Trends always come and go in every creative spacebut some of them should be left behind for good.
Photography is no different, whether you’re a professional photographer or a social media photo-dump enthusiast.
Removing the elements that give a photo character and emotion feels just a little dystopian.
When everyone uses the same filters over and over, we start viewing all photos in the same light.
Overcooked HDR
HDR has its place.
The key is in doing it subtly, otherwise, the final result can come out looking neon.
In most cases, you don’t even need to use HDR photography.
The purpose of advocacy is to push for change, not to make it an aesthetic.
Photographing pivotal moments in social justice movements is important for documenting history.
Over-Enhanced Photos
The rise of AI photo enhancers is to thank for the growing trend of super sharp images.
Otherwise, you end up with a picture that’s too grainy or a subject with too-sharp edges.
You’re much better offusing focus stacking for natural-looking sharp images.
Andtools like Remini are great for removing blur, but they can also result in unnatural sharpness.
Skin Smoothing
Similar to social media filters, skin smoothing upholds an unobtainable standard.
It’s time to let this editing trend go and show people as they are in real life.
Even the most unapparent alterations can change our perception of reality and skyrocket our expectations.
This can lead to low self-esteem and poor mental health.
We’re people, and people have textured skin.
More importantly, high contrast photography should serve a purpose.
If you feel like your photo could use a little enhancement, go in with a light hand.
And remember, real people don’t have doll-like skin.
