Today, the power of visual communication has become more prominent than ever. Thanks to the availability of high-tech (high technology) devices, such as smartphones! As a photo or videographer, you need to remain aware of photo and videography trends for 2025. The same holds if your business relates to capturing photographs and creating videos for branding. That is, what’s trending (hot) this year regarding photography and videography.
In this post, we’ll reveal to you the hot photography and videography trends in 2025. But before that, we shall have a look at the following:
- What Is Photography & Videography?
- History of Photography and Videography
- Key Differences between Photography and Videography
What Is Photography & Videography?
So what is photography & videography? Let’s find out next.
What is Photography?
Photography is an art that entails capturing light with a camera. And with a digital sensor or film, in general, for image creation. In fact, you can photograph wavelengths of light invisible to the unaided eyes. Ultra-violet (UV), Infrared, and Radio waves, to mention those wavelengths.
Moreover, the three minimum requirements for taking a photograph are the following:
- Light
- Subject – Who You Are Photographing
- Composition – Arrangements of Items in a Photograph, Telling a Story
What is Videography?
Videography refers to the process of capturing a video digitally with editing and video production afterward. Videographers use digital cameras and streaming devices for videography for recording a concert or streaming podcasts, for example.
History of Photography and Videography
Now, let us have a quick look at the history of photography and videography.
History of Photography
The history of photography dates back to ancient Greeks or Chinese who used camera obscura. Besides, a camera obscura is simply a dark room with a small hole in one wall. In 1826, Joseph Nicephore Niepce from France created the first permanent photograph. Later, he collaborated with Louis Jacques Mande Daguerre, which led to the creation of a popular early photographic process. Namely, the Daguerreotype.
Moreover, William Henry Fox Talbot in 1840 developed the calotype process. It led to the development of a negative-positive system for photography. Later, photography evolved with advancements in film, lenses, and photography techniques in the 20th century. And the invention of digital cameras in the 1990s revolutionized photography. Nowadays, photography is more accessible and affordable with the availability of smartphones.
Today, you can capture stunning and professional-grade photographs with smartphones without breaking the bank. Smartphones come equipped with many editing and post-processing apps, so they have made photography creative and engaging for us.
History of Videography
The history of videography dates back to 1832 when Joseph Plateau created the first moving image. He created the first moving image in his invention called “Phenakistoscope.” And Thomas Edison and William Dickson are responsible for the birth of motion pictures because of their invention, the Kinetoscope.”
Moreover, the development of film cameras and projection systems in the early 20th century gave birth to cinema, And in the late 1950s, videotape technology was born, allowing for easier recording and playback of moving images. In the 1980s, camcorders made video recording more accessible to the general public. Over time, digital video cameras and editing software we know to date revolutionized videography. Because of them, digital filmmaking and online video platforms are common nowadays.
Key Differences between Photography and Videography
Let us have a look at the key differences between photography and videography:
1. Gear Variation
Modern cameras excel at both videography and photography (still), yet the gear for both diverges. Photography relies on an array of lenses, tripods, and lighting equipment to capture perfect shots. Contrarily, videography relies on stabilizers, microphones, and additional audio equipment to produce quality video content. What’s more?
The bare minimum gear for photography is a camera and lens. And the bare minimum gear for videography is a camera, lens, and audio.
2. Difference in Focus
Photography focuses on capturing the perfect shot in a single frame (capturing stills). It ensures the composition and lighting are perfect. Conversely, videography entails capturing a sequence of movements to tell a cohesive story.
3. Editing Style Difference
In the realm of photography, editing focuses on perfecting individual moments. In this regard, photographers focus on the following things:
- Color Correction
- Cropping
- Retouching
- Filter Application
On the other hand, editing in the realm of videography is a dynamic narrative-building process. So, videographers focus on the following for video editing to improve the storytelling and visual appeal of videos:
- Arranging Clips
- Synchronizing Audio
- Employing Transitions and Effects
Next, we’ll have a look at hot trends in 2025 for both photo and videography one-by-one.
Top 10 Hot Photography Trends for 2025
Here are the top 10 hot trends for photography in 2025:
1. AI-Based Photography
AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology has evolved fast in the last few years and is still evolving. It has made it easier than ever for us to make changes to existing images, edit backgrounds, and improve image quality.
Today, AI tools are letting professional photographers realize visions possible with AI, which are otherwise unattainable. For this reason, we expect AI-based photography to trend in 2025.
2. Portrait Photography
Another hot trend to watch out for in 2025 is portrait photography. We expect to see authentic portrait photography in fashion, advertising, and media, in particular. And we expect to see it with minimal edits, showcasing real skin texture, natural light, and unretouched moments.
3. Inclusive Photography
Another hot trend to keep your eye on this year is inclusive photography. In fact, consumers demand diversity in commercial and lifestyle photography. They want beauty and fashion brands, in particular, to authentically reflect diverse people with inclusivity photography. For the same reason, brands need to move away from the OSFA (One-Size-Fits-All) imagery to portray their customers. So, inclusive photography is another trend you are going to see in 2025. A well-equipped team guides effectively regarding best photography for different in-house and client’s business at pocket-friendly rates.
4. Bold Colors and High Contrast Imagery
Black-and-white photography won’t trend this year, as it has a time and place. In 2025, photography is going to take a shift from minimalistic aesthetics following the years of muted color palettes. Therefore, you will see photographs in bold, exciting colors this year, complementing the subjects with high contrast.
5. Sensory Images
Photography in 2025 is going to trigger our multiple senses at the same time. We are going to experience textures with it that we can almost touch and colors evoking our memories. In addition, compositions will let us feel the movement and temperature. In other words, we’ll see sensory images in 2025 with subtle movements, intricate details, and layered visual experiences.
