Author Archives: Janhavi Panani

Monochrome Machines: When to Go Black-and-White in Automotive Work

In an era where wild paint jobs, neon under glows, and eye-popping wraps flood the automotive scene, there’s something undeniably bold about dialling it all back. Monochrome—especially black-and-white—cuts through the noise. It’s not just a colour scheme. It’s a philosophy. Whether you’re restoring a classic, customising a street machine, or designing a next-gen EV, going black-and-white can elevate a vehicle’s presence, simplify maintenance, and sharpen its personality.

This article breaks down when—and why—monochrome matters in automotive work, diving into aesthetics, utility, and the deeper psychology of colour.

1. The Aesthetic Power of Monochrome

From the shadowy silhouette of a blacked-out Range Rover to the clinical sharpness of a white Porsche Taycan, monochrome commands attention without screaming for it. Here’s why it works:

a. Timelessness Over Trend

Fads fade. Black and white don’t. These colours transcend eras, making them a smart choice for vehicles that aim to look relevant today, tomorrow, and ten years from now. The enduring elegance of a black Rolls-Royce or a white Lamborghini Aventador proves the point—style anchored in simplicity never ages.

b. Clean, Modern, Minimal

As car design leans toward simplicity—fewer lines, smoother surfaces, less clutter—monochrome fits right in. High-end concept cars often opt for black, white, or silver to spotlight form and function without visual noise. It’s a visual cue that says “future-forward”.

c. High-Contrast, High-Impact

Black and white used in tandem—think racing stripes, police interceptors, or retro liveries—emphasise geometry, contours, and aggression. The stark contrast gives vehicles a sharp, sculpted, muscular appearance. It’s motion, even at a standstill.

2. Practical Perks of Going Monochrome

It’s not just about looks. Black-and-white schemes can offer serious advantages in daily use, resale, and even technology integration.

a. Hides Wear, Handles Heat

Matte black can disguise minor scratches, road grime, and swirl marks better than bold hues. White cars, on the other hand, reflect sunlight—key in hot climates and important for thermal management in EVs. Both colours are low-key workhorses when it comes to upkeep.

b. Resale-Friendly Neutrals

Monochrome cars—especially black, white, and silver—tend to hold their value better than trendier colours. They appeal to a wider market and are less likely to be seen as polarising. If you’re restoring or flipping a classic, going black or white boosts your chances at a quick, profitable sale.

c. Psychological Punch

Colours affect perception. Black radiates authority, mystery, and prestige—it’s the choice for executives and those chasing power aesthetics. White signals purity, precision, and modernity—favoured in sports and tech-forward vehicles. For many buyers, these associations aren’t just preferences; they’re selling points.

3. Strategic Use of Monochrome in Builds and Restorations

Monochrome isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. But when it fits, it fits hard.

a. Classic Restorations

For vintage icons like the Ford Model T (famously “any colour as long as it’s black”) or early Porsches, going black or white honours the vehicle’s roots. You maintain historical accuracy while adding a polished, showroom-ready finish that collectors respect.

b. Executive and Luxury Builds

Black has long been the default for sedans and limos that need to project discretion, power, and class. White, especially in pearl or satin, is increasingly popular in the luxury SUV and sports car segments. Both elevate the car without overshadowing it.

c. Performance-Oriented Projects

Track cars, drift builds, and tuner machines often go for stark, high-contrast schemes. A black body with white accents—or vice versa—not only showcases bodywork and aero mods, it makes the car visually faster. In motorsports, perception is performance.

4. Monochrome in the Future of Automotive Design

Black and white are becoming more than classic choices—they’re part of a larger movement in automotive evolution.

a. Simplification Meets Sustainability

White finishes reduce heat absorption, improving thermal efficiency for EVs. Black matte paints, often made with fewer harsh chemicals, are gaining traction among eco-conscious manufacturers. Fewer pigments, fewer complications.

b. Tech-Ready Design

High-contrast surfaces improve visibility for cameras, LiDAR, and other autonomous vehicle tech. Tesla and other EV makers often lean toward minimalist, monochrome interiors and exteriors to reflect the seamless integration of hardware and software.

c. Branding and Identity

For brands, going black-and-white can send a powerful message. Think of Bugatti’s two-tone Veyrons or Singer Vehicle Design’s subtle, bespoke Porsche builds. A refined colour scheme is typically the mark of confidence—a brand that doesn’t need to shout.

