17 photography trends for 2025 you can’t miss

The photography industry continues pushing boundaries and redefining how we capture and perceive the world. From technological advancements to shifting cultural narratives, photography adapts to reflect and influence our society. Staying informed about upcoming photography trends for 2025 can spark creativity and keep your work fresh and relevant.

In this blog, we'll delve into the most exciting photography trends expected to take center stage in 2025, ranging from AI-enhanced innovations and retro aesthetics to sustainable themes and immersive experiences. Each trend offers unique opportunities for many photographers to explore new creative avenues and connect with audiences meaningfully.

We'll also highlight how you can harness the power of these trends through Gelato's easy print on demand solutions, which offer photographers a global platform to showcase their craft.

• The top photography trends for 2025 promise to offer innovative approaches and fresh aesthetic experiences, keeping both professionals and hobbyists inspired.

• Embracing trends such as AI-enhanced photography and immersive virtual reality can enhance your creative process and produce captivating images.

• Gelato’s print on demand solutions enable photographers to easily transform their work into high-quality products such as wall art, calendars, and photo books.

• Understanding trends like sustainable photography themes and experimental styles helps you stay relevant and environmentally conscious.

• Exploring new forms of photography, including drone technology and 360° imaging, opens up opportunities for unique visual storytelling.

In 2025, the world of photography is set to take center stage with innovative trends that are reshaping how we capture and experience moments. Let's explore some of the trends:

• AI-driven enhancements: Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing image editing, making complex modifications more accessible and efficient.

• Embracing the past: Retro and vintage styles are returning, adding a timeless elegance to your captures.

• The power of smartphones: With ever-improving camera technology, smartphones are now pivotal tools for capturing stunning photos with minimal gear.

• Eco-conscious themes: Sustainable photography is gaining traction, encouraging photographers to focus on environmental and ethical storytelling.

• Immersive visuals: Virtual reality and 360° photography craft engaging, interactive experiences that pull viewers into the scene.

• Creative self-expression: Self-portraits and experimental photography allow for personal expression, enabling photographers to share unique narratives.

Let's unpack the biggest modern photography trends of 2025 so you can start the new year by redefining the art of capturing moments.

1. AI-enhanced photography

Leveraging artificial intelligence, cameras, and software can automatically adjust settings for optimal exposure, focus, and composition. Advanced algorithms facilitate easy background removal, portrait retouching, and even style transfers, enabling artists to achieve professional-grade results easily. 

Gelato’s photobooks and wall art are perfect canvases for AI-enhanced images. Our intuitive ordering process and global printing network make bringing your AI-driven creations to life effortless.

2. Retro and vintage aesthetics

This trend is characterized by muted color palettes, film grain textures, and classic composition techniques reminiscent of the 70s and 80s. Digital tools also offer presets and filters that mimic the look of old photographs, allowing for creative experimentation.

Gelato’s calendars and cards are ideal for retro and vintage-themed photography. Our printing technology reproduces the subtle tones and textures that define this trend, ensuring your retro creations stand out.

3. Smartphone photography

This photography trend has sensor quality, lens versatility, and computational photography, allowing users to capture stunning images without the need for bulky equipment. Features like multi-lens systems, night mode, and advanced editing apps empower both amateurs and professionals to create high-quality content on the go. 

With accessories like portable lenses and stabilizers, smartphone photography remains accessible, innovative, and a key player in the evolving photography landscape.

4. Aerial and drone photography

Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras enable photographers to capture expansive landscapes, architectural marvels, and dynamic action shots from above. This trend is particularly valuable in real estate, tourism, and environmental documentation, providing unique visuals that enhance storytelling. Drone wedding photography is also very popular. 

Gelato’s wall art is perfect for showcasing this trend, with large-format prints that can highlight the expansive views and intricate details captured. 

5. Sustainable photography themes

Photographers choose subjects that highlight sustainability, like renewable energy projects, eco-friendly lifestyles, and the beauty of untouched natural environments. This trend raises awareness about important ecological issues and promotes responsible practices within the industry, such as using eco-friendly materials and minimizing waste during shoots. 

By emphasizing sustainability, photographers contribute to the global dialogue on environmental protection and inspire audiences.

6. Candid and documentary-style portraits

Candid and portrait photography emphasizes natural expressions, spontaneous interactions, and subjects' true essence, moving away from staged and highly controlled images. Ideal for personal, editorial, and street photography, this style creates a deeper emotional connection with viewers by showcasing real-life emotions and experiences. 

Gelato’s personalized greeting cards are ideal for this trend, preserving the essence of each captured moment with Gelato’s superior print quality.

7. Color-blocking and high-contrast

Characterized by using vibrant, solid colors juxtaposed with sharp contrasts to create visually striking images, color blocking emphasizes simplicity and clarity, often focusing on geometric shapes and clean lines to highlight subjects. High-contrast techniques, such as strong light and shadow play, add depth and drama, making elements pop. 

8. Virtual reality and immersive photography

This trend allows viewers to explore scenes from multiple angles, creating a sense of presence and engagement that traditional photography cannot achieve. Ideal for real estate, travel, and event photography, VR enables users to virtually step into a location and experience it firsthand. 

Advances in VR technology and software have made creating and sharing immersive content more accessible, building new storytelling techniques and interactive experiences. 

9. Corporate and commercial photography

This genre encompasses many styles, including professional headshots, product shots, and lifestyle imagery that reflect a company’s identity and values. With the rise of digital marketing, social media, and ecommerce, the demand for polished and consistent imagery has never been higher. 

