of rather complex transitions and shades that help maintain the drama of the scene. And finally, the most important thing, namely the story. A Hollywood frame always tells something. It can be love or danger, freedom or loneliness. Even just one shot can be like a frame from a movie, and this is exactly what viewers expect.
The most popular techniques
In 2025, many photographers are actively experimenting with formats and techniques, which allows them to always stay on trend. We suggest that you take a closer look at several current techniques that are definitely worth trying:
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Multiple exposure and frame overlap. This allows you to create surreal compositions, as if from a dream. Particularly popular in art photography and portraits.
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Blurred foreground. Helps add depth and atmosphere. Often used in travel photography, where the foreground is slightly obscured by a sheet, fabric or glass.
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Working with reflections. Mirrors, shop windows, water are effective tools for creating an unusual look at familiar objects.
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Flash photography during the day. It undoubtedly adds drama, makes the frame sharper and highlights the subject. This type of shooting is especially appropriate in street fashion photography.
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Low angle and perspective "bottom up". This technique visually makes the subject appear taller, adds dynamics and cinematography.
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The style of presentation is no less important, since carousel photography with stories, serial shots with a narrative, as well as non-standard crops and collages are in trend.
Let's sum it up
Modern trends of photographers today are a synthesis of technology, taste and self-expression. The focus is primarily on mood, light and story. Technical perfection is no longer so important, because the viewer is looking for soul, emotion and aesthetics in the frame.
In order to be in trend, it is not at all necessary to blindly copy popular styles. It is much more important to learn how to develop your own unique style, find interesting angles and work with what really touches you. An excellent solution would be to use modern techniques, but do it consciously, because the best trend is always the one that helps you to be yourself first and foremost.