Insta-trend: all about the fashionable effect of film photography. Styles in modern photography New trends in photography
Walking through various photo stocks, one cannot help but notice that the field of selling photographs (even though this is primarily a source of passive income for photographers) also has its own trends.
We already talk about what became popular in 2015. It's time to look a little into the future and see which photographs will sell best in 2016.
These trends are already noticeable today. And experts from a well-known photo bank not only noticed, but also systematized the main popular trends in photography, which are best selling now, and will be sold over the next year.
The site is pleased to introduce you to the trends in stock photography in 2016.
As you would expect, the primacy belongs to those photos that can act as a preview or illustration for articles on the Internet.
The Internet is developing rapidly, more and more online publications are appearing (such as our magazine), which cannot do without high-quality photographs.
Business
People in business suits discussing important issues, concluding contracts or simply working at the computer. Photos of this type are in great demand, primarily for the web.
Nowadays, a lot of materials are devoted to how to become successful, how to earn more and live better. An example of this successful person This is precisely the businessman who, judging by his smile, is doing well. Because photos of this type are very popular now, and will be in demand in next year.
Lifestyle
Active young people, self-confident, and doing what they love. Beautiful and successful, who have a favorite hobby and do not want to change their way of life.
Here is an approximate plot of another popular category among buyers. Another trend of 2016 in the world of photography.
Boundless world
Travel has always attracted people, and the enchanting views of wild, pristine nature make the heart beat excitedly. We are surprised, admired, and dream in reality of getting there, to the place shown in the photograph.
This year, those photographers who know how to capture beauty - landscapes, landscapes, elements - will have a stable income.
Still life
This category actually offers a huge number of stories that find buyers. This could be food, an office worker’s desk, or just beautiful flowers in a vase on the table. Remember that now you can’t imagine your life without gadgets - include photographs in your story mobile phone or tablet, and sales are guaranteed.
Neutral backgrounds
This trend stems from another trend, namely large background images on websites. Therefore, a beautiful background that does not carry any special meaning will also definitely find its buyer. A few mandatory requirements: the background should not be too bright; Any text on it should be clearly readable.
Especially popular are backgrounds with, so to speak, “plant themes” - flowers, greenery, etc.
Perspective and geometry
Such photographs are not used for illustration as often as other categories, but are also of interest to a large audience of buyers. Some of these photos can also be used as backgrounds on websites, or serve as the basis for slides in presentations.
Creative photos
First of all, creativity in photographs that are related to the fashion and beauty industry is appreciated. But you shouldn’t limit your creative nature to just this niche! Non-standard, fresh, fantastic stories attract many buyers.
What are they looking for?
And now - for each category more specifically.
Of the backgrounds, most people are looking for neutral ones, ones that can be used on almost any screen and for many tasks.
Of the photos in the “Business” category, the most searched for are images of a gadget or screen – be it a smartphone, tablet or laptop. Everything is logical - now not a single successful businessman can do without these devices.
Photos that depict this or that time of the year begin to be looked for in advance, three months before the start.
In terms of lifestyle, they are looking for images of active people - going in for sports, extreme recreation, riding bicycles and motorbikes, going hiking, etc.
As for fitness and sports, a winning option is to upload a photo of an athlete exercising outdoors, in the fresh air.
If you like to photograph food, then Instagram level is not suitable. We need beautiful productions, done with taste in all respects.
Beauty, fashion and fashion, in order to be bought, must be presented in the photo in a very creative way. Ordinary photos of models are no longer interesting to buyers.
It is now fashionable to photograph still lifes from above. This type sells best.
As for the interior, it’s only 3D, and nothing else.
Results
Next year, virtually nothing will fundamentally change the preferences of buyers of images on microstocks. Photos of successful people are still in fashion, beautiful people, beautiful still lifes and creative solutions.
Always keep your camera ready. Any moment, any smile, any breath of wind can become an excellent subject for a photo for which you will be well paid.
Recently, the well-known photo stock Shutterstock published on its blog the opinions of experts in the field of photography, who discuss the prospects for photography in 2017. Read the full translation of the article about stock photo trends for 2017 on our website!
More than 115 years ago, when the art of photography was just beginning to develop, an article was published in one of the popular magazines for housewives, authored by engineer John Watkins. In the article, Watkins made some predictions for the next century. He wrote that automotive technology would remain unclaimed, predicted that the letters C, Q, and X would be removed from the English alphabet as unnecessary, believed that humanity would completely get rid of flies, and so on.
