If you’re a budding photographer, you should experiment with styles, techniques, and compositions. The New York Institute of Photography (NYIP) has identified five trends that are shaping the vibrant landscape of modern photography. Whether you're just dipping your toes into photography or already submerged in its colorful world, these trends offer fresh perspectives to explore and master. Let's dive in and uncover what these trends are, how to create them in your work, and how to enhance them through editing.
1. Neon lights in street photography scenes
A highlight of 2023's photography trends is the fusion of neon lights in street photography scenes. These lights add depth, vibrancy, and a futuristic edge to any ordinary scene, making your photos look cinematic.
To create this look, shoot at night in urban areas where neon signs are prevalent—think pubs, restaurants, storefronts, or even alleyways. Use a camera with a good low-light performance, and ensure you have a lens with a wide aperture to let in as much light as possible. Play around with angles, reflections, and silhouettes to enhance the effect.
In post-processing, accentuate the luminosity and colors of the neon lights using the HSL sliders in Lightroom. Carefully adjusting the hue, saturation, and luminance can make those neon colors pop while keeping the overall picture balanced.
2. Low shutter speeds for blurred motion subjects
Blurred motion photography, achieved through low shutter speeds, offers a dynamic element to your photographs by showcasing movement over a static snapshot.
To achieve this effect, you need to set your camera to a slower shutter speed, ideally under 1/50th of a second. It's often helpful to use a tripod to avoid unintentional blur due to camera shake. Busy city streets, sporting events, or natural scenes with moving elements like water or wind-blown leaves are excellent places to shoot.
In editing, use Lightroom's clarity and sharpness tools to further refine areas of focus, and use the radial or graduated filters to enhance or lessen the effect as needed.
3. Snapping raw, unposed, and candid moments
Authenticity in photography has become a trend in 2023, as it reflects a subject's genuine character, emotion, and narrative. This trend moves away from the overly-processed, overly-Photoshopped images we’ve been inundated with on social media and advertising in the past several years.
Shoot in natural light and focus on candid moments rather than staged poses. Be patient and take time to build rapport with your subject. Use a prime lens to get a shallow depth of field, helping the subject stand out from the background.
In editing, minimalism is key. Use Lightroom to subtly enhance light and color, but avoid excessive retouching. This approach will preserve the authenticity and rawness of the image.
4. Documentary-style storytelling
Documentary-style storytelling is an influential trend this year, enabling photographers to tell profound stories through a series of images.
To achieve this, think of a theme or a story that you want to convey. It could be a social issue, an event, or a person's life. Capture various aspects of the story, and remember, each shot should contribute to the overall narrative.
In editing, consistency is key. Ensure that your series of images have a consistent color grading and style. Also, sequencing your photos thoughtfully can further enhance the narrative.
5. Experimental photos with a hybrid mix of lightroom editing and in-camera tricks
This trend encourages photographers to push boundaries and experiment with both in-camera tricks and post-processing editing.
Start by experimenting with different in-camera tricks like multiple exposures, intentional camera movement, and playing with light and shadows. Don't shy away from unusual angles or perspectives.
In editing, Lightroom provides a plethora of tools to further enhance your experimental images. Adjust the color grading, play with split toning, or apply different filters. The goal is to be creative and make your images stand out.
Taking the next step: advance your photography with NYIP
With these trends, 2023 is an exciting year for photographers to experiment, create, and express. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring enthusiast, embracing these trends can take your photography to the next level.
Are you passionate about becoming a professional photographer? The New York Institute of Photography (NYIP) offers comprehensive photography courses that will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in this field. You will get a chance to understand these trends and many more in depth and how you can incorporate them into your photography.
So, why wait? Reach out to NYIP at 1-800-583-1736 or request information online to start your professional photography journey. The world is full of stories waiting to be captured, and it's time for you to tell them through your lens!