6. Drone Photography
Drone photography is going to stay in 2025, similar to the past. In fact, we expect to see more brands turning to capturing aerial images with drone technology. They will do that to leverage bird’s-eye view perspectives for emphasis and showcase shoots from unique angles.
In other words, we expect to see aerial drone footage spreading across different industries in 2025. Ranging from travel and real estate to event marketing and more. So, brands will exploit drone photography for improved visual storytelling with increased accessibility this year.
7. Retro and Vintage Photography
When it comes to nostalgia, the photography industry always has a soft spot. For the same reason, you see trends in photography again and again from years or decades ago.
In 2025, we expect retro and vintage aesthetics to take center stage in photography. That is to say, we’ll see more grainy textures, muted colors, and soft-focus shots, linked to the past. Thus, you will find vintage filters, film-inspired editing, and retro props (properties) your new yet old best friends this year.
8. Cinemagraphs
Cinemagraphs entail the addition of motion to still images. They are a combination of a still photo and a video, with most of the scene stationary except for a section. Cinemagraphs also look similar to GIFs (Graphics Interchange Formats). However, their designs are more intentional for creating the illusion of infinite movements. In 2025, cinemagraphs are going to popularize photography further.
Moreover, motion graphics companies often specialize in creating cinemagraphs. If you are looking to create cinemagraphs for branding, consider choosing one for your brand. Here is a blog post that is worth checking out on how to choose the right motion graphics animation company.
9. 360° Product Photography
360° product photography or interactive imagery will remain hot in 2025 for ecommerce brands, in particular. Before adding products to a cart online, customers want to virtually touch and experience them. This is where 360° images and AR (Augmented Reality) will come to play a significant role in 2025.
In 2025, 360° product photography will allow audiences to rotate, zoom, and visualize products virtually on ecommerce sites. Most importantly, it will encourage customers to finally purchase and try ecommerce products. So, this is another trend that will remain hot in 2025.
10. Close-ups
Another hot trend for photography in 2025 is close-ups, as this is the year of detail shots. Photographers will get up close and personal with their subjects in 2025 to make captured products or scenes look unique. In this regard, they will focus on the following things:
- Intricate Details and Patterns
- Tiny Elements (to Make Things Look Unique)
These are the top 10 hot trends for photography in 2025. However, capturing images is not just enough for branding. Besides photography, graphic design is another important consideration when it comes to effective business branding. So, do not forget to check out our post on the benefits of graphic design for businesses.
Top 8 Hot Videography Trends for 2025
Here are the top 8 hot trends for videography in 2025:
1. Short-form Videos
In 2025, we’ll see brands leveraging the power of short-form videos. That is to say, they will create videos within the ideal range of 60 to 90 seconds, in general. Irrespective of what platforms brands use to promote their products and services. Instagram and YouTube, for example.
Further, you may decide to choose the platform, Instagram for branding after knowing the benefits of reels. Then, you should check out our blog post on the top 10 ways to use Instagram reels for business growth.
2. Vertical Mode or Portrait Videos
Smartphones remain a preferred way for many mobile phone users to view content. The same holds for branded video content. In fact, 63% of consumers prefer finding out about products and services brands offer using mobile phones. Videos in vertical or portrait modes are tailored to smartphone screens. So, we’ll see brands creating vertical videos this year for business branding to target their customers on smartphones.
3. Keywords, Not Hashtags
Keywords will play an important role in 2025 to make branded videos appear at the top of search results. In the past, hashtags were also effective in this respect, but their effectiveness has been fading since 2024. For this reason, you will see brands this year using keywords in their video titles, captions, and descriptions.
4. Muted Videos
Muted videos or videos with sound will remain popular in 2025 but with captions, They not only allow you to watch videos on the sly. But also help people with hearing issues watch and enjoy video content. So, muted video content is going to stay and remain hot in 2025. It does not separate you from the idea of animated videos too as they are also offered by several agencies in Pakistan and anywhere else so to the businesses and brands.
5. AI-assisted Videos
Videos with AI assistance will remain hot in 2025 but with human touch. That is, brands will make these videos look authentic with human interaction, featuring real people, for example. At the same time, they will make sure they address the pain points of their customers in the videos. So, we expect to see AI-assisted videos in 2025 with their content tailored to audiences.
6. Live Streaming and Real-time Engagement
As a business owner, you may like or love to engage with your audience in real-time. Then, you cannot go wrong with live streaming videos, which allow you to engage with your audience in real-time. In 2025, these videos will remain hot, especially among brands that want to address their customers’ concerns on the spot.
7. Podcasts with a Video Component
Podcasts are primarily audio recordings; however, there are podcasters who also create their video versions. In fact, podcasts with video components have been gaining traction since 2024. And they are going to remain hot in 2025, too, to enhance audience engagement and connection with podcasters.
8. UGC (User-generated Content) Videos
Another hot trend we predict for videos in 2025 is UGC or UGC videos. These are videos that loyal customers create for brands they adore. And you can often find UGC content on social media platforms. As they help brands look more authentic to their audiences, UGC videos are going to stay with us in 2025.
Before we jump to our conclusion, we’ll talk about what’s not trending in 2025 for photo and videography.
What’s Not Trending in 2025
Here are the things, which are not trending for photography and videography in 2025:
- Overly Edited Videos
- Generic Stock Photos
- Low-quality Imagery and Videos
- Low-quality Audio for Videos
Conclusion
The power of visual communication has become more important than ever for brands. Nowadays, brands need to remain aware of photography and videography trends to effectively target their audiences with imagery or videos. In 2025, various trends are hot for both photo and videography. AI-based, portrait, inclusive, and drone photography, to recap some hot trends for photography in 2025. And short-form, muted, and UGC videos, to reiterate some hot trends for videos in 2025 and wrap up.