Conclusion: When Less is Everything

Choosing black-and-white for automotive work isn’t a lack of imagination—it’s a strategic decision that leans into clarity, contrast, and class. It’s a look that never expires, adapts across genres, and adds value whether you’re racing, restoring, or redefining what a car can be.

Ultimately, monochrome isn’t just a colour palette—it’s a mindset. So the next time you’re building or buying, ask yourself: Do I want my car to blend in or stand tall without saying a word?

Because when it comes to making a lasting impression, sometimes the sharpest statement is black and white.

Shooting From the Inside Out: Unique Interior-First Car Photography Concepts

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When we think of car photography, we often imagine sleek exteriors, dramatic landscapes, and glossy reflections. But there’s an emerging trend that flips traditional perspectives—interior-first car photography. Instead of showcasing a vehicle’s exterior as the primary focus, this approach highlights the richness of the cabin, its intricate details, and how the outside world interacts with the inside. It’s a refreshing and immersive way to tell a story about a car’s personality, design, and atmosphere.

Why Interior-First Photography?

The interior of a car is where memories are made—road trips, spontaneous conversations, deep thoughts while driving alone, or the joy of simply soaking in the ambiance of a well-designed cabin. Traditional automotive photography typically neglects this space, relegating interior shots to functional views rather than emotional narratives. Interior-first photography changes this by using the cabin as a frame, a lens through which we observe the world beyond.

Key Interior-First Photography Concepts

1. Framing the Exterior Through the Cabin

One of the most compelling ways to capture a car’s personality is by using its windows, mirrors, or dashboard as a frame. Instead of shooting the car against a picturesque backdrop, position yourself inside the vehicle and use its structure to frame the outside.

For example:

Rearview Mirror Perspectives – Capture fleeting moments reflected in the rearview mirror, whether it’s an approaching sunset, a bustling city, or a winding mountain road.
Through-the-Windshield Stories – A fogged-up windscreen in the morning light, rain droplets catching city lights, or the road ahead stretching endlessly—these elements add depth to the photograph.
Side Window Snapshots – Passenger-side compositions, where the window frames passing landscapes, offer a cinematic storytelling approach.

2. Textural and Sensory Details

Car interiors are filled with fascinating textures—from stitched leather seats to carbon fibre accents, warm wooden panels to illuminated dashboard elements. Zooming in on these details creates intimate and luxurious compositions.

Close-ups of Materials – Highlight textures like smooth suede, perforated leather, or brushed aluminium.
Ambient Lighting Effects – Use neon glows from dashboard screens, moody lighting from LED accents, or natural sunlight filtering through.
Hands-in-Action Shots – A gripping hand on the steering wheel, a passenger’s fingers adjusting the radio, a driver shifting gears—these add human interaction to the scene.

3. Natural Light and Shadow Play

Unlike exterior shots that rely on broad daylight or artificial lighting setups, interior-first photography thrives on creative use of natural and available light.

Golden Hour Glow – Sunlight streaming through the windscreen during sunrise or sunset creates ethereal, warm interiors.
Shadow Patterns – The interplay of shadows from the dashboard, vents, and seats adds drama to the shot.
Overhead Light and Mood – Streetlights at night casting subtle highlights inside the cabin offer mystery and intrigue.

4. Passenger Perspective and Lifestyle Storytelling

Instead of shooting a car as an object, interior-first photography works best when capturing experiences. This involves framing moments from a passenger’s perspective, making the viewer feel as though they are inside the car.

Road Trip Vibes – A packed boot viewed from the backseat, maps spread out on the dashboard, or a pair of sunglasses casually placed on the centre console.
Reflections and Overlays – A driver’s reflection on the side window merging with the outside world creates a surreal double exposure effect.
Emotional Connections – Smiles, deep conversations, sleepy road trip passengers, or someone gazing wistfully through a window—these add a human touch.

5. Experimental Angles and Compositions

Thinking outside the box (or in this case, inside the cabin) is crucial for unique interior-first photography.

