Like in all other fields, photography also is evolving. New technologies are evolving as are new trends. Many of these trends are good developments that help photographers take top-quality photographs. However, some of these trends are worrying – mostly because they negatively affect the art of photography.
While these worrying trends may be in vogue, it is advisable to be careful about such trends. We list five such trends in today’s world of photography. All these trends can have long-term implications for your quest to become a great photographer. You must be aware of these trends and avoid following them.
5 Worrying Photography Trends
1) Copying photo ideas from others
If you want to be a successful photographer, your work must stand out. For this, you need to take unique photographs. It goes without saying that original photos are unique and will help you be successful. But an unfortunate trend in vogue is that of copying photos. Many photographers look for inspiration on social media.
Once they see a photo they like, they then create a similar photo. There is nothing wrong with being inspired by photos taken by others. But the inspiration must help you get ideas to create a new photo. If you copy the same idea, then there is nothing unique in your photo. Also, you are not showing your creativity. In the long run, this trend is detrimental as it will affect your creative abilities.
2) Unethical behavior
We live in an age where everyone wants to be famous and successful. The route to fame is through hard work and not through shortcuts. Unfortunately, there are many unethical practices photographers are practicing. These unethical practices may help them gain instant fame. But in the long run, it can give them a bad name. Taking royalty-free stock photos and claiming them to be your own is one such practice.
With advanced tools available, it is easy to detect such copying. It can lead to the photographer being blacklisted. Invading people’s privacy to get a good candid photo is another worrying trend. It may help you get a great photo, but it is definitely not ethical. Similarly, shooting homeless people or those who are vulnerable is a bad trend and not good ethics.
3) Overreliance on post-production
Technology has ensured you can take photos on your camera or smartphone and then edit them. There are plenty of tools available for post-production. These tools help you spruce up your photos and make them look good. The tools available can even help you convert average photos into great photos. This unfortunately has become a problem.
Many photographers are now over-relying on post-production. Instead of focusing on image composition and practicing good photo techniques, they leave everything for post-production. Such images are over-processed and not authentic. The real secret of a good photograph lies in the way it is shot using a camera. Too much post-production is not good. The danger is that the skills of photography may get lost in the process.
4) Too much use of social media
There is no doubt that social media is where all the action is. Becoming popular on social media is a good way to achieve success. As a result, people post a lot of photos on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Even photographers start posting their work on social media. While it is good to share your work, overuse of social media can become a problem.
If you start posting everything on social media, then it is overkill. You are overexposing yourself in the process. Ideally, you must only post samples showcasing your best work. You must then motivate people to visit your website or contact you for more. This is the best way to market yourself. Too much of social media may not be useful.
5) Lack of diversity
Diversity is a key issue in today’s world. It is needed in every area to ensure inclusion. In the world of photography, the photographs taken must represent the world as it is. But sadly, many photographers only focus on people who look good. The result is under-representation. Such photos become popular and lead to a perception that only certain types of people look good in photos.
Diversity in the selection of models and subjects can help avoid this. Also, photographers tend to get caught in stereotyping (e.g.: photographing girls with dolls and boys with robotic toys). In the long run, this is not good. A good photographer is one who has an inclusive portfolio that ensures there is proper diversity.
Be aware of these trends and focus on creating content that is original and authentic to you.
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