Photo Trends May 2024

Follow trends in photography always to be one step ahead of others! Every month, we discover novelties that are gaining popularity and becoming mainstream in the photography culture. Explore new photography and post-processing techniques, create challenges, and seek new inspirations to stay focused on the craft.

In this article, we will discuss 5 new directions that will reveal your creativity and the photo editing trends of May 2024. Find out what new awaits us this month. Check also the April Photo Trends to stay turned in the flow! Let's start our exciting journey by dissecting every detail of the new popular trends.

Trend #1: Textured Backgrounds

It's time to leave monotype backgrounds behind because interesting, unusual, and rough-textured backgrounds that add depth and visual interest to photos are gaining popularity this month. It does not matter what will be behind the main object or model in the image. The main thing is an interesting texture that will fit the object and the subject of the shooting, and it will also be a logical addition. However, do not fear experiments and attempts to combine the incompatible. After all, photography is an art, and it is quite democratic.

Use textured fabrics, natural elements like wood or stone, or digital texture overlays to create exciting compositions. Remember Color Psychology for Photographers to create harmonious pictures. Also, integrate the Color of the Year into your works.

Adding a textured background will enhance the photo's message and make it more interesting for the viewer, regardless of whether it is a portrait, an object photo, or a macro shot of nature. An interesting background can save a completely boring photo. This month's theme will also be a rustic background using natural textures and weathered materials.

Backgrounds with water will add interesting visual effects and imaginary visual effects. Exactly! Water has its unique texture and can be successfully integrated into portrait shots and subject shots of cosmetics or jewelry brands. The Water Enhancer from Luminar Neo is useful for processing such photos. Luminar also has a selection of Texture Presets that can be used in this photo editor and Photoshop. Unleash your creativity to the full!

Trend #2: Motion/Action Shots

Motion capture and moving shots are becoming another photography trend that you should try. Dynamic movement and energy will engage your audience. Experiment with techniques such as panning, freezing motion, and long exposures. All of them convey a sense of movement and vitality. It can be sporting events, children's photography or photos of playful animals, objective photography of falling objects or using water splashes, or even Food Levitation.

Incredible shots can be created by photographing a dance, the movements of gymnasts or athletes, or catching birds in the air or cars on a racing track. There are lots of ideas! Look for interesting things for yourself, get inspired, and create incredible shots. Convey the energy of the surrounding world with your pictures. Thanks to camera technology and editing software advances, you have many tools to develop moving photography.

Trend #3: AI Advancements

It is the most obvious among new trends in photography. Artificial intelligence has developed rapidly in the last two years and has taken firm root in photography. The incredible simplification of photographers' work bears fruit in different and new topics. Adding objects to images, editing backgrounds, and enhancing image quality is easier than ever. Now, in a couple of clicks, you can get results previously unattainable using traditional methods. Replace the background, change the sky, remove unnecessary objects, add the desired elements, intelligently expand the image, automatically retouch the skin, and much more with this intelligent editing technology.

Twilight Enhancer is a new photo editing trend. With it, you can achieve perfection regardless of shooting conditions. Adjust shadows, highlights, and colors. Simulate the sky's gradients or enhance existing light, adding a hint of purple, blue, gold, green, or even some peach to the edges. Let your creativity exist without any borders.

Feel free to use AI-powered features from Luminar Neo, Adobe Photoshop, and other favorite photo editors to enhance your creative process. From AI-powered editing software like Luminar Neo to smart cameras with built-in AI features, you can access many tools that automate your work and unlock new creative possibilities. If you still need to learn what an AI camera is and desire whether you need it, read the article about it.

AI has become the main trend in photo editing and continues to develop unstoppably. Applying artificial intelligence technologies will help you take your photography to the next level and stay ahead of the industry.

Trend #4: Dutch Angles

If you need to become more familiar with the Dutch angle, we will tell you what it is and how to make it. It is a shot taken with the camera slightly tilted to one side. In this technique, you have to create a deliberate slope of the horizon so that it is not parallel to the bottom frame. Such photos add dynamism to your images and attract attention with an unconventional perspective.

This technique, popularized in cinematography, is now making waves in photography. Using Dutch angles in your work will add creativity and intrigue to your images, making them stand out from the usual photo feed. Whether shooting portraits, landscapes, or street scenes, this angle gives you a versatile tool for storytelling and expression, adding depth and dimension to every shot.

Trend #5: Futuristic Concepts

Although more and more trends of recent years are returning us to natural, authentic images, we still turn to stunning images that demonstrate futuristic concepts. Use holographic projections, metallic textures, and neon lighting to demonstrate unusual photos.

This trend involves incorporating futuristic elements into your shots. Such elements can be futuristic architecture, technology, fashion, combining the past with the future for contrast, etc. Using futuristic concepts, you transport your viewer into imaginary worlds and show your future vision. This trend will be matched by its combination with another trend of this year — monochrome photos. Learn how to add this trendy effect to your photos and try to Illuminate Your Creativity With Neon Light.

From elegant and minimalist compositions to bold and avant-garde designs, this trend invites you to experiment with new techniques and styles to convey the essence of the future. With digital manipulation, creative lighting, or innovative props, you can explore new horizons and inspire awe and wonder in your audience.

Bottom Line

These are the current trends in photography. If you adapt and embrace new trends in photography and try yourself in them, you have a better chance of keeping your audience interested and turning art into income. You may need to research more articles or videos to understand some of these trends better, but the result will be worth the effort. When you try new styles, you find yourself and feel like an artist. In addition, practice in various techniques makes you a more professional and versatile photographer. So, learn to be curious, brave, and desperate.

Combine different trendy techniques, expanding your imagination and creative potential. Capture movement in photos, add energy to them, convey the depth of texture, and look for unconventional angles and perspectives in Dutch Angles, adding drama, tension, and intrigue to your compositions. Step into the realm of futuristic concepts where imagination knows no bounds. Push the boundaries of creativity with avant-garde techniques, futuristic themes, and innovative approaches to photography. Break free from traditional norms and explore new dimensions of visual storytelling! We wish you inspiration and incredible pictures! See you soon to discuss the summer trends in photography!