Photographers specializing in this field must balance creativity with strategic objectives, ensuring that each image effectively conveys the desired message and resonates with target audiences. 

10. Self-portraits

Beyond simple snapshots, self-portraits now incorporate advanced techniques such as creative lighting, elaborate compositions, and digital enhancements to convey personality and emotions. This trend is fueled by the rise of personal branding and social media, where individuals seek to present their unique identities and stories visually. 

Photographers experiment with this art form using mirrorless setups, tripods, and remote triggers to achieve professional-quality self-portraits. 

11. Bird's eye view

This trend offers a unique perspective by capturing scenes from directly above. This vantage point is ideal for showcasing landscapes, urban environments, and intricate patterns that are not visible from ground level. 

Gelato’s large-format wall art can emphasize aerial shots' unique perspectives and intricate details. Photo books can offer a curated collection of these unique viewpoints, printed with Gelato’s clarity and precision.

12. Solo outdoor photography

This trend highlights themes of self-discovery, adventure, and the beauty of solitude, often showcasing subjects in remote or picturesque settings. Photographers use natural light, expansive backdrops, and minimalist compositions to convey a sense of freedom and introspection. 

Techniques such as long exposures, panoramic shots, and creative framing enhance the storytelling aspect of these images. Solo outdoor photography appeals to audiences seeking inspiration and connecting with the natural world. 

13. 360° photography

This trend is increasingly popular in virtual tours, real estate, and event coverage, where providing a comprehensive view enhances engagement and understanding. Photographers utilize specialized cameras or stitching software to create smooth, spherical images that users can navigate with a click or gesture. 

The versatility of 360° photography also extends to creative projects, such as interactive storytelling and virtual exhibitions. 

14. Experimental photography

This trend encompasses many practices, including double exposures, light painting, abstract compositions, and unconventional materials. Photographers create unique and thought-provoking images that challenge viewers' perceptions by experimenting with different processes, such as film manipulation, digital glitch effects, and mixed media. 

Experimental photography builds innovation and personal artistic growth, allowing photographers to develop their distinctive styles. 

15. Cinematic photography

This draws inspiration from film photography, focusing on storytelling, dramatic lighting, and dynamic compositions to create images that feel like still frames from a movie. This trend emphasizes mood, atmosphere, and narrative elements, using techniques such as shallow depth of field, color grading, and lens flares to enhance the visual impact. 

Cinematic photography is popular in portraiture, fashion photography, and conceptual projects, where conveying emotion and context is crucial. 

16. Product photography

High-quality, visually appealing product images attract customers and drive sales online. This trend emphasizes clarity, detail, and accurate representation of products, often incorporating creative styling, lighting, and backgrounds to enhance appeal. 

Innovations in technology, such as 3D imaging and augmented reality, are influencing product photography, allowing for interactive and immersive presentations.

17. Creative lifestyle photography

This captures the essence of everyday moments in an artistic and imaginative way, blending candidness with intentional styling. This trend focuses on portraying authentic experiences, emotions, and interactions within various contexts, such as home, work, travel, and leisure. Gelato’s photobooks, calendars, and wall art are perfect for creative lifestyle photography. Gelato’s flexible product options and high-quality prints make celebrating and displaying your creative lifestyle photography easy.

Gelato’s comprehensive suite of products—wall art, calendars, cards, and photobooks—is designed to accommodate the latest photography trends of 2025. Be it AI-enhanced, retro, or drone photography, Gelato’s high-resolution printing ensures every detail shines. 

Sustainable and experimental styles are effortlessly showcased with eco-friendly materials and customizable options. With a global network and efficient processes, Gelato makes printing your latest photography trends simple and effective.

You've now explored the exhilarating photography trends that will take center stage in 2025. Inspired by how these themes can innovate and elevate your work, you can embrace these trends and transform your creative vision into popular products with Gelato.

Gelato’s print on demand solutions offer an effortless way to showcase your photography through stunning wall art and customizable products such as cards, photo books, and calendars. Imagine turning AI-enhanced or retro images into gorgeous canvas prints or unique photo books that captivate your audience. 

Gelato simplifies this process with a global network, allowing you to print locally and sell globally. Boasting an impressive track record, Gelato promises both efficiency and quality. Whether you’re creating a series of colorful calendars or poignant cards, Gelato ensures your masterpieces reach customers worldwide without the hassle of inventory or logistics. 

Ready to elevate your photography and start selling your art worldwide? Sign up for Gelato and turn your creative passion into a thriving business.

What kind of photography is in most demand?

Commercial and social media photography are currently the most in demand. Businesses require high-quality images for branding, marketing, and ecommerce, while individuals seek engaging photos for platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Portrait and event photography remain popular for personal and professional use.

What is the new trend in photography?

AI-enhanced photography is emerging as a significant trend. Using artificial intelligence, photographers can automate editing, enhance image quality, and effortlessly explore creative effects. This technology allows for more efficient workflows, innovative styles, and the creation of visually stunning images that push the boundaries of traditional photography.

Should professional photographers follow new trends?

Yes, professional photographers should embrace new trends to stay relevant and competitive. Adopting emerging techniques and styles can enhance creativity, attract diverse clients, and keep their work fresh. However, it's essential to balance trends with personal style to maintain authenticity and unique artistic vision.

What kind of photography will be in the most demand in 2025?

In 2025, AI-enhanced photography and sustainable photography themes will be the most in demand. AI tools streamline creation, offering professional-quality results effortlessly, while sustainability-focused images resonate with growing environmental awareness. Immersive and drone photography will also gain popularity for their unique perspectives and storytelling capabilities.