Brand Photography Trends for 2025
Brand Photography Trends For 2025
Brand photography is constantly evolving, and as we move into 2025, the trends reflect more than just aesthetics—they reflect values.
Today’s audiences are savvy, socially conscious, and looking for real connections. Gone are the days when overly staged, polished images ruled the branding world. Now, it’s all about authenticity, storytelling, and inclusivity. Whether you're a brand photographer or a business owner looking to refresh your visuals, staying ahead of these trends will set you apart. Let’s dive into the brand photography trends that will define 2025 and inspire your next shoot.
1. Authenticity Over Perfection: Real Beats Polished
One of the biggest shifts we’ve seen in recent years—and one that’s set to dominate 2025—is the move toward real over perfect. Think about the images that stop you in your tracks. Are they the ones that are flawlessly edited, or the ones that feel like a peek into someone’s real life? Audiences are craving transparency, and brands are catching on. Instead of overly curated, sterile images, 2025 will see a rise in candid shots that tell a true story, capturing genuine moments that feel relatable and unscripted.
For photographers, this means leaning into imperfection: the messy desk, the wind-tossed hair, the not-quite-perfect lighting. It’s about capturing the feeling rather than just the image. Brands want to appear as real people behind the products, and that’s where these more vulnerable, human-centered visuals will shine.
2. Sustainable Imagery: Reflecting Eco-Conscious Values
Sustainability has moved from trend to necessity, and this is being reflected in brand photography too. In 2025, consumers will be looking for brands that not only talk the talk but also walk the walk when it comes to eco-consciousness. This means photographers are going to be capturing more sustainable stories—whether it’s brands using eco-friendly products or showcasing their commitment to a greener planet through thoughtful visuals.
What does sustainable imagery look like? Think natural lighting, minimalist setups, and showcasing products or services in natural environments. No more wasteful, elaborate photo shoots that contradict the brand’s values. Instead, brands are asking for simple, clean visuals that reflect a more mindful, intentional way of doing business. It’s all about less is more—focusing on quality over quantity and working with what nature offers.
3. Diversity and Inclusion: Showing Every Story
2025 is the year where inclusivity becomes non-negotiable. In a world that’s becoming increasingly aware of the need for representation, brands can no longer afford to use stock images that don’t reflect the diversity of their audience. The pressure is on for brands to truly represent a broad spectrum of people—whether it’s diversity in race, body size, gender, or lifestyle.
For photographers, this means widening the lens to tell diverse stories. This isn’t about ticking a box; it’s about genuinely showing the different ways people interact with a brand. The challenge will be to capture this diversity in a way that feels authentic and empowering, rather than forced. Brands want their imagery to feel inclusive, and in 2025, consumers will be quick to call out anything that feels tokenistic.
4. Motion Photography and Short-Form Video: The Power of Movement
Still images are powerful, but in 2025, expect to see more motion. With the rise of social media platforms prioritizing short-form videos—looking at you, Instagram Reels and TikTok—photographers are being asked to think beyond the static shot. Cinemagraphs, GIFs, and short video clips are a great way to breathe life into brand visuals. Motion photography allows brands to tell their stories in new ways. Whether it’s a product in action, a behind-the-scenes clip, or just the subtle movement of a breeze in a video portrait, incorporating motion will help brands capture the short attention spans of today’s consumers. Photographers should start thinking like videographers, capturing both stills and movement during shoots to give brands the flexibility they need for all their digital platforms.
5. Personalisation Through Visual Storytelling: Making It Yours
If there’s one thing people are tired of, it’s cookie-cutter branding. In 2025, personalisation is king. Audiences want to feel like they’re engaging with brands that have a unique story to tell—not just another faceless company. This means that brand photography has to go beyond the surface level and dive deep into the brand’s narrative
Visual storytelling is about showing—not telling—what a brand stands for. Whether it’s capturing the story behind the product, highlighting the founder’s journey, or showing a day in the life of the brand, photographers need to work with clients to create imagery that’s personal, specific, and layered. People connect with people, not products. So it’s essential that brand photography reflects the heart and soul behind the business, in a way that feels personal and intentional.
6. Natural and Outdoor Settings: Bringing the Outside In
There’s something about being in nature that feels grounding, and this will be reflected in brand photography trends for 2025. Rustic, outdoor locations—whether it’s lush forests, beach scenes, or urban parks—will provide a beautiful backdrop for brand photos. The trend for natural settings taps into a wider societal shift toward mindfulness, balance, and a return to simpler, more connected living.
Photographers will be encouraged to take their shoots outside, where natural light, earthy textures, and open spaces can add a sense of authenticity and freedom to the images. Whether it’s a wellness brand, a sustainable clothing line, or a creative entrepreneur, clients are looking for settings that feel organic, down-to-earth, and reflective of their core values.
7. Nostalgia and Analog Aesthetics: Bringing Back the Past
Nostalgia is making a big comeback in brand photography, with a growing trend towards analog, vintage-inspired aesthetics. In 2025, brands will lean into this craving for connection to the past by using film-style photography, grainy textures, and warm, faded tones. It’s all about evoking a sense of comfort and timelessness.
This is great news for photographers who love experimenting with film or vintage-style editing. These nostalgic aesthetics allow brands to stand out in a digital world filled with high-definition perfection. It also ties into the broader trend of slow-living and mindfulness, where audiences are looking for brands that evoke simpler times and more meaningful connections.
Why These Trends Matter for Your Brand in 2025
Brand photography in 2025 is all about connection—whether it’s to nature, to authenticity, or to the stories that make a brand unique. By embracing these trends, brands can connect with their audience on a deeper, more emotional level. And for photographers, these trends open up new creative possibilities to push the boundaries of traditional brand photography.
So, what’s next for your brand? Are you ready to refresh your visuals and tell your story in a way that resonates with the values of today’s consumers? Whether you're a seasoned photographer or a brand looking to reimagine your visuals, keeping these 2025 trends in mind will help you stay ahead of the curve and capture the hearts (and attention) of your audience.
