The Photography Trends that Define 2025

Daniel Love
Oct 8
3 min read

Updated: Oct 10

Issue #5

Let’s be real: designers have had their work cut out this year.

Between AI overload, dwindling attention spans, and hypersaturated content, it’s been crucial to cut through the noise and stand out with work that feels authentic, relevant, and emotionally resonant.

Trends come and go, but providing a genuine connection is timeless. That connection is your ultimate competitive advantage, and nailing that first impression is crucial. You cannot compromise on the critical piece that sparks that connection: the imagery.

Here we’ve dived into the key genres that have been empowering creatives and photographers alike this year.

Candid shots

PSA: audiences are tired of seeing the hyper-polished aesthetic of the 2010s

These photos are more than just quick snapshots, though. This year’s about capturing real, unfiltered moments that feel raw and relatable. We want to see more of the rough, the real, and the approachable.

Remember: not every moment needs to be perfect. Just authentic. Never underestimate your audience’s eye for authenticity — they can always tell when something feels staged or disingenuous.

Abstract & textural

In 2025, flat design feels a little… flat

Abstract and textural imagery adds that extra oomph, giving your work depth and making it feel more tangible. These images can soften type-heavy layouts and minimalist designs, creating a more engaging and grounded aesthetic.

By adding texture, designers can create a sensory connection, balancing digital precision with a more tactile quality. It creates a unique balance. It feels like a fusion of pre-tech and modern design, digital and physical, leaving a more lasting impression.

Dark imagery

No, it’s not your screen settings — dark imagery is having a moment

Between blockbusters and dramatic ad campaigns, these visuals leverage deep shadows, muted tones, and dramatic contrasts to evoke emotion and intrigue. They can also amplify visual impact and create a strikingly modern aesthetic, especially when paired with bold, clean typography.

One common source of inspiration: the fashion industry. Brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Fear of God pioneer the use of dark imagery to grab audiences' attention. Just don’t go too dark, or your audience may start squinting and complaining in the comment section.

“Flash on”

If you aim to grab attention and feel effortlessly cool, this is your time

Whether it’s a high-end brand or a label looking to feel more relatable, high-key flash photography is increasingly being used to create bold, high-energy visuals. There’s a higher need for things to feel authentic and ‘real’ in the digital space as we move forward. We’re going to see more flash photography that displays the real and raw.

This nostalgic style, characterised by direct lighting and vivid subject isolation, feels dynamic and draws attention, especially if your audience appreciates the Y2K aesthetic.

Woman sings into microphone with camera flash

JPEG artefacting

Noise is out — artefacts are in

Incorporating JPEG artefact into images is a rising trend that adds a raw, intentionally imperfect aesthetic. We’re seeing a significant shift from digital to 'IRL' culture, where people are increasingly rejecting hyper-modernity and embracing a sense of grounded tradition.

These digital imperfections tap into early-internet nostalgia while offering a unique visual texture that contrasts with today’s overly polished visuals. This experimental approach also adds a found on the internet feel, which can help brands appear more grounded and innovative.

Collage

Cut it, layer it, mess it up—collage is back

This trend is about breaking the rules and having fun with your visuals. “In a time when AI and automation are at the top of my mind, I've been drawn to trends with a human element,” says New York-based designer and illustrator Kirsten Holland.

By leaning into the imperfections and organised chaos of the process, collage work can produce designs that feel organic and one-of-a-kind in a crowded visual landscape. Remember: the more weird you get with it, the more you stand out.