2024 Trends in Food & Beverage Photography
As we step into 2024, it’s time for one of my favorite exercises—predicting the trends for food and beverage photography this year. With a new year comes new exciting opportunities for food and beverage brands to elevate their visual storytelling. In this blog post, I’m delving into the top photography trends that are set to dominate the culinary landscape this year, providing you with insights to stay ahead of the curve and capture the essence of your brand!
Sustainable Visuals for a Sustainable World
With an increasing focus on eco-conscious living, I’m expecting to see a surge in demand for food and beverage products that emphasize sustainability, and their photography will have to align with their mission. Even for brands whose focus doesn’t necessarily lay in sustainability will want to embrace the use of eco-friendly props, organic textures, and ethically sourced props to convey a message of environmental awareness through your visuals. This is a trend that I’ve consistently predicted for the last few years, and it feels just as likely to continue building this year as it did in the past.
Emphasis on Craftsmanship in Photos
As the food and beverage space continues to get crowded, brands are going to search for ways to distinguish themselves. One of the ways that I think this is likely to unfold in photography in 2024 is by placing an emphasis on craftsmanship. Close-up shots that showcase intricate details, textures, and the hands behind the dish will be a huge trend. Think photos that capture the essence of handmade pasta being rolled or the meticulous arrangement of ingredients in a carefully crafted dessert. If you can’t capture these details in the midst of your product being made, try using props and backdrops to help tell the story behind the brand.
Immersive Storytelling through Movement
Yes, the algorithms have recently favored movement and video. I’m not even going to pretend to guess at what new surprises the social media gods have in store for us, but I will say that the dynamic nature of movement in GIFs adds a new dimension to food and beverage content. These subtle yet captivating moving images create an immersive experience, allowing viewers to feel the sizzle of a pan or the slow pour of a decadent sauce. Incorporate GIFs into your next photo shoot to engage your audience and leave a lasting impression. Besides just on social, I’ve seen clients use GIFs really successfully on newsletters and websites. Give it a whirl!
More Variation in Color Palettes
2023 was the year of bold and vibrant color palettes in food photography. This year, I’m guessing that we’re going to see brands push boundaries and use greater variation in their color palettes. We’ll see more mixing of tones, drawing from technicolor hues to natural shades. Some brands are likely to return to neutral, muted tones completely, as predicted by Pantone in their color of the year reveal. Basically, what I’m predicting (and telling you, really!) is that you should go wild and do what feels most aligned to your brand this year. Make your own rules and palettes!
Innovative Lighting Techniques
Lighting is the backbone of compelling photography, and in 2024, innovative lighting techniques will take center stage. Explore the interplay of natural and artificial light sources to create depth and drama in your images. Experiment with shadows and highlights to add a touch of mystery and sophistication to your food and beverage visuals. Think about how to use light as a prop in your images, and don’t just do what feels trendy. This is the year that doing something different with lighting will be key!
Lean into the Kitsch
I love reading Pinterest’s yearly trend predictor, and this year, there was one prediction in particular that I’ve already seen unfolding: the obsession with the kitsch. Gen-X and Zers are all about the kitsch, particularly when it comes to food and kitchens. Lean into this trend by incorporating funky textures, props sourced at Goodwill, and blown out lighting into your food and beverage photography.
Conclusion
In the fast-paced world of food and beverage photography, staying attuned to emerging trends is essential for creating visually compelling content. From emphasizing sustainability to focusing on craftsmanship to using movement to broadening color palettes, the photography landscape for 2024 offers a wealth of exciting possibilities. Embrace these trends, infuse your creativity, and find a photographer who can capture the narratives that make your brand unique. Get ready to embark on a visual journey that not only satiates appetites but also leaves a lasting impression on the evolving tastes of the photography industry in 2024.