2025 is here, and at Orms, we’re always on the hunt for the latest trends to keep our community inspired and ahead of the curve. Why? Because trends are more than just fleeting fads—they’re a window into how the art of photography evolves and how you can elevate your craft. By understanding what’s new, you can anticipate what clients, audiences, and fellow creatives will be looking for, ensuring your work stays fresh, relevant, and impactful.
This coming year promises game-changing developments that will redefine how we capture, edit, and share stories. Whether it’s a hobby or you’re a pro, this is your chance to explore the tools and techniques that will shape the future of photography. Intrigued? You should be. Let’s dive into what’s next.
AI-Powered Photography
Artificial Intelligence continues to revolutionise the photography industry, and in 2025, it’s stepping up in ways that will transform how we work. From smarter cameras to next-level editing tools, AI is all about making your workflow more efficient:
- Dynamic Composition Suggestions: Real-time guidance to perfect your framing.
- Instant Enhancements: With a click, adjust lighting, colour, and focus to bring out the best in your images.
- Intelligent Post-Production: Tools that help you achieve professional-grade edits in minutes rather than hours.
AI is a game-changer, but remember: it’s not replacing your creative vision—it’s enhancing it. You remain the storyteller; AI simply helps you tell your story with greater ease and precision.
Minimal Portraiture
On the flip side of AI’s technological precision, minimal portraiture is about stripping photography back to its raw essentials. This trend prioritises authenticity and human connection:
- Natural Light: Say goodbye to heavy studio setups and embrace the beauty of sunlight or ambient light.
- Candid Moments: Forget forced poses; capture your subject in their most genuine expressions.
- Minimal Editing: Highlight the imperfections that make a photo truly unique.
Minimal portraiture isn’t just a style; it’s a philosophy that resonates deeply in a world craving real, unfiltered connections.
Bold Colours and Dramatic Imagery
In 2025, vibrant, bold imagery is taking centre stage. Photographers are using colour and contrast to create visuals that demand attention:
What’s Driving the Trend?
- Cultural Celebrations: Festivals and events worldwide are rich with colour, providing endless inspiration.
- Artistic Statements: Bold imagery makes a statement, whether political, personal, or purely aesthetic.
Techniques to Master
- High-Contrast Lighting: Experiment with strong shadows and highlights to add drama.
- Colour Blocking: Use solid, contrasting colours to guide the viewer’s eye.
Where to Use It
Bold imagery works beautifully in:
- Fashion Photography: Make your subjects pop against vibrant backdrops.
- Street Photography: Capture the kaleidoscope of life in urban settings.
- Event Photography: Showcase the vibrancy of celebrations, parades, or parties.
Retro Aesthetic and Vintage Film
The charm of analogue photography is making waves in 2025, and it’s more than just nostalgia—it’s a deliberate choice to embrace the tactile, and the imperfect.
Key Drivers Behind the Revival
- New Film Releases: Leading brands like Kodak and Fujifilm are reintroducing beloved film stocks, catering to a growing audience of film enthusiasts.
- Hybrid Shoots: Combining digital convenience with film aesthetics. Think digital previews before capturing timeless film shots.
- Darkroom DIY: Photographers are rediscovering the joy of developing their own prints, adding a layer of craftsmanship to their work.
Why Film Matters
Film slows you down, encourages intentionality, and makes each shot count. It’s not just about the photo but the entire experience—from loading the roll to holding a physical print.
Ideas to Try
- Double Exposures: Experiment with layering images for a dreamy, surreal effect.
- Film Journals: Use film to document personal projects or travels in a tangible, heartfelt way.
- Monochrome Magic: Black-and-white film photography offers a timeless aesthetic that focuses purely on light and composition.
Immersive 360° and VR Photography
Immersive photography is taking storytelling to new heights. Imagine:
- Virtual Property Tours: Bring real estate listings to life.
- Event Coverage: Let viewers relive concerts or weddings in 360°.
- Travel Experiences: Transport your audience to exotic locations without leaving their homes.
Easy-to-use software and accessible gear mean creating these experiences is no longer reserved for tech experts. This trend is a game-changer for real estate, tourism, and architectural photography. Think of a homebuyer being able to walk through a property from the comfort of their couch. It’s next-level storytelling that creates deeper connections with your audience.
Mixed Media Creations: Analogue Meets Digital
One of the most exciting trends this year is the fusion of analogue and digital photography. Clients and audiences alike are drawn to the unique textures and depth that come from blending the two:
- Dual Deliverables: Provide both digital files and analogue prints for a richer storytelling experience.
- Creative Overlays: Combine scanned film images with digital enhancements for layered, multidimensional art.
- Fine Art Appeal: Mixed media work stands out in galleries and exhibitions, bridging traditional and modern techniques.
Photography and Video Add-Ons
With the demand for content at an all-time high, photographers who can also shoot video are ahead of the curve. This year, consider adding video to your skillset:
- Short-Form Content: Perfect for platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
- Hybrid Shoots: Seamlessly transition between stills and video during events or shoots.
- Behind-the-Scenes Footage: Offer clients additional value by capturing the process as well as the product.
Community-Driven Storytelling
At its core, photography is about connection. In 2025, community-driven projects are taking the spotlight:
- Local Stories: Celebrate the people, traditions, and places that define your community.
- Collaborative Projects: Partner with other creatives to amplify your impact.
- Authentic Narratives: Focus on the stories that resonate most with your audience.
We’re passionate about fostering community connections through photography. Whether you’re documenting a local event or capturing everyday moments, storytelling will remain at the heart of everything we do.
Final Thoughts
2025 is set to be a landmark year for photography. Whether you’re experimenting with bold colours, diving into film, or exploring the possibilities of AI and VR, the future is full of opportunities to grow and innovate. At Orms, we’re here to support your journey. From expert advice to the best gear for your needs, we’re with you every step of the way. Let’s make 2025 your most creative year yet!
