Overview of Stock Trends from Adobe Stock

Today I want to introduce you to the translation of another interesting article from the Adobe Stock blog about the features of preparing content for stock in the current year, focusing on current trends. In fact, it would be more accurate to translate its title as something like “Shake Up Your Stock” but I don’t think that sounds right. So, I decided to add a bit of improvisation to the translation. I hope you like it.

When you think about how much promotion has changed recently, you realize: it had to happen! Smartphones have changed our perception of the world and ourselves, transforming the display of our lives from a deeply personal affair into a public domain.

Stock Trends on Adobe Stock

And how does this affect stock photography? The formal tone of images has changed. The technique has been modified. The creators and consumers have changed. Therefore, we too must adapt.

Lifestyle: Define Your Views

The most popular category in stock photography remains “lifestyle”. Images in this category must possess authenticity and a closeness to the end consumer. But how to achieve this? By choosing the right models!

Sometimes this can be accomplished by involving your family, friends, and loved ones as models. Otherwise, you will need to spend time searching for a model who can effectively convey your ideas. And how should you shoot?

Stick to naturalness in everything: lighting, framing, body language. Instead of trying to create the perfect picture, strive to capture the moment. This way, you’ll be able to catch wonderful candid moments.

By doing this, you’ll develop a great style, and since it will be unique, it will also be fulfilling.

Women: More than Just a Pretty Face

If good stock content already exists, can we filter it to improve the representation of women in media? Let’s make it so that this year women stop being just pretty faces and become strong personalities.

This is a huge stock niche with many subcategories in all manifestations. Make a name for yourself in this area. And if we’ve raised the issue of changing perspectives, why stop at women?

Men, transgender individuals, transsexuals, elderly people, and people with various disabilities – each can be viewed from a new angle. How can you make a name for yourself in this industry? Honest photography, well-planned storyboards, and respectful representation will elevate your work to a new level.

Don’t shoot what first comes to mind when you hear the word “minority”. We want to see images that make us smile, relax, or believe in miracles.

If the image is stereotypical or unappealing, it won’t stand out.

Don’t Forget the Background

Proper cropping can make a shot great, but shooting in close-up can limit your cropping options, so ensure that enough surrounding space is included in the frame, more than in your usual shots.

Sometimes, this extra space makes the shot impeccable, allowing the image to “breathe”. Shoot in both portrait and landscape formats, as sometimes the best composition is the least expected.

Cinematography: Clever Little Images

They differ from GIFs in that a .gif is a small looping video, while cinematography usually uses movement in a specific area of the shot, while everything else remains static.

In well-made cinematography, there’s no sense of repetition; it could be a small detail, like steam rising from a coffee cup, that causes the gaze to linger for a moment on the difference between the moving and stable parts of the shot.

If you’re curious about how it’s done, you can find instructions on our blog. Please note that when uploading cinematography, it must be in video format, not gif.

4K: It’s Time to Start

The demand for high-quality video is enormous and growing every day. 4K is quickly becoming the industry standard. If you haven’t tried your hand at this field yet, now is the time!

Keywords: Better Less, but Better

In the past, we advised adding 50 keywords to each file, but everything is changing. Now the recommended number of keywords for each file is 30. As always, don’t forget to add them in order of relevance, starting with the most suitable words.

The first keywords should be descriptive, and the last ones should be conceptual terms. Most buyers don’t search using technical terms that describe resolution or shooting technique, so using them won’t help your files be found.

Using inappropriate keywords can impact the rejection rate of your file, so it’s better to add only those that truly fit!

Give Models Freedom

Photography of people isn’t for everyone. Without confidence, it can be a challenge for both the photographer and the model. You need to be clear on what you want to see in the frame, from technical aspects to the type of shot you need as the result.

Any hint of uncertainty from the photographer will cast a shadow on everyone involved in the shoot. Make sure to direct your models while giving them the freedom to take natural poses in the frame.

This is especially important when shooting video; if the model constantly looks at you for approval, it appears unprofessional and very awkward. Give each person clear instructions so that everyone knows their roles during the shoot.

Compliment, show a few shots to the models; it’s a great way to start a dialogue with them while maintaining control. Give models freedom to express themselves!

Pay attention to their body language. Everyone has personal space, and violating it may cause them to close off, preventing you from getting the desired results. Show them the pose you want them to take, rather than moving their body parts.

Your confidence and professionalism should be unshakable. If you’re calm and relaxed, it shows in the frame. Don’t stop shooting, as sometimes magical shots happen before or after the planned ones.

White and Pastel Tones: Calm the Palette, Soothe the Mind

“This season’s colors take us to happy, sunny places, allowing us to feel free in a brighter expression of ourselves.”
(Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Color InstituteTM)

There’s no longer a need to differentiate colors by gender. The world is chaotic enough, so let’s relax a bit with muted tones, shadows, and pastel colors.

Light Balance

Sometimes natural light creates a stunning atmosphere. If you’re shooting in low light, adjust your settings and use a tripod to keep the camera steady.

Avoid additional light sources if their color differs from daylight. Using Photoshop’s “dodge” or “burn” tool along with careful levels/curves adjustment can improve contrast in low-light images.

Keep the Design Flat

Flat design is simple and easy to understand. Why does it work? It’s all about communication. Flat design allows complex information to be easily conveyed to the audience. It’s not only aesthetic but functional.

Check out our top flat design inspirations. Flat design can also be used in photography. Choosing a neutral background allows designers to add text without greatly impacting the image.

We’re looking forward to seeing your beautiful, unusual, breathtaking images, illustrations, cinematography, and videos. Remember, you can create such content — be skillful in choosing keywords and enjoy the process!

This article is also available for reading in the following categories: About Microstocks, 123RF, Depositphotos, Dreamstime, Fotolia, Istockphoto, Shutterstock