Over-the-Shoulder Perspective – A driver’s point of view of the road ahead makes viewers feel like they are in motion.
Upside-Down Reflections – Capture reflections from glossy dashboard panels, turning reality into a dreamlike composition.
Fisheye and Wide-Angle Drama – A distorted yet dynamic shot can transform an interior into something unexpected.

Equipment and Technical Considerations

Lenses – A mix of wide-angle, macro, and portrait lenses allows you to capture the interior’s full scope and intricate details.
Lighting – Use natural light as much as possible, but consider subtle LED lights or small handheld flashes for controlled brightness.
Editing – Fine-tune contrasts, enhance textures, and play with colour grading to match the mood—warm tones for cosy interiors or cooler shades for futuristic vibes.

Conclusion

Interior-first car photography is more than just documenting a vehicle’s cabin; it’s about crafting an experience, an emotion, and a journey through the lens of the interior. This approach offers a fresh way to appreciate automotive design and human interaction with cars. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a casual enthusiast, exploring this concept can open up an exciting new perspective on visual storytelling.

Next time you pick up a camera inside a car, consider flipping the script—see the world from the inside out.

How to Build a Portfolio That Appeals to Motorsport Teams

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Motorsport is one of the most competitive industries on the planet. If you’re a photographer trying to break in—or level up—you need more than great shots. You require proof that you can deliver under pressure, capture speed and emotion, and elevate a brand’s image. That proof is your portfolio.

Your portfolio isn’t just a gallery. It’s your visual résumé, your pitch, and your fastest way onto a team’s radar. This guide shows exactly how to craft a motorsport photography portfolio that turns heads and opens doors.

1. Know What Motorsport Teams Actually Look For

Motorsport teams live and die by exposure—sponsors, fans, and the media all expect high-impact visuals. Your job is to show you can supply those visuals under real-world conditions.

What to include:

Action shots: Freeze high-speed moments with clarity. Think wheel lift, tire smoke, close packs, pit stops.
Emotion: Capture the human side—mechanics mid-repair, drivers pre-race, celebrations, heartbreak.
Variety: Prove you can shoot in all conditions—night, rain, low light, different race formats.
Storytelling: Include sequences or short sets that tell the story of a weekend or event.
Crowd and sponsor context: Shots that show fans, branding, and the energy of the event environment.

Bonus: Break down your involvement. Mention gear used, planning strategy, any restrictions overcome, and whether your work led to media use, engagement spikes, or sponsor interest.

2. Lead With a Strong Introduction

The first page or screen of your portfolio needs to hit hard.

Include:

A concise bio: Who you are, where you’re based, and what you specialise in.
What drives you: A sentence or two about why motorsport photography matters to you.
Your experience: List key series, events, or teams you’ve shot for.
A sharp headshot (optional): Helps personalise your work in a tight-knit industry.
Clean, consistent branding: Choose a strong typeface, a neutral palette, and a motorsport-inspired design style that matches the tone of your photography.

3. Curate, Don’t Dump

This is where many photographers stumble. Your portfolio should be selective, not exhaustive. If it’s not your top-tier work, it doesn’t belong.

Think quality over quantity:

Only include 15–25 of your strongest images.
Group them by theme or event—e.g., Track Action, Pit Lane Stories, Portraits, Rain & Night.
Avoid repetition. Each image should say something different.
Include at least one full event story set or race-weekend sequence.

Optional but powerful: Add captions with context—track name, car/team, your creative approach. If an image ran in a magazine or generated buzz online, say so.

4. Add Proof and Praise

You’re not just showing your eye—you’re proving your value.

Include:

Testimonials: From team managers, media reps, or fellow professionals.
Client list: Logos or names of series, teams, or publications you’ve worked with.
Media features: Screenshots or links to published work (magazines, websites, press kits).
Social proof: Stats from Instagram Reels, YouTube views, or viral posts—if they exist and relate directly to your work.

Short pull quotes from testimonials add visual interest and build trust.

5. Make It Look Like You Belong on the Grid

Your work is visual, so your portfolio better be, too.

