In the ever-evolving world of photography, trends come and go like waves crashing on the shore. Some photographers ride these waves with enthusiasm, while others stand on the beach, arms crossed, muttering about the “good old days.” But here’s the thing: trends aren’t just passing fancies. They’re the lifeblood of our craft, pushing us to expand our horizons and challenge our preconceptions.
Let’s talk about some of the current “controversial” trends making waves in our industry: blurry photos, crooked compositions, and direct flash. Scroll through any photography forum, and you’ll find heated debates about these techniques. But before we join the chorus of naysayers, let’s take a step back and consider why these trends have gained traction.
Remember that scene in “The Devil Wears Prada” where Meryl Streep schools Anne Hathaway on the history of her cerulean blue sweater? Photography trends are much the same – they have roots, history, and meaning that often go unappreciated.
Take blurry photos, for instance. Before the era of lightning-fast autofocus and high ISO capabilities, capturing a sharp image in low light was a Herculean task. Photographers would brace themselves against walls, holding their breath to keep the camera steady. But sometimes, the subject moved – because humans are dynamic, unpredictable creatures. The resulting image might be slightly blurred, but it captured a moment of raw emotion and energy that a perfectly sharp photo might have missed.
Crooked compositions tell a similar story. Picture this: you’re fleeing from a sudden summer storm, camera in hand. You spot a flash of lightning and instinctively raise your camera to capture the moment. There’s no time to perfectly frame the shot – you’re living in the moment, and your photo reflects that urgency and excitement.
And what about direct flash? Sure, it might not be the most flattering light in every situation, but on a pulsing dance floor at 2 AM? That harsh, direct light captures the electric energy of the moment in a way that soft, diffused lighting never could.
The beauty of these trends lies in their ability to transport us back to a specific moment, to help us relive the feelings and emotions of that time. They remind us that photography isn’t just about technical perfection – it’s about capturing the essence of a moment, warts and all.
As photographers, our job is to be ready for these moments, to recognize the potential for magic even in seemingly imperfect situations. This readiness comes with practice, with pushing ourselves out of our comfort zones and trying new (or old) techniques.
So, the next time you see a trend that makes you raise an eyebrow, resist the urge to dismiss it outright. Instead, ask yourself: What’s the story behind this technique? What emotion or moment is it trying to capture? You might just find that your “worst” shot – the one that breaks all the rules – turns out to be your best.
In the end, trends are just tools in our creative arsenal. They come and go, but the pursuit of capturing genuine moments and emotions remains constant. So keep experimenting, keep pushing boundaries, and most importantly, keep your eyes open. Because sometimes, the light does that thing you love – and you need to be ready to capture it, trend or no trend.
