2022 is just 11 days away. You must have taken tonnes of photographs this year, and have seen a multitude more than them. But, have you recognized the trends that ruled the photography world throughout the year? As we proceed towards 2022 latest look have a look at the top 5 photography trends of 2021 worth recalling:-
Down Memory Lane: 5 Photography Trends Of 2021 To Remember
Showing Unedited Beauty
Thanks to the popular artists who show their face without any makeup or editing on live chat on different social media platforms, and posted such photos there too, this trend became a hit. It is a way to flaunt the natural beauty as well as the flaws in us, exposing our true selves. In this trend, photographers find out the best features of their models and highlight that through their photography skills, without the usage of makeup. At the same time, instead of hiding the not-so-impressive features, they embrace it. Generally clicked in broad light, the flaws like dark circles, pimples, scars are visible. These photos were taken at a large number in 2021, both by professionals and amateurs.
Stopping age and body shaming
This trend was gaining its power for a few years but was seen to be more impactful this year. Photographers are considering models of different ages and body types for photoshoots. It is an important step to stop age and body shaming, and accept people as they are. This trend has a lot to explore in it. Many photographers chose to show their models having fun, implying age and body shape can never be a barrier to happiness. Some chose workplaces to give the message that only skills should be the reason for hiring people, not age or appearance.
Minimalist approach
Like Unfiltered photos, minimalist photography also became a boom during the lockdown when adequate settings and subjects were not available all the time. Minimalism requires expertise and experience in photography, as this art of telling a lot through as little as possible is difficult to master. Photographers of different genres, be it fashion, portrait, food, and even street, photographers have shifted to a minimalist approach to shooting. It helps them to focus on their subjects fully, and work hard on their photography skills.
Vast usage of color
The huge usage of bright and vibrant colors is noted in 2021. Strong colors grab attention easily. It is a simple way to stand out from the innumerable photographs that are posted or published throughout the year. Photographers of different genres have found their respective ways to add more colors to their photos naturally, by choosing colorful settings, subjects, outfits or makeup of models, etc. For example, street photographers have focused more on wall paintings and other strong outdoor arts. The most common trend in the usage of colors in 2021 was the use of smoke bombs. Smoke bombs are generally used outdoors and it fits in any genre of photography. When you use smoke bombs the photos have a Splash of vibrant colors and create an unusual effect. Like bright colors, black backgrounds were also in trend this year. It helps to achieve a classic sophisticated look. And the best part is, you can use it without any professional equipment, as black curtains or cardboard work perfectly.
360 Degree photography
It came into trend mainly because of the Google local business requirements. To become a Google certified photographer, you need to have expertise in 360-degree photography. Apart from product and real estate photography, it works well in panoramic landscape photography too. This trend shows the reality of a thing or scene in its exact manner, to the audience. The best part is, it is not a difficult thing to do. With the help of some specialized devices, one can do 360-degree photography using your smartphone! Photographers on a tight budget even tried to do it with specialized tripod heads, much cheaper than the devices and were able to recreate most of the scenes.
This was the list of top 5 trends followed in 2021, that is worth remembering. Some of them might be followed in 2022 too but there will be more new trends that will be followed. To know them too, keep reading WPC articles.
Written By Sanga Basu, Content Writer, WPC.