Design principles to follow:

Use high-res images, optimised for fast load times.
Keep the layout clean—white space is your friend.
Use consistent fonts and grid structure.
Avoid clutter—let the photos breathe.
Subtle motion is fine (hover effects, fades), but no gimmicks.
Offer both digital and print formats: website, PDF, and optionally a sleek printed zine or booklet for in-person networking.

6. Show the Work Behind the Work

Teams want people who solve problems under pressure. Add a case study or behind-the-scenes section.

Break down:

The scope of the shoot.
Conditions and challenges (e.g., rain, remote track access, tight deadlines).
Your workflow (prep, shooting, post).
Outcomes—whether a sponsor used the image, it got press coverage, or it became a signature shot.

This shows you’re not just clicking shutters—you’re thinking strategically and delivering under pressure.

7. Make It Easy to Contact You

Your portfolio should be a conversation starter, not a dead end.

Include:

Clear contact info (email, phone, time zone).
Social links—Instagram and YouTube are especially relevant.
A downloadable version or QR code for mobile viewing.
A clean, memorable URL—ideally your name, photo or similar.
Keep your portfolio loaded on your phone or tablet. Tracks and paddocks are full of chance encounters—be ready.

8. Keep It Alive

A portfolio isn’t static. If it hasn’t changed in six months, it’s stale.

Update regularly:

Add recent work.
Replace older shots with better ones.
Keep stats and testimonials current.
Rework the intro as your focus evolves (e.g., shifting from grassroots to pro-level events).

Set a quarterly reminder to refresh it. Momentum is everything in this space.

Final Thought

Motorsport is emotion in motion. The smell of fuel, the pressure of rain, the violence of acceleration—it’s visceral. Your portfolio should make people feel that. Not just admire your skill, but understand your passion and drive.

If you can do that, you’re not just a photographer. You’re someone a team wants on their side.

What’s on Your Display? – Dr Chris Bai, Chief Colour Scientist, BenQ Global

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Users often are unaware of how harmful blue light emitted from a device can be. Dr Chris Bai, Chief Colour Scientist, BenQ Global is responsible for patenting Low Blue Light technology at BenQ and Bhavya Desai spoke to him about its importance, colour accuracy for professionals and what sets BenQ apart from other companies. Excerpts:

You’ve patented and worked on the Low Blue Light technology at BenQ, which is critical. How did that happen?

Over 10 years ago, we observed that blue light’s effects on people’s daily lives. Hence, we introduced the low blue light technology, initially it was the first gen, which eventually turned into the second generation. The difference between the first and second generation is that the latter was a hardware-based solution. We fine-tuned all the LED wavelengths so you don’t get distorted colour temperature. It’s not going to be yellowish, but you still get the benefit of having a good colour and picture quality and more importantly people can have a good night’s sleep.

This was important. In terms of colour science, why are accurate colours important for both a consumer and a professional?

These are two very different aspects we’re looking at. For the consumer, they don’t really care about the colour reproduction because they look at colours from a fashion colour perspective, which are more saturated, more pleasing to the eye. They don’t care if this red or this green looks correct or not.

But a professional cares about these things since they would like to have a correct image in order to reproduce what they really look like. Hence, we have two aspects of the colours currently. One for consumers, where we’re having what we call glazing colour, so that we do some colour adjustment to best represent what we’re interpreting of the colour or the images. But for professionals, we do not make any adjustments on the monitor, which just truly represents what your artwork, what your videos look like. So, it lets professionals do their adjustment

So, this allows them to layer and colour grade the way they want?

Yes and also allows them to interpret the colours the way they want. It is a blank canvas and you do all your creativity on this canvas. And this is the most diffiuclt part for us, because adjusting the monitors is easy, but to do none of it, like it’s a transparent layer, that’s very difficult.

Do you feel consumers prefer more saturated colours?

Well, this is just a preference. Some people will believe in more saturated colours, some people believe in more neutral colours. From my perspective, when we look at those more saturated colours, like the first 10 seconds, we’ll be like wow. But after 30 seconds, you’ll feel tired, you’ll have fatigue, you don’t want to look at it anymore.

