In case you missed it, Adobe released its 2024 Creative Trends report early this year. Let’s revisit some interesting takeaways for photographers and videographers.
New Nostalgia
First, the creative trends report noted how younger generations are looking to have less screen time on their phones. They feel smartphone usage actually disconnects a person from their surroundings. This has resulted in the rebirth of the digital camera — the older versions with grainy quality. This nostalgic device helps connect us to the past and allows creativity without being tied to the phone. The quality of images may be low, but the level of expression is high… and isn’t that what matters most? I champion the idea of more people being introduced to photography NOT through their phone.
In fact, there is an overall trend being dubbed “New Nostalgia.” This artful and realistic reimagination of the 90s and 00s is producing some incredible visual media. It pains me to write that the 90s are considered the old days by some youth. However, it does recall a simpler time where having contact with people and places was much more prevalent than today due to the lack of certain technologies. This invites critical exploration of the environment as a canvas or backdrop for creativity.
The pursuit of happiness
The emotional state of happiness is also at the forefront. People are seeking out happiness — images and videos that evoke a feeling of joy. Many in a post-COVID world feel they have fewer connections or time for connections, so they turn to the visual arts that get them away from the problems of the world. This is a coping mechanism to reground people to the simple pleasures of the world.
Keep calm and create
One of the final major takeaways from the report is what Adobe calls Calming Rhythms. Fluid, soothing, flowing forms support emotional balance in people, and this is necessary in the hectic pace of the world. This means that videos and images that catch the light, provide silhouettes, capture interesting structure, or showcase nature’s fluidity have the power to calm the viewer on the inside, acting as a refuge or a recharge station for our emotional intellect.
These are all elements you can keep in mind in your future work. While Adobe goes on to discuss their AI technologies and how it can help with the curation of the above, we have the power to evoke the same emotions with our creative and technological skills and toolsets. If our work touches upon one of these trends, it just may give someone the lift they need to have a great day.
