At some point in the design process, photography is added to help tell a story and bring the website to life. To make the most of the photos you select, it’s helpful to be familiar with the latest trends.
Anyone can look up recent trends in photography, however. What’s more important is that you know how to best manipulate photographs to achieve certain results.
In this article, I want to discuss six photography trends that will help you improve your website. Some of them are obvious but worth pointing out. Others are rarely discussed, and therefore, go forgotten.
I hope that these tips not only inspire you to try some different things, but also teach you more efficient ways of doing things. If you can find a better approach, you may be able to save yourself time and frustration while enhancing your designs.
Let’s get started.
Trend #1: The Supersized Look
This first trend is ridiculously popular, but it rarely gets old.
Supersized backgrounds achieve a number of goals, and all it takes is one image to do the trick. The image fills the screen, makes use of the space and communicates the brand’s message.
If you use an oversized background photo, choose it wisely. Because it is the first thing visitors will see and where their attention will be directed, you want to make a good first impression.
For example, if you want the photo to convey your brand’s message, the image can highlight the interaction between people and where your product or service fits into their life. You can also opt for a plain background image and bold text.
Trend #2: The Background and Foreground Look
If you like the idea of supersized backgrounds but are looking for something edgier, here’s a suggestion you may enjoy: backgrounds as foreground content.
With this trend, the image is used as both a background and foreground element. The photograph does a nice job of filling out the background while also being brought to the foreground. There are different ways to accomplish this, but the most common is using depth of field where a product is in focus.
There is some careful planning that is required to make this work, so you can’t choose just any photo. You’ll need to work with your photographer to get the right content. But once you do, you’ll love what the end result looks like.
Trend #3: The Decorative Look
Generally speaking, design experts agree that the photos chosen for a website should match the content. Using decorative photos for the heck of it may look nice, but it doesn’t do much to convey the message of the brand.
However, decorative photos aren’t always a bad thing, so you don’t have to dismiss them right off the bat. They can have a purpose, and that purpose is creating a specific tone or atmosphere for your website.
If you find that some decorative photos resonate with you and complement your design, go for it. Not every photo has to be exclusive to your brand’s message.
Trend #4: The Muted Look
Muted photographs are those that have a faded tone to them. In other words, the colors are “muted” so that they don’t pop out. These photos have a vintage or worn look to them, and they are commonly used in hipster design styles.
The muted look can be easily applied using tools in Photoshop. It’s the perfect design choice when you want to add an image but you don’t want the colors to be the main focus.
One key benefit to using muted photography is that you don’t have to worry about the original lighting or setting of the photograph. Since you’re washing out the colors, inconsistencies won’t be as noticeable.
Trend #5: The Monochrome Look
The monochromatic look may not be as popular as other design trends, but it does have its niche. Do not confuse this look with the black and white look, though. Monochromatic photography changes the image into one, singular color of varying shades, but it can be any color.
In addition to being used on individual photographs, a monochromatic look can be used on an entire website. Keeping things consistent also makes it easier to select and match elements.
There are some industries that won’t find much use in a monochromatic look, however. Examples include businesses that sell clothes, shoes and jewelry. Color, obviously, is important.
Trend #6: Knolling
A final photograph trend that deserves some attention is knolling.
Knolling refers to the process of aligning objects into parallel or 90-degree angles and then photographing them from above. It’s a unique design trend that is organized and pleasing to the eye. Knolling is ideal when you want to incorporate a lot of products into one photo without it looking cluttered.
With this trend, the items pictured are placed against a solid background. This makes the objects easy to identify and also allows them to be the part of the photo that draws the user’s attention.
Final Thoughts
Capturing photos for your website is only half the fun. Playing around with them to achieve different looks is the other half!
There are many design trends that are easy to implement and can bring your photos to life. They can also help with conveying a specific tone for your website. If you have photos that are awesome but lack in color consistency or lighting, some of these approaches will be even more resourceful.
Go ahead and give them a try and let me know what you think!