However, along with a large number of predictions that did not come true, John Watkins suggested the following: “It will be possible to photograph objects from any distance. Moreover, a photograph taken in China could appear in newspapers around the world within an hour.”.
Of course, John Watkins was absolutely right about this. As of this writing, there are over 13 million photos with the hashtag #China on Instagram alone. The most recent photo was taken 40 seconds ago...
Following in the footsteps of John Watkins, we asked famous photographers give predictions about changes in the world of photography for 2017.
Photo quality is paramount
Brian Hodges believes that with millions of new photos appearing online every day, the quality of the photos will play a critical role.
Realism and authenticity in commercial photography
Andy Smith does not predict any radically new features in the art of commercial photography in 2017. Instead, according to the photographer, the previously outlined trend of stock photos towards authenticity in commercial photography will continue. Instead of the ideal images of businessmen, broadly smiling doctors and clean and tidy repairmen, whose images filled the banners of various campaigns, the attention of photographers will be drawn to real people in real conditions.
Of course, in the role real people Models may perform and the setting will be created in a studio, but there will be a general tendency towards realism. Interest in everyday imperfect textured images will undoubtedly increase and such commercial photographs will become more in demand.
Videography will increasingly attract photographers. Either way, I think we'll see more interesting landscape and POV videos. Cameras and gadgets are becoming more accessible and everyone loves taking selfies, right?
The video is coming!
Matt Dutile believes we will continue to see increased interest and demand for video. Photo stock clients are demanding more and more interesting and interactive content. The video perfectly meets these needs. You will see a lot of high quality POV videos. It's not just about showing beautiful scenery; First-person video is a great opportunity to capture the moment so that the viewer feels like a participant in the event.
The skill of videographers will also increase. Playing with focus, choosing scenes - everyone can offer their own approach, you just need to find your own forward-looking style and cultivate your vision.
Photos and videos as masterpieces of fine art
Jen Huang believes that video shooting will once again become more aesthetically driven. Today, when almost everyone has a camera, the exceptionally high skill of the photographer and videographer will be valued.
Creative storytelling versus standard photojournalism techniques
Amanda Mustard sees the modern photography industry as a downward spiral, but she also finds positive aspects - in photojournalism. Today, photojournalists use a variety of creative approaches in order to teach this or that story as interesting as possible. We are moving further and further away from the standard techniques of photojournalism. In 2017, photojournalists will offer us photographic images that are increasingly deeper in content and more aesthetically pleasing in form.
Aspiring photographers will make their mark in the photography industry
Michelle Fige feels there is still room for new photographers in today's photography industry. Young photographers today grow and develop in an open environment full of diverse visual images.
Stop for a moment
Ayesha Malik says the world is full of contradictions. We constantly take pictures and take pictures, post them on social media, creating a non-stop feed of images. We try to capture every moment without doing justice to its beauty and uniqueness.
Perhaps it's time to stop, pick up a bulky camera that only works in certain conditions, and pay tribute to the history of photography by creating a unique image that is slow and deep.
More good images
Dave Brosha predicts for photography in 2017 that the number of quality photos will grow at an astronomical rate. Never before have there been so many professional photographers in the world, and at the same time, never before have there been so many photographers outraged by this fact. Dave sees only the positive in this, since increased competition provokes an increase in skill. Everyone wants to be the best!
Dave Brosha also predicts the phasing out of the now popular “look” preset, which has been widely used over the past two years. Most likely, photographers will return to depicting timeless images using professional techniques and artistic vision.
Photo boom from travelers - in search of the unknown
Aaron Joel Santos is optimistic about 2017. He predicts the emergence of Southeast Asian photographers on the world stage due to the enormous emphasis placed on the quality of images, both artistic and commercial.
He predicts the emergence of many images of distant places that have not previously been captured by photographers. The world today is getting smaller as people travel more and more.
New technologies will create new opportunities for photographic creativity
S. Gary Chapman believes that every new technology and every new social platform creates new opportunities to experiment with photography. Our industry is changing so quickly that without a crystal ball, we can predict that technology and social platforms will continue to create new avenues for creativity in photography. The role of printed publications in the photo business will continue to decline.
The photographer will have to try on a new role
Erica Dufo believes that today many amateurs can create good photographs without the involvement of a photographer, so a true professional must also become a master of creating scenes, a master of lighting and, in general, a jack of all trades.
Are you a photographer? Or at least an amateur? So you're probably trying your best to get great images. Many people, in search of decent results, strive to improve their existing photography equipment and sooner or later find themselves spending more time looking for the next magic lens, magic filter or supernatural accessory than actually taking photos with it.
