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Check out this article to discover new trends in travel photography and learn what visuals are in demand on stock content marketplaces in 2024.
Travel photography, like any other genre, possesses its unique set of nuances and trends. Understanding these intricacies and tendencies becomes crucial when monetizing your travel visuals on stock content platforms such as Depositphotos or showcasing them on Behance.
Moreover, aligning your creations with current trends ensures they resonate with the audience and facilitates quicker recognition and shares of your work—vital for aspiring photographers looking to establish their presence in the competitive world of visual content. This article delves into the five current photography trends and lists five types of stock images in demand this year. Keep on reading!
Trends in travel photography include sustainability, authenticity, personal touch, and using drones and mobile photography.
New Trends in Travel Photography
In recent years, travel photography has been shaped by technological advancements, shifts in social media culture, and changing travel preferences. Let’s explore the five predominant trends in travel photography for 2024:
Sustainability
This trend is about raising awareness of climate change and promoting sustainable practices. Photographers can do so in numerous ways—for instance, by taking pictures highlighting eco-friendly initiatives, natural landscapes, and responsible travel behaviors. Such images can inspire viewers and encourage them to engage in activities that help protect the environment.
Authenticity
Authenticity in travel photography transcends mere self-expression; it’s about capturing the essence of a country or culture. Rather than simply reflecting personal truth, you have to delve into unique cultural experiences, traditions, and local customs to convey the immersive atmosphere of a destination. By portraying people’s everyday lives, traditions, and cultural heritage, you can offer viewers a nuanced understanding of a location or culture, fostering a deeper connection and appreciation for the richness of the world’s diversity.
Drones
As technologies advance, creators utilize new tools to make their works even more impressive. Drones are one of the finest examples of this approach, especially in travel photography. Drones allow you to capture stunning aerial views and landscapes from afar, access remote locations, and take breathtaking pictures showing nature’s beauty and iconic landmarks.
Personal Touch
Most pictures tell a story, and this trend focuses on making that story more engaging and personal. You can achieve this effect by taking pictures reflecting your experiences, memories, and connections with the places you visit. You can also capture portraits of locals to tell their unique stories. For instance, a picture of a fisherman with their catch on a shore offers viewers a glimpse into the person’s life, immersing them in the rich tapestry of the human experience.
Mobile Photography
These days, you don’t need a professional camera to document your travels—instead, you can use a high-quality mobile device. Since 91% of people take photos with their smartphones, mobile devices are convenient, accessible, and easy to carry around. They also allow you to capture spontaneous moments, experiment with different editing apps, and share your travel experiences in real-time on social media platforms.
FAQ: What is the latest trend in photography?
One of the biggest trends in recent years is the rise of minimalist and simplistic compositions. Such compositions can focus on clean lines, have negative space, and use bold colors or monochromatic schemes.
FAQ: What’s trending in stock travel photography?
Besides the trends listed in this article, these are unusual tourist destinations, immersive cultural experiences, and local celebrations of popular holidays.
FAQ: What type of travel photography is the most popular?
This would be lifestyle photography and portraits. Today, viewers are drawn to authentic travel moments, genuine emotions, and everyday life scenes. Also, there’s a growing demand for capturing the essence of local cultures, traditions, and landscapes, providing a deeper understanding and appreciation of explored destinations.
What Stock Photos Are in Demand in 2024?
Posting your pictures on stock content websites can be a simple yet efficient way to boost your recognition as a photographer and even earn a particular sum. However, to ensure that you’ll succeed in it, you need to pay attention to the latest stock photo trends so you can offer content people are actively looking for.
Contributing high-quality photos for stock photos can be a lucrative income if you understand the current trends.
For stock travel photography, follow these trends:
Global Diversity
Today, people strive to show the world in all its diversity—and the growing demand for such photos supports that. These can be images featuring people of different ethnicities, races, cultures, genders, ages, and abilities. Such pictures can be useful and valuable for businesses and brands seeking visuals that resonate with diverse audiences and promote representation and equality.
Digital Nomad Lifestyle
The pandemic affected how most people work and showed many that earning income without being tied to an office or even a particular country is possible. Studies show that digital nomads have a higher-than-average job satisfaction level compared to other workers across the globe.
Stock photos that demonstrate such a lifestyle are also trendy. They usually portray people working from various locations, such as coffee shops, co-working spaces, beachside cafes, or scenic destinations. Such visuals can convey the freedom, flexibility, and adventurous spirit commonly associated with remote work and travel.
Solo Travels
Solo travel has become a significant trend in the travel industry as more people explore the world independently. That’s why stock photos of solo travelers exploring various tourist destinations are also trending. Such visuals promote independence, self-discovery, and the thrill of solo exploration.
Adventurous Travels
For some, conventional travel may seem lackluster, driving them to seek alternative experiences that ignite excitement and adrenaline. This preference for thrill-seeking adventures leads to a growing demand for stock photos depicting exhilarating activities, such as hiking, trekking, camping, rock climbing, and kayaking. These images capture the spirit of adventure and breathtaking natural landscapes.
Wellness Travels
While some people treasure excitement, others prioritize self-care, health, and wellness—and there’s also a demand for stock photos that portray these rejuvenating experiences. These images can picture serene sanctuaries where travelers enhance their physical and mental well-being, such as yoga retreats, meditation sessions, spa days, and wellness retreats.
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The iPhone Photography Book
Exploring Travel Photography Trends
Traveling is a great way to explore new destinations and build your brand as a travel photographer. Explore the trends listed in this article to generate captivating and trending photoshoot ideas for your next journey. We invite you to explore Wander With Wonder for more articles about travel photography.