Visiual Trends

These images capture some of the most captivating, current visual trends. From the resurgence of film photography to the end of minimalism, we’re excited to see some of our favorite photographers, including PDN’s 30 and past Emerging Photographer winners, incorporating these new techniques and styles into their recent work.

PHOTO © MAGGIE SHANNON @maggieshannon

This trend represents the current desire for authenticity. People want to relate to the subjects they see in portraits and fashion photography, so diversity of all types, including body types, has replaced impossible-to-achieve postures and heavily retouched images.

PHOTO © HOLLIE FERNANDO @holliefernando

Minimalism is out! Gone are the days of one clear subject and surrounding white space. This trend is defined by intricate lighting and set design and prioritizes the theatrical elements of storytelling.

Representing social causes is no longer limited to photojournalism, and social media has provided a platform that gives everyone an opportunity to take a stand. More art photographers are using their images to spread awareness about social and environmental causes, especially causes that are personally significant to them.

PHOTO © PAUL SIMON @notpaulsimon

This trend is inspired by the DIY elements of zines, incorporating photo collage, paper cutouts, noise and grain textures and roughedged layers into imagemaking.