Threads
As a photographer, many of us go on Threads or other applications and we constantly see dislikes or loves of certain trends. I decided to be controversial and willingly ask the question "What is a photography trend you wish would go away? These can be things you're afraid to tell a photographer."
Little did I know that this would get over 15,000 views and over 100 replies. I am still in awe of the amount of people willing to comment issues and other factors that they simply hate and wish would change. Trends are constantly evolving and what may be popular one minute, may change the next. For this blog, I plan on listing out 2024 trends people hate and if I have knowledge on the topic, I will further discuss.
Top Dislikes by Clients or Other Photographers (Top 15)
- Photographers stealing others work: It's crucial to gain trust with your clientele. Instead of using someone else's images for advertising, consider doing a styled session or a model call. Not only is this more ethical, but it also protects you from potential copyright infringement.
- People becoming photography educators with very little experience and offering Master Classes. There's a growing concern about photographers who, having gone viral for quick tips, offer masterclasses with little actual experience. True education comes from practice and depth of knowledge.
- Photographers insulting other photographers. The photography community should be supportive. Insulting others, especially those still learning, only fosters negativity. Everyone has a unique style, and it's essential to respect that.
- Blurry Photos and Out of Focus Photos. Clients expect clarity in their images. Ensure your focus is sharp—no one wants to receive a blurry reminder of a cherished moment. Unless this is your style, then you do you.
- Brown or oversaturated photos. I am blaming sepiagate and sepiabride for this now being brought up more. Clientele are slowly going towards true-to-life tones or light and airy more than they ever have in past. Warmer photos work if done right and if they still show true skin tones.
- Selling presets or overusing presets. Presets are great when they match your editing style or have made your own. Please remember though that with anything adjustments are necessary and need to happen. Clients are not going to look the same and you have to adjust to match the clients.
- Focusing on a brand and upgrades, instead of learning how to photograph better with current gear.
- Bokeh addiction: Shallow depth of fields and afraid to up the aperture with portraits. f/1.8 works for certain situations, but it is okay to shoot at f/4 and up depending on situations. Try different apertures and get your client in focus. People do not like being out of focus. Also master shutter speeds and how to use them. A slow shutter can be blurry, compared to the crisp fast shutter.
- Washed out images: Images in amazing locations being completely blown out where people cannot see where they are or how beautiful the location may be.
- Gatekeeping Locations and other things: I understand keeping certain locations private, but if you live in a small town everyone has probably used the location or has been to the location. In desolate environments a photographer may not tell a person a location to keep the integrity of the area whole. Especially if it is a location where if there is too much foot traffic it creates distraction to an area over time.
- Reels on Instagram: While I understand they are cringeworthy, many photographers rely on reels for advertising within their local area. Keep them separate from your main page.
- Cliques in photography communities. Inclusivity strengthens our community. Avoid forming exclusive groups that might alienate newcomers or those with different styles.
- Stop focusing on what brand of equipment is best. Make use of what you have and learn your equipment. Upgrades are not always necessary.
- Unsolicited Advice. When other photographers give opinions on how to shoot images and editing. Help each other, but please realize that photography is art and is subjective to the artist.
- Fake blur in editing.