It's that time of year again when Shutterstock announce their annual creative trends report for 2020. This year's findings are particularly good news for photographers.
Now in its ninth year, American stock photography provider Shutterstock has collated the information from billions of search results and downloads to determine the standout concepts that will help shape the creative direction of 2020. These findings have just been published in this year's report and are based on hard numbers rather than the opinions of "industry experts." For me, the fact the report is based on actual numbers fills me with more confidence than if it were based on personal suggestions. Most areas of the creative industry are working several months in advance so spikes in demand for certain kinds of images on Shutterstock are a pretty good indicator that those things will be popular in 2020.
This year's report has lots for photographers to be happy about as major trend suggestions such as the 1920s inspired "Roaring 2020s," and the ever-popular theme of sport, are two big concepts that photographers can easily embrace and make their own. Another exciting finding is that "Minimalist Black" is also set to be popular this year which is great for all those low-key photographers out there. The report closes with "Global Trends," which highlights the fastest growing trends in 25 countries around the world. This section is always fascinating to see as it's a good reminder of how popular concepts can vary dramatically from place to place. If you're planning on working in new territories this year then you may want to tailor your portfolio to favor some of the trends in those particular areas.
While it's usually best not to follow the crowds too closely as a creative, knowing what themes are more likely to be popular in the coming year can help you to anticipate the industry and plan accordingly. For those in need of a starting point for their next shoot, you could do worse than picking one of these trends and running with it.
Read the full report here.
Will you be embracing any of these trends or doing your own thing instead? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Lead image used with permission of Shutterstock
No discussion about equipment, no comments? It's an awesome piece of graphics! (as last year)
I'm not a trend follower. I can make up my own mind.
If "following trends" is a part of making money from photography, then I'll be happy to never make a cent from it.
"Creative trend" is an oxymoron.