When you meet other photographers, you will often hear them discussing the latest products that have just been released by one manufacturer or another. Why is this happening? Why are some photographers so obsessed with gear? Most likely because we often fall into the marketing trap where we are promised that a new lens or a new bodysuit will improve our images simply because it is a new and therefore better piece of equipment. This may be true, but it is only half the truth. A new lens may help make the image a little sharper, or create more dramatic bokeh, but the optimal way to take photos best quality- improve your own photography skills.
by Sergey Suftin
Before you think about buying something new, consider the key points in photography and decide whether you know everything, whether you have already tried to improve a lot in your own skills, whether you have “pumped up your skills” enough, whether you have those that in themselves will polish your photograph?
And again about the light!
Light is the key to any look you are trying to recreate. If you need to get a clearly visible image, you should shoot at . To get a more dramatic effect, use a different type of lighting. You should definitely not use the term “bad light”. Light may simply be better for a certain type of photography because it is an important component great pictures.
But even if you think that photographing in the middle of the day is optimal because everything around is bright and there is a lot of light, you must remember that in midday lighting there is a lot of contrast (bright highlights and dark shadows). As a result, the photograph may be unattractive because the light has made the image look flat and one-dimensional.
How to overcome a trend at any time of the day? Just make it a habit to use gold watches in your photography. Think in advance about what kind of scene you plan to shoot, what time of day is best suited for it (morning or evening), in accordance with the planned shooting, and get out for the photo hunt on time. Carefully compose your image, make sure you have chosen the right photo, and only then press the shutter button.
Do not take 10 frames of the same scene, but 1-2, but pay close attention to the details. When you work with light, the results are immediate.
Become more flexible
by Elena Shumilova
Always look for additional options to realize your photography ideas. How often do you take a photo while standing upright and holding the camera in landscape? We can absolutely say that most novice photographers shoot this way, because it is the most comfortable for shooting. It’s worth changing this approach a little and looking for unusual angles or choosing a different shooting point. For example, everyone has seen and knows many examples of photographs of children looking directly into the camera.
Try kneeling or even lying on your stomach in front of the baby you are photographing. Turn the camera over and place it in portrait position. If you're photographing outdoors, find higher vantage points. This could be a fence or fencing, a balcony or a tree. Unique shooting points will help you create unique images.
Timing is everything
You've probably heard the phrase, "It's a matter of timing," for example, in relation to sports photography. This phrase is generally true in certain genres of photography. In , for example, timing is also key to deciding when to press the shutter.
by Henri Cartier-Bresson
A classic of photography, the famous photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson spoke about the importance of the “decisive moment”, because you can take a photo too early, and the scene will not have time to unfold, or too late, time will run out, the action will end, and you will not have anything interesting left photo because you missed the moment.
Of course, it is not easy to predict the development of an event, but with practice you can feel that it turns out better and better if you train your observation skills. With observation comes understanding and you begin to sense the best time to take a photo. When does it arise right moment?
It is different for each photographer and each photograph. This could be the moment before a smile, or the moment before the first tears appear, a moment of surprise or delight. Moments are varied and every photographer will capture them differently.
Manage exposure
We all know that it is very important to be able to control one of the main parameters in photography - exposure. How can a photographer influence exposure?
Control aperture and shutter speed. We wrote earlier in blog materials, now we're talking about that you should not allow the camera to automatically guide the process and let everything take its course. If you're still shooting in automatic mode, it's time to think about how to change your skills for the better. Learn how aperture and shutter speed affect your image. This knowledge will help you take high-quality pictures in any lighting conditions.
Use what you have
If you have a camera that was released less than five years ago, consider that you have the perfect tool for taking quality photos and the most you need to pay attention to is choosing the right lens. The lens is the eyes of the camera. If you are going to invest in equipment, save up some money and buy good optics. But first look at the lenses you have available.
First, make sure you know how each lens you have affects the scene in your viewfinder. You must clearly understand that a wide-angle lens has this effect where everything in the field of view moves further away and everything you look at through the viewfinder becomes distant. A telephoto lens (say 200mm) gives a compression effect (all the elements get closer to each other). If you were to shoot, for example, a mountain landscape with a wide-angle lens, and then switch to longer focal lengths (or telephoto) and try to get the same shots, you would fail. Photos of the same place will look different. The perspective and viewing angle of lenses are different. Make sure you understand what image you will end up with.
