Photography.fyi is excited to share the top five trends rocking photography and filmmaking in July 2025! These trends show what’s hot in the visual arts world, mixing new tech, old-school, and real, heartfelt stories. They’re based on what people are talking about online, at events, and in the industry, especially for creators in their late 20s to early 50s.
This article breaks down each trend with simple tips to help you jump in and make your work stand out. If you want to keep up in this fast-moving field, these trends are the way to go!
1. Film Photography’s Continued Revival
Film photography is having a major moment in July 2025. Its grainy textures and rich, unique colors give it a look that digital cameras just can’t copy perfectly. Industry reports are buzzing—Pentax says demand for new film cameras is climbing, and Leica reports a jaw-dropping 900% surge in film camera sales over the last eight years. On Instagram, thousands of posts under hashtags like #filmisnotdead show off everything from dreamy portraits to gritty street shots and sweeping landscapes, proving film is alive and kicking.
What makes film so special? You only get 24 or 36 shots per roll, so every click counts. You have to think about your shot, check the lighting, and pick the right film stock, like Kodak Portra for soft, warm tones or Ilford HP5 for bold black-and-white. Then, there’s the wait for your photos to develop, which adds a thrill that digital instant previews can’t match. In filmmaking, Kodak Vision 3 film stock is a favorite for music videos, short films, and even low-budget movies because it gives that classic, cinematic glow.
The Photoform festival in March 2025 really boosted this trend with workshops on developing film at home, using eco-friendly chemicals, and experimenting with funky film stocks. People are still talking about it online, sharing tips and tricks on X and Instagram. This trend isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about loving the process and creating something real in a world full of quick digital snaps.
Why It’s Cool: Film slows you down, making you focus on every detail. It’s like cooking a meal from scratch instead of microwaving something—it takes time, but the result feels personal and rewarding. Plus, the imperfections, like light leaks or grain, give your work character that stands out.
How to Try It: Start small with a used 35mm camera from brands like Nikon, Canon, or Pentax—they’re easy to find online or at thrift stores for cheap. If you’re not ready for real film, apps like VSCO or Mastin Labs can give your digital photos a film look. Try different film stocks: Kodak Portra is great for portraits with soft skin tones, Cinestill rocks for colorful night shots, and Ilford HP5 is perfect for dramatic black-and-white. Check out local camera shops or online tutorials to learn how to develop your own film. This trend is all about enjoying the process and making photos that feel one-of-a-kind.
2. Cinematic Techniques in Photography and Filmmaking
In July 2025, photographers are borrowing tricks from movies to make their pictures feel like scenes from a blockbuster. Think bold lighting, blurry backgrounds (that shallow depth-of-field look), and shots that tell a story. This is huge in wedding photography, where albums are like mini-movies, with photos that flow together to capture the day’s emotions. Some photographers even add a bit of motion blur to make shots feel alive, like the couple’s first dance or a breeze catching the bride’s veil.
Filmmakers are also getting in on this, using photography tricks like high-contrast black-and-white visuals to make their videos feel more emotional and intense. One big thing right now is cinemagraphs—photos with just a touch of movement, like a candle flickering in a still portrait or waves lapping in a beach scene. These are super popular for Instagram, TikTok, and even ads because they grab attention without being a full video.
Creators like Liam Wong are blowing up on TikTok for their neon-lit, movie-like photos and videos that feel like you’re stepping into a cyberpunk film. The line between photos and videos is blurring, and it’s exciting to see how creators mix the two to tell stories in new ways.
Why It’s Cool: This trend lets you create work that feels like a story, not just a snapshot. It’s like being a director and a photographer at the same time, making your audience feel something bigger. Plus, it’s fun to play with techniques that make your work look polished and professional.
How to Try It: Grab a wide-angle lens (like a 16-35mm) to get that cinematic, wide-shot feel, and use softbox lights or reflectors to create dramatic lighting. Apps like Adobe Premiere can help you make cinemagraphs by adding subtle motion to your photos. If you’re planning a big shoot, try storyboarding with software like Celtx to map out your shots like a movie director. Watch some films or music videos for inspiration, and experiment with framing your shots to tell a story, like zooming in on a subject’s expression or capturing a wide scene with lots of action. This trend is all about making your work feel epic and emotional.
