Through the years, various trends have changed how commercial photographs are taken and displayed. Although photography trends don’t evolve as quickly as fashion trends, you’ll still be able to tell when something feels outdated or overdone.
The trend evolution of commercial photography often pulls inspiration from other creators, pop culture, and world events. Many photographers will use a mood board to align with their clients and share visual examples of the direction they wish to go. During this process, it’s important to use popular and successful trends from top-performing brands to illustrate your approach to the project.
To stay ahead of the curve, check out our top 10 photography trends predictions for 2025!
1. AI Advancements
Is anyone surprised? Artificial intelligence has evolved in leaps and bounds over the past three years, and it’s set to drive commercial photography trends this year too. AI has made it easier than ever to add to images, edit backgrounds, and enhance image quality.
AI-powered tools and editing software are revolutionizing all stages of the creative process, helping professional photographers realize visions that might have been otherwise unattainable through the use of traditional techniques. As a result, you can expect more and more product photography to be partly, or wholly, AI-generated.
What can we say? AI-enhanced photography is the future.
2. Portraits
AI might be taking over product photography, but authentic human connection remains at the heart of branded content. As AI-enhanced images become more mainstream, audiences increasingly crave genuine, relatable visuals.
That’s why portrait photography will be one of the biggest photography trends in 2025, especially in fashion, advertising, and media. Expect to see minimally edited images that showcase real skin textures, natural light, and unretouched moments.
The key, as always, is authenticity. Consumers want to see themselves reflected in the imagery, imperfections and all.
3. Inclusive Photography
When consumers ask for inclusivity, it’s no longer a request. Consumers demand diversity, and commercial and lifestyle photography trends need to keep up in 2025 or risk becoming completely irrelevant.
Brands, especially those in the beauty and fashion industry, need to move away from one-size-fits-all imagery to showcase authentic representation. Show your audience that your products truly work across diverse skin tones, body types, and identities.
4. Bright Colors, Bold Contrasts
There’s a time and place for black-and-white photography, and it’s not 2025.
Photography trends, like those in graphic design and packaging, are moving away from minimalist aesthetics after years of muted color palettes. In 2025, we’re due for some visual excitement. Look for bold, exciting colors that complement and contrast with the subject.
5. Sensory Images
Photography is getting a full-body experience in 2025. Modern photography will create visuals that trigger multiple senses: textures you can almost touch, colors that evoke memories, and compositions that make you feel temperature or movement.
Think condensation on canned drinks, sand beneath a pair of shoes, or a piece of chocolate captured right at the moment you break it. Subtle movements, intricate details, and layered visual experiences will be all the rage as brands strive to leave lasting impressions.
6. Aerial Shots
Drone photography never left, but it’s soaring back into the spotlight in 2025. As drone technology becomes bigger, better, and more accessible, brands are turning to aerial images to highlight scale, showcase unique angles, and capture dynamic movement in product shoots.
Expect to see aerial shots spreading across industries, from travel and real estate to retail campaigns and event marketing. The sky’s no longer the limit!
7. Retro and Vintage Aesthetics
The photography industry always has a soft spot for nostalgia. Every year, it seems we’re throwing it back to trends in photography from years or decades ago. In 2025, we expect retro and vintage aesthetics to take center stage.
As film cameras and analog techniques make a comeback, expect to see more grainy textures, muted colors, and soft-focus shots that harken to the past. Consider vintage filters, film-inspired editing, and retro props your new (or old) best friends.
8. Adding Motion to Still Images
In the digital age, post-production is just as important as the shoot itself when it comes to photography. 2025 is set to popularize another twist with cinemagraphs.
Cinemagraphs are a combination of a still photo and a video. Most of the scene will be stationary except for a section (usually the background or the subject) that moves on a continuous loop. They’re similar to GIFs, but the design is more intentional to create the illusion of “infinite moments.”
Using tools like Runway to add motion to still images is a great way to add storytelling elements to your photography.
9. 360° Product Photography
Interactive imagery will be on top of photography trends in 2025, especially for e-commerce brands. Consumers want to be able to virtually “touch” and “experience” products before adding them to cart. 360° images and augmented reality make this possible.
Allow your audience to rotate, zoom, and visualize products in real life, and they’ll be more likely to convert.
10. Close Ups
Get up close and personal with your subjects because 2025 is the year of detail shots. Photo trends will focus on intricate details, patterns, and tiny elements that make products or scenes unique.
Think of the delicate stitching on a garment or the shimmer of light on a gemstone—these shots captivate consumers by showing what often goes unnoticed. Bring out textures and create a sense of intimacy with these images by using sharp focus and natural lighting.
11. Dark and Moody Imagery
Last but certainly not least on this list of the top photo trends of 2025 is embracing the dark side and dipping into the shadows.
Yes, you heard it correctly: this year we’re moving away from the sun-kissed aesthetic and embracing the allure of darker imagery. You can create images like this by using lower exposures, moody shadows, and earthy tones that whisper mystery and depth.
#Trending Conclusion
Photography will always be an essential medium, and there are many ways to make money with it by adapting to and embracing new photography trends. That may involve sharing more video content, learning new techniques, and prioritizing research time over aimless scrolling.
If you need help, the Influence Agency is a one-stop source for all your digital advertising, marketing, and creative needs. We take custom photography and videography to a legendary level to ensure your brand stands out in a sea of competitors.
Connect with us today to leverage 2025’s photography trends, and elevate your branded content game to new heights.