Have you ever looked at a photo and were immediately captivated by it? It made you feel something?
Not because it’s flawless. Not because it’s glossy or loud.
But because it pulls you in. It says something.
That’s the kind of fashion photography we’re seeing more of now. It’s less about perfection. More about mood, story, and edge.
If you’re a fashion brand trying to stand out, this blog’s for you.
Let’s go over the top 7 trends in fashion photography that are making waves this year.
1. Editorial Shoots That Feel Like a Story
Photos used to be about the clothes. Now, it’s about the moment.
Fashion shoots are getting cinematic. Editorial. Almost like movie stills.
You don’t just see the outfit. You feel the scene it belongs in.
A cloudy sky, a vintage car, a half-lit hallway.
A look of loss. A touch of rebellion.
More emotion. Less posing.
This style works because it’s human. Real. The photos don’t just sell the clothes. They sell a world. And that’s what people remember.
Want to try this? Start with a theme. Pick a location that fits it. Let the model act, not pose. Let the mood lead the way.
2. That Raw, Honest Look
Here’s the truth. People are tired of perfect.
One trend that’s really taken off lately is raw fashion product photography.
Natural light. Bare edits. Textures that you can almost feel through the screen.
Wrinkles in linen? Keep them.
A bit of blur? That’s okay.
Skin that looks like skin? Yes, please.
This style connects. It makes your brand feel open, grounded, human.
No filters. No lies. Just fashion as it is.
If you’re a smaller brand or doing something sustainable, this trend is gold for you. It builds trust without trying too hard.
3. Clean, Calm, and Minimal
Sometimes, less really is more.
Minimalist photography is having a big moment. Simple backdrops. Bold framing. Quiet confidence.
This style strips away the noise. What’s left? A sharp focus on design.
One model. One light. One wall.
Think white, beige, or soft grey.
Let the clothes speak for themselves.
It works best for brands that want to feel premium. Sophisticated. Timeless.
The best part? You don’t need much. Just a great photographer with a good eye. Someone who knows how to make simple things look strong.
4. Colors That Set the Tone
You don’t need props to make a photo emotional. Sometimes, color is all you need.
Right now, brands are leaning into creative color grading.
It’s more than filters. It’s mood. Energy. Brand personality.
Warm gold tones for romance.
Cold blues for modern edge.
High contrast for a dramatic punch.
Colors aren’t just a style choice. They say something.
So, before your next shoot, ask yourself—what do we want people to feel?
When you’re working with pros who offer fashion photography services, they’ll help you figure that out. The right color grade can turn a good shot into something unforgettable.
5. Let Things Move
Fashion isn’t static. So why should your photos be?
More brands are now adding motion to their visuals. It doesn’t mean you need full-on video.
Even a blur. A breeze. A twirl. They all bring life to a shot.
Wind catching a scarf.
Hair in motion.
A heel just lifting off the ground.
These little movements change everything. They make the photo feel alive.
And when something feels alive, people look longer. Scroll slower.
That’s how you hold attention.
6. Shooting in the Wild
Studios are great. But sometimes, the best backdrop is a real place.
That’s why on-location fashion shoots are becoming so popular.
The right setting adds character. It makes the photo feel grounded. Unexpected. Honest.
An alleyway with cracked paint.
An old rooftop with evening light.
A rainy Boston sidewalk.
When you shoot outside, you invite the real world in.
It adds texture. Adds story. And with the right eye behind the lens, it can take your shoot to a whole new level.
That’s where working with a Boston fashion photographer really helps. They know the spots. They know the light. And they know how to shoot it well.
7. Style Without Boundaries
Fashion doesn’t fit into neat little boxes anymore. And neither does casting.
This year, more brands are going gender-fluid.
They’re choosing models who express identity freely. Who don’t fit molds. And who bring something real to the shot.
Feminine and masculine styling in one look.
Androgynous features.
Diverse body types, skin tones, hair textures.
This isn’t just about being inclusive. It’s about being true to what fashion is now.
People want to see themselves in your brand. Or the person they want to become. Show them that. That’s what makes a campaign connect.
Why These Trends Work
Trends come and go. So why do these stick?
Because they’re not just about style. They’re about substance.
They connect. They carry emotion. And they let the brand speak in a voice people want to hear.
But here’s the thing—pulling these off isn’t about copying a style. It’s about working with someone who knows how to feel the shot before they take it.
The Photographer Makes or Breaks It
Even with all the right ideas, it all comes down to who’s behind the camera.
Not every photographer understands fabric. Movement. The rhythm of fashion.
A great fashion photographer:
Knows how clothes fall in real life.
Spots the shot before it happens.
Lets emotion lead.
And works with you to bring your brand’s tone to the surface.
That’s what sets Felix Gaertner apart.
If you’re in Boston or anywhere nearby and need someone who lives and breathes fashion imagery—Felix is your guy.
He gets it. The light. The texture. The feeling.
A Quick Guide for Your Next Shoot
Ready to test these trends? Here’s how to start without getting overwhelmed:
Pick one main vibe for the shoot—keep it simple.
Decide if the shoot is raw, clean, edgy, or soft.
Choose a setting that adds to the mood.
Think about movement. What’s the moment you’re trying to catch?
Cast real people. People who make your brand feel alive.
And finally, talk to your photographer. Share your thoughts, references, ideas. The best work always comes from good collaboration.
Final Thoughts
Trends are great. They spark ideas. But don’t chase every one.
Pick the ones that feel right for your brand. The ones that make your vision sharper, not louder.
Because fashion isn’t about shouting. It’s about showing people who you are—quietly, clearly, confidently.
That’s what the right photograph does. It holds your story in one frame.
So if you’re ready to go beyond the usual—beyond flat lookbooks and overused lighting—explore Felix Gaertner’s fashion photography services.
Let’s make images that feel like something.
Let’s tell your story the way it was meant to be seen.