3. AI Tools Enhancing Creative Processes
Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the game for photographers and filmmakers in July 2025. New cameras use AI to figure out what you’re shooting and automatically adjust focus, lighting, and colors to get the perfect shot. Editing apps like Luminar Neo or Adobe Photoshop’s Generative Fill make it easy to fix photos fast—think removing random objects, smoothing skin, or creating cool mood boards in minutes. For filmmakers, AI can do things like suggest camera angles, analyze scenes, or even help write storyboards, so you can focus on the fun, creative parts instead of getting stuck on technical stuff.
At The Photography & Video Show in March 2025, AI tools were a big deal, showing how they help everyone from beginners to pros save time. On X, creators are sharing how they use tools like DALL-E to plan shoots by making sample images before they even pick up a camera. The catch? You’ve got to make sure your work still feels like you. If you lean too hard on AI, your photos or videos might start looking generic, like everyone else’s.
Why It’s Cool: AI is like having a super-smart assistant who handles the boring stuff, letting you spend more time being creative. It’s a huge time-saver, especially when you’re juggling a lot of projects or learning new skills.
How to Try It: Use AI tools for repetitive tasks, like fixing colors on a bunch of photos at once or removing backgrounds. Luminar Neo is great for quick edits, and Photoshop’s Generative Fill can add cool effects. If you’re planning a big shoot, try DALL-E to create a visual guide of what you want. Just make sure to tweak the final work yourself to keep your style unique—maybe adjust the lighting or colors to match your vibe. This trend is about using AI as a helper, not letting it take over your creativity.
4. Drone Photography and Filmmaking Expansion
Drones are a total game-changer in July 2025, letting anyone take awesome aerial photos and videos that used to need a helicopter or a big budget. Brands like DJI and Autel Robotics make affordable drones with smart features like avoiding obstacles, tracking moving objects, and following pre-set flight paths. Photographers are using them for jaw-dropping cityscapes, peaceful nature shots, or detailed building photos. Filmmakers love drones for adding cinematic flair to wedding videos, travel documentaries, or dramatic movie scenes, like a sweeping shot over a forest or a chase scene through a city.
This trend is huge in wedding and real estate photography because aerial shots make everything look more professional and epic. On X, people are sharing drone clips from summer events like music festivals, outdoor weddings, and even environmental projects, showing off angles you can’t get from the ground. The DJI Mini 4 Pro is a favorite because it’s small, has a long battery life, and takes super sharp photos and videos.
Why It’s Cool: Drones let you see the world in a whole new way, capturing shots that make people go “wow.” They’re easier to use than ever, so anyone can try them and make their work look next-level.
How to Try It: Start with a beginner-friendly drone like the DJI Mini 4 Pro. Check your local rules for drone permits to stay safe and legal. Practice shooting big scenes, like a person standing in a huge field or a city skyline at sunset. Apps like Litchi can help you plan smooth drone flights for perfect shots. Try framing your subject to show off scale—like a tiny person against a massive mountain—to make your photos or videos feel epic. This trend is all about exploring new perspectives and making your work stand out.
5. Emphasis on Authentic, Unfiltered Imagery
In July 2025, creators are all about keeping it real with photos and videos that feel honest and unpolished. Photographers are focusing on candid moments—like people laughing at a party, casual street scenes, or family moments—instead of super-posed, perfect shots. Black-and-white photography is making a big comeback because it strips away color and makes emotions like joy or sadness pop. Filmmakers are jumping in too, creating documentary-style videos about real-world topics like the environment, cultural stories, or social issues, inspired by talks at the Metamorphosis Festival in March 2025.
This trend is about showing real people—different skin tones, body types, and expressions—in ads, personal projects, and posts on platforms like 500px and X. Photographers like Taya Iv are leading the way, pushing for stories that feel true and connect with viewers on a deeper level.
