These 4 stock photo trends will shape visual communication in 2023
No one can see into the future, but from the social currents of the past decades and current events, we can read developments that will shape our everyday lives. We are in a time of transformation and live in an intensely visual society. Especially when the viewer’s attention span is limited, strong images can successfully convey information.
Visual trend report for free download
Westend61 focuses on visual messages credibly reflecting the reality of people’s lives. We want to meet them where they are, including their needs, fears, and hopes. We publish the most important findings in the form of our INSPIRE Magazines, which registered users of our webshop (no purchase necessary) can download for free. The Trend Report forms the core of this series. For the year 2023, our creative director Martine Praessl forecasts four trends for stock photography that reflect the changing times.
Trend 1: Resilience – stability for people, the economy, and planet
The 2020s will go down in the history books as a decade of challenges and upheavals. The Corona pandemic called for the need for global cooperation. Only with such international collaboration will we be able to avert the looming climate catastrophe. This feat of strength requires courage, patience, and, above all, the ability to remain stable and resilient even in difficult times. It is not just about humans but also about protecting our environment and safeguarding our economic future. This results in the following three focal points:
- Humans: Stability through mental crisis strategy
- Economy: Sense as profit
- Planet: Strengthening the ecosystems
Trend 2: Reversion – turning back to ourselves
The challenges we constantly face shape our attitudes: Our striving for security becomes an insecurity competence that simplifies our handling of fears. A new understanding of our prosperity is emerging as a result of the experiences we have had during the crisis. At the same time, we observe how lifestyles are increasingly individualized, but the desire for a sense of we remains unbroken.
Our three chapters at a glance:
- Safety: Gaining competence regarding uncertainty
- Prosperity: Post-capitalism in Lagom
- Resonance: Self-efficiency in the “We” culture
Trend 3: Innovation – the path to a positive future
Our problems will not solve themselves. We can optimize some things and save energy, but we still have to create a livable future for ourselves as a society. With a pioneering spirit and inventiveness, humankind will develop technical solutions to many of our problems. Now it is up to us to use these technologies for a greater whole, in which not only individuals and corporations participate but all of humanity.
Again, we would like to introduce three topics:
- Green Tech: Pioneering spirit against climate change
- AI and Big Data: Systemically crisis proof
- Smart cities: Socio-ecological quality of life
Trend 4:Vision – shaping the future we need
Imagine a positive future is possible – and it’s all thanks to our imagination. Our trend report takes a unique look at the phrase “Tomorrow is made today.” We show you that each of us has a role in shaping our future. To do this, we need creativity and confidence in our future possibilities. The chapter appeals to our imagination and positioning for the future. Brands and companies that want to inspire confidence with their communications will find the right images on these three aspects, among others:
- Imagination: Visiting the possibility room
- Optimism for action: Confidence in practice
- Visualization: Resilient brand communication
Start shaping tomorrow today
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