But more subtle colours, more natural colours will last longer because you’ll feel it’s more day-to-day life. This is just your take on what kind of premise you’re looking at – If you want to just impress your viewer within the first 15 seconds, then saturated colour is what you should go for. But if you want your viewers to enjoy your video or artwork for a longer period of time, I think maybe go for subtle colours or neutral colours.

How much time does it take for you to make any subtle changes on a display when it comes to the colour science?

This is really hard to put a number on, but I’ll give you a rough idea. To do adjustment on the monitor itself will take me about a month – to do a really good adjustment. But do some fine tuning, I’ll say several weeks. I need to consider all the aspects though.

How difficult is it to replicate that into a mass market product? From a test bench to final product?

Yes, yes, definitely. There will be variance. So that’s why all our professional monitors come with factory calibration. That’s what makes sure that everything’s on the standard platform. And then we add adjustments. And all of our mainstream monitors, we also come with some basic calibration as well.

What are the three USPs that BenQ has?

I think the first is definitely colour. And secondly, we have a complete solution for professional users, which is colour consistency. We have screen-to-screen colour consistency across different devices. That’s a powerful tool for a creative workflow. And third, that we have a really knowledgeable group of colleagues to help professionals achieve the goal they want to.

What is a good standard display from a consumer’s perspective?

We have standards and take measurements to tell the difference between them. For example, the colour temperature definitely should be 6,500K and any large deviation from that, is not acceptable. For example, the gamma curve should be 2.2 or 2.4 in the industry. Anything deviating from that should not be acceptable. So, we do have measures, thresholds, and targets to follow.

OPPO A5 Pro 5G: Setting New Standards for Durability and Performance

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OPPO India has launched the A5 Pro 5G, redefining smartphone durability with industry-leading IP66, IP68, and IP69 ratings and Military Grade certification. Extending OPPO’s commitment to ruggedness, the A5 Pro 5G features reinforced double-tempering glass, Sponge Bionic Cushioning, and an aerospace-grade AM04 aluminum frame for superior resistance to drops, water, and dust. It also supports Splash Touch technology for smooth use even with wet or oily hands and glove-friendly operation.

Maintaining the slim, lightweight A Series design, the A5 Pro 5G measures 7.76mm thick and weighs 194g. It offers a 120Hz Ultra Bright Display with 1,000-nits peak brightness for outdoor clarity. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 platform and a 5,800mAh battery with 45W SUPERVOOCTM Flash Charge, it ensures fast performance and all-day battery life.

Photography features include a 50MP Ultra-Clear Main Camera, 2MP Portrait Camera, and 8MP Front Camera, enhanced by AI innovations like LivePhoto, Underwater Photography Mode, AI Eraser 2.0, and AI Clarity Enhancer. Connectivity is optimized with AI LinkBoost 2.0, Beacon Link Bluetooth calling, and Ultra Volume Mode for clear audio in noisy environments.

With 48-month Fluency Protection, AI productivity tools like AI Summary and AI Writer, and robust gaming enhancements, the A5 Pro 5G is designed for Indian users who demand reliability, speed, and intelligence from their smartphones.

The OPPO A5 Pro 5G is available in Mocha Brown and Feather Blue colour variants, priced at INR 17,999 for the 8GB+128GB model and INR 19,999 for the 8GB+256GB model.

March 2025

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Asian Photography India March 2025 Issue is Out Now!

📸 Cover by: @latikanath

In this issue, explore:

A New Dimension in Fashion – @anaibharucha
Fearless Frames, Lasting Legacy – @latikanath
Being a Woman in War Photography
Bursting Myths About Female Photographers
Guiding the Next Wave of Women Photographers

HONOR Rolls Out MagicOS 9.0 for HONOR 200 Series in India

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HONOR, a leading global provider of smart devices has officially released the MagicOS 9.0 update for HONOR 200 and HONOR 200 Pro, bringing new features and enhanced security.

This update delivers crucial performance and security enhancements, including the Android February 2025 security patches, and introduces a slew of new exciting AI features like AI Translate, AI Photo Editor, AI Notes.