Why It’s Cool: Real, unfiltered work feels personal and relatable, like you’re sharing a piece of life with your audience. It’s a refreshing change from overly edited, staged photos, and it helps people feel seen and understood.
How to Try It: Shoot in natural light, like during golden hour (sunrise or sunset) or on cloudy days, to keep things soft and real. Skip heavy editing in apps like Lightroom, and try black-and-white filters to make emotions stand out. Focus on capturing moments as they happen—don’t ask people to pose, just let them be themselves. This trend is about creating work that feels human and builds a connection with your audience in July 2025.
Industry News Supporting These Trends
In July 2025, these trends are backed by some big moments. The Photography & Video Show in March 2025 got everyone excited about AI tools and eco-friendly practices, and those conversations are still going strong in online tutorials and forums. Photoform’s film photography workshops have people on X sharing tips for sustainable developing, like using eco-friendly chemicals or building home darkrooms. Drone videos from summer events like music festivals and weddings are all over social media, showing how versatile and cool aerial shots are. Creators are also talking about ethical storytelling—how to show people fairly, pay subjects properly, and use AI responsibly—based on blogs, festival panels, and online discussions.
Practical Applications for Creators
Here’s how you can try these trends in July 2025:
- Film Photography: Pick up a used 35mm camera from Nikon, Canon, or Pentax (check eBay or thrift stores). Or use Lightroom presets to fake the film look. Try Kodak Portra for soft, warm portraits, Cinestill for bright night shots, or Ilford HP5 for bold black-and-white photos. Watch YouTube tutorials to learn how to develop film at home.
- Cinematic Vibes: Use a 16-35mm lens and softbox lights for a movie-like feel. Adobe Premiere or After Effects can add motion to photos for cinemagraphs. Try storyboarding with Celtx to plan shots like a film director.
- AI Tools: Use Luminar Neo for quick photo fixes or DALL-E to plan shoots with sample images. Always tweak the final work to keep your style unique—adjust colors or lighting to match your vision.
- Drones: Get a DJI Mini 4 Pro, follow local drone rules, and practice big, scenic shots. Use apps like Litchi for smooth flights. Try framing shots to show scale, like a person in a huge landscape.
- Real Stories: Shoot with natural light, skip heavy edits, and use black-and-white for emotional photos. Focus on candid moments—let people act natural instead of posing.
The Significance of These Trends
These trends bring together old-school skills, new tech, and real emotions. Film photography feels like a craft, making every shot special. Cinematic vibes turn your work into a story that grabs people’s hearts. AI saves time so you can focus on being creative, but you’ve got to keep it personal. Drones open up epic new angles, and real, unfiltered shots connect with people who want honesty. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, these trends give you tools to make amazing work in July 2025. Photography.fyi wants you to share your creations with #PhotographyFyi to join a community that’s all about pushing visual arts forward!
Future Implications and Community Engagement
Looking ahead, these trends could shape the future in big ways. Film photography might lead to new cameras that mix analog and digital. Cinematic techniques could get even cooler with virtual reality, letting you create 360-degree stories. AI might work with wearable gadgets for instant editing on the go, and drones might face new rules that change how we use them. Real storytelling could push for better ways to show people fairly, with new guidelines for creators.
To stay connected, join online forums, check out local workshops, or follow groups like the Professional Photographers of America (PPA). Share your work on X, Instagram, or Behance with #PhotographyFyi to build your portfolio and meet other creators. Keeping up with these trends will help you stay ahead and make awesome work in the months to come.
Resource Links:
Film Photography’s Continued Revival
- Pentax Film Camera Revival Announcement
- Leica Camera Sales Report 2025
- Kodak Vision 3 Stock Guide
- Photoform Festival 2025 Workshop Schedule
Cinematic Techniques in Photography and Filmmaking
AI Tools Enhancing Creative Processes
Drone Photography and Filmmaking Expansion
Emphasis on Authentic, Unfiltered Imagery
Ethical and Community Resources