Summarize your knowledge
Nothing improves existing theoretical knowledge more than practicing photography. You should practice constantly, spend hours mastering the equipment you already have, and consider buying a new one if the equipment's settings limit your creativity. Practice your 100 shots - in aperture priority, or shoot 100 shots with only fifty dollars (50 mm). Don't change lenses until you have 100 photos to compare different types and in different conditions. Mix genres, try different lights. Practice, practice and more practice - only it can significantly improve your skills. And with mastery will come an understanding of what to choose from the endless new products in photographic equipment, what is missing and what the creative soul asks for.
Many photographers have heard of stock photos. It all seems simple enough: after you pass the stock exam, you can upload photos to your portfolio and wait for people to start buying. Unfortunately, this is a mistaken impression.
Surely you have heard about the theory of two oceans? Conventionally, the entire business world can be divided into 2 oceans – blue and red. The Red Ocean is the entire known market space. The boundaries of the market game are clearly defined here, and companies can only “conquer” their sales market. This is what it looks like modern world stocks: large production companies come to this market and simply push out single competitors. What's the secret? They can upload as many files per day as a single photographer can upload in a month.
I am just a representative of such a company and I know what I’m talking about: this is a very clear and well-honed mechanism, where every member of the team knows what to do. You must understand that everything on the stock has already been photographed! Gone are the days when you could photograph a cutout object or cats and easily earn money. And here the world of blue oceans opens up. Its essence is this: you yourself create demand for your product. Now you can make money on stocks by following trends, especially in colors. And remember - sooner or later the blue ocean will turn into red.
What colors should you use to get your portfolio noticed?
To understand what colors to use, you need to look. The trend is that people are now attracted to bright and uniform backgrounds without any highlights or gradients.
Pantone director Leatrice Eiseman described the trend colors of 2017-2018 as follows:
These should be cocoon colors that you would like to wrap yourself in and feel safe.
1. Grenadine
2. Tawny port
3. Ballet Slipper
4. Butterum
5.Navy Peony
6. Neutral Gray
7. Shaded Spruce
9. Autumn maple
Using these colors will help you make your portfolio bright and trendy, and then you will have a chance to compete with large production companies.
Who, if not a photo bank inspector, can say exactly what needs to be uploaded to stocks? We consulted with our chief inspector Tatyana Gladkikh and present to you the main trends in stock photography for 2016. In addition, stock market participants share their forecasts.
It's time not only to decide what to shoot or draw next year, but also to figure out what content to choose for your projects. After all, knowing the trends in the stock world is important not only for photographers who need to create a sought-after product, but also for designers, layout designers, editors and everyone who is faced with the task of choosing the right and relevant content.
Lose yourself in the gradient
Don't forget about business
Timeless business photos. But remember that business is not only an office and business people in suits, but also owners of small shops, cafes and representatives of other industries. The topic of startups and casual business is popular. And don’t forget about rare professions, images of which are so lacking in stocks. The business world is becoming more and more dynamic, don't let your photos be too static and boring. Despite the development of the process of globalization of the economy, which dictates the multinationality of models, the political situation indicates a deterioration in relations between countries, which negatively affects the conclusion of international contracts, so filming complex negotiations with a tense atmosphere or breaking a contract may appear in your portfolio.
Don't be afraid of repetition
Patterns are in great demand now, and we don’t think they will lose their popularity next year. If only because of their versatility - ornaments and patterns are used everywhere: from web design to packaging. The vector will be dominated by floral motifs in the style of the 50s, graphic patterns a la Uzbekistan, and indigo color. In photography, it is worth paying attention to ancient mosaics and eclecticism with elements inspired by the works of the Impressionists.
Become more transparent
In 2016, we are starting to accept clipart with transparent backgrounds. Clipart traditionally accounts for a significant percentage of sales. Designers are becoming more demanding, trying to save their time and prefer transparent backgrounds. There is no need to cut or clean anything - everything is ready to use. Billion Photos is rightfully considered the most successful contributor to such content, but we are sure that you also have something to offer your clients. Send us your work!
And finally, I would like to remind you that the key to successful sales is ability to listen to client needs. You can follow all the trends, but shoot what people won’t buy. Photo editors often complain that they have to scramble to illustrate bad news with positive stock content.
Try to cover different aspects of each topic you shoot, illustrating both the good and the bad. If you want to do a photo shoot on an airplane, don’t be carried away exclusively by business class, walk through the economy-level cabin, pay attention to the narrow seats, fantasize about turbulence, aggressive passengers, and emergency situations. There is no need to become pessimists, but it will not be a bad idea to change your perspective. Choose narrower topics and unoccupied niches, and competition will cease to be a problem.
In the end, experiment, combine, break all possible rules! Perhaps you will be the one to create new trend in design and photography.