The Key Features of the MagicOS 9.0 include:

Enhanced Performance and Security: Incorporates the Android February 2025 security patches for enhanced system security.
AI Translate: Real-time interpretation for meetings and lectures. Supports automatic language detection for seamless communication in business and travel.
AI Notes: Voice-to-text and real-time translation. Allows users to automatically transcribe minutes of a minutes, supporting multiple languages and dialects, with a one-click summary feature.
AI Photo Editor – Extract subjects from images, moving photos, and paused videos.

Restore old or damaged faces
Expand images and apply AI-powered filters for creative enhancements

New Gesture Access: Pinch with two fingers on the home/lock screen for personalised space.
Redesigned UI: New icons, cards, and Control Center for a fresh aesthetic.

February 2025

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Asian Photography India February 2025 Issue is Out Now!

📸 Cover by: @navaneeth_unnikrishnan

🌌 In this issue, explore:

Reaching The Stars – @navaneeth_unnikrishnan

#TechReviews
Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm/F4 Lens Review
OnePlus 13 Review
Oppo Find X8 Pro Review: Worth ₹99,999?

#Astrophotography
Astrophotography on a Budget: DIY Solutions & Beginner Gear
History of Astrophotography: From Film to Digital
Time-Lapse Astrophotography: Capturing Motion in the Sky

National & Regional Awards: India Winner Announced

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Sony India recently revealed Rajeev Gaikwad as India’s National Award winner for the Sony World Photography Awards 2025.

The National & Regional Awards programme is an initiative set up by Sony and Creo under its photography strand the World Photography Organisation to support local photographic communities around the world, with 56 countries taking part this year. Across this year’s Awards over 419,000 images from over 200 countries and territories were submitted to the Sony World Photography Awards 2025.

National and Regional Award winners were selected from the Open competition, which champions the best single images taken in the past year.

Rajeev Gaikwad was anonymously selected by judges for his photograph Phantom Bloom, entered into the Object category of the Open competition. Amidst a vast abandoned waste marble dumping yard in Kishangarh, Rajasthan, a lone tree reaches towards the sky, its bare branches a testament to its resilience. Hanging from the branch, the vivid burst of colour of the two bags introduces a touch of humanity. In this image, the photographer reflects on the delicate balance between nature and human presence in an unforgiving landscape.

Growing up on the surreal outskirts of Aurangabad, Maharashtra, I found inspiration in the dreamlike rural landscapes around me. Photography became my way of preserving moments and telling stories, blending realism with a touch of surrealism. My work focusses on capturing emotions, connections, and the beauty in the mundane. I Always aim to share my unique perspective and inspire others to see the world through a creative and thoughtful lens.

Commenting on his win, Gaikwad said, “Being shortlisted for the Sony World Photography Awards is a surreal and humbling experience for me, I feel completely Blessed. It’s an honor to have my work recognised on this esteemed international platform.

As India’s National Award winner, Rajeev Gaikwad receives Sony digital imaging equipment and will be included in the Sony World Photography Awards exhibition and book.

The overall winners in the Student, Youth, Open and Professional competitions of the Sony World Photography Awards 2025 will be announced on 16 April and will go on display as part of the exhibition at Somerset House, London (17 April – 5 May 2025)

This year’s National and Regional Awards winners are:

Bangladesh - Syed Mahabubul Kader — **Bangladesh Winner — © Syed Mahabubul Kader**

**Indonesia Winner — © Sim Jhones Gozali**

**Philippines Winner — © Renzer Rev Damaso**

**Nigeria Winner — © Nsikanabasi Effiong**

**South Africa Winner — © Werner De Kock**

**Qatar Winner — © Ridhwan Mohammed Rafi**

**Saudi Arabia Winner — © Mohammed Muhtasib**

**Sri Lanka Winner — © Sasindu Pramuditha**

**Uzbekistan Winner — © Mubina Fayzullaeva**

**United Arab Emirates Winner — © Donell Gumiran**

**Republic of Korea Winner — © Kibong Nam**

**Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Moldova Winner — © Peter Svoboda (Slovakia)**

**Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania Winner — © Ieva Gaile (Lithuania)**

**Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina Winner — © Marko Buntić (Croatia)**

**Cyprus, Greece, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia Winner — © Panagiotis Rontos (Greece)**

**Latin America Winner — © Lucero Mora Ardila (Mexico)**

Photography Trends in 2025

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With our magazine celebrating its 38^th Anniversary this month, January also marks the start of a new year – a time when we explore the trends that we believe will shape the photography world in 2025. Since the beginning of this journey, photography has evolved phenomenally, and each year brings surprises and innovations. Here are some of the trends that we anticipate will make a significant impact in 2025.

By Bhavya Desai

AI-Assisted Editing

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has firmly embedded itself in photography workflows, with tools like generative fill taking center stage. AI-assisted editing software now enables creators to modify, extend, or reimagine their images with precision and speed. Whether it’s removing unwanted elements, enhancing backgrounds, or creating entirely new compositions, AI tools are empowering photographers to focus on their artistic vision while handling complex edits effortlessly.

Tech influencer MKBHD recently showcased a platform like this in one of his videos, highlighting its potential for content creators and drawbacks too. Such advancements hint at a future where AI-driven creativity might become mainstream.

Bold Colours

2025 is all about bold, unapologetic colours. From vivid reds and blues to electric yellows and greens, photographers are embracing a more striking colour palette to make their work stand out. This trend reflects a global appetite for visual storytelling that captures attention in an oversaturated digital landscape.

Vintage Nostalgia

Despite the onslaught of bold colours vintage aesthetic remains timeless, but 2025 is seeing a reinvention of the old-school charm. Film grain, sepia tones and retro-inspired filters are making a resurgence, offering a sense of nostalgia while blending seamlessly with modern themes. Photographers are leveraging this trend to evoke emotion and connect audiences with a sense of history.

High-Key Videos

As platforms like Netflix and other streaming giants invest in high-key visuals, photographers and videographers are adopting this trend in their projects. High-key videos, characterized by bright lighting and minimal shadows, offer a clean and polished look that’s perfect for brand campaigns, fashion shoots, and even social media content. Shows like Selling Sunsets on Netflix are good examples of this, but it’s safe to say that we still don’t see this coming to YouTube video content anytime soon.

Inclusive Photography

Representation matters more than ever. Inclusive photography is gaining momentum, showcasing diverse models, cultures and body types. Photographers are making conscious efforts to break stereotypes and celebrate individuality, ensuring their portfolios resonate with audiences worldwide.

Authenticity

While conversations still surround the fake Instagram-able life, today is all about authenticity. Gone are the days of overly staged portraits where photographers aim to capture genuine emotions and candid moments. This trend focuses on human connections, raw emotions and storytelling that feels real and relatable.

Drones Are Out

While drones revolutionized aerial photography and were used extensively even in 2024, their novelty has started to wear off – in the conventional sense. 2025 sees a shift towards grounded creativity, with photographers exploring unique angles and perspectives closer to the subject. This trend encourages innovation in composition without relying on aerial gimmicks and perspectives like FVP etc will be more visible in 2025.

Vertical Photography

The dominance of mobile content has made vertical photography a staple – since the past few years. However, this year photographers are designing their shots with vertical formats in mind, ensuring their work aligns seamlessly with the viewing habits of audiences on platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts. And this is in line with the brand strategies of today.

Advanced Printing Technologies

Printing is experiencing a renaissance with advancements in 3D printing and high-resolution inkjet technologies. Photographers are experimenting with textured photographs and prints that offer a tactile experience. This trend is redefining how we interact with visual art in physical spaces and in many ways also bringing print back.

Intentional Camera Movement

Intentional Camera Movement (ICM) is capturing imaginations in 2025. This artistic technique involves moving the camera during exposure to create abstract, painterly effects. It’s a favourite among fine art photographers looking to infuse their work with emotion and dynamism. You can also see that more and more in wedding styles and fashion. It took off in 2024 and still will continue as a key style in 2025 as well.

Camera Control button

iPhone started it and it seems that more manufacturers might jump onto the bandwagon. Oppo also featured it in the Find X8 Pro and I feel more manufacturers might introduce it in their products in 2025. How much of that feature will be usable is still up for debate.

Photography in 2025 will be a blend of technology, artistry and cultural consciousness. By staying ahead of these trends, photographers can continue to innovate and inspire in an ever-changing creative landscape.