What’s Trending in Photography Right Now

Get insider tips from The Hive photography studio on the latest lighting, styling, and photoshoot techniques that are trending in Phoenix.

If you’re a photographer, you already know that trends don’t just live on Pinterest boards or in magazines—they show up in the photography studio, in the way people shoot, style, and bring ideas to life. At The Hive, our photography studio in Phoenix sees everything from polished commercial campaigns to gritty passion projects, and we’ve had a front-row seat to the creative shifts happening in 2025. Whether you’re a portrait photographer, product stylist, filmmaker, or content creator, staying on top of what’s working right now can spark new ideas and keep your work fresh. So if you’re looking for some real-world insight into what’s trending in photography this year, here’s what we’re actually seeing inside the photography studio—and how you can use these trends to level up your next shoot.

Editorial-style portrait photography is on the rise

In 2025, the clean, corporate headshot is taking a backseat to editorial-style portraiture that tells a story. We’re seeing more photographers use creative lighting, fashion-forward styling, and immersive set design to produce portrait images that feel cinematic and emotionally resonant.

At The Hive, our large cyc wall offers a versatile space for experimenting with dramatic lighting and wide compositions, while our raw concrete walls add texture and mood for more intimate or artistic portraits. Photographers are increasingly combining natural light with moody shadows or colorful gels to push beyond traditional portrait techniques.

This shift toward expressive, editorial portraits is especially popular among fashion brands, musicians, and personal brands looking to differentiate their visual identity.

Product photography is moving beyond the white background

Traditional white-background product photography is still relevant—especially for e-commerce—but brands are getting more creative with how they style and shoot their products. We’ve seen a major increase in brands requesting photography studio rentals in Phoenix specifically to create content that feels elevated, textured, and visually engaging.

In our Phoenix photography studio, clients often use seamless colored paper backdrops, concrete surfaces, and even DIY props to create custom looks for their products. Beauty brands, in particular, have been incorporating materials like glass, mirrors, and colored acrylics to add dimension and depth. Footwear and apparel clients have used our cyc wall and dramatic lighting to make their products feel larger than life.

If you’re building a product campaign or shooting a catalog, don’t underestimate the impact of creative styling and scene-building within a controlled studio environment.

Social media creators are prioritizing studio content

With the demand for content at an all-time high, creators and influencers are increasingly booking photography studio sessions to shoot a week’s worth—or even a month’s worth—of content in one go. At The Hive, we’ve seen a significant uptick in short-form, high-impact bookings aimed at producing reels, TikToks, YouTube intros, and high-quality stills all in a single session.

These content-heavy shoots rely on efficiency, good lighting, and varied backdrops, all of which we provide. Creators often switch between different corners of the studio to capture multiple looks: our cyc wall, concrete facades, seamless rolls, and even the green room get used creatively. The ability to move quickly and still get polished results is a big reason why content creators keep coming back.

If you're a content creator in Phoenix looking for a photography studio that supports rapid production, flexibility, and style, The Hive and its studio amenities are built for exactly that.

Combining photo and video in a single shoot is now the norm

More and more clients are planning hybrid shoots that combine photography and video into the same booking. This is especially common among commercial clients, fashion brands, and music artists who want to maximize their time and content output. One hour might be dedicated to campaign stills, followed by BTS videos, interview-style content, and promotional clips all in a single day.

At The Hive, our Phoenix photography studio rental is designed to accommodate these hybrid productions. The 26-foot-wide white cyc wall offers a clean backdrop for both photo and video work. Our 10x10-foot garage door allows for easy loading of video equipment, and our open layout offers plenty of space for crew members, lighting setups, and even vehicles when needed.

If you’re planning a campaign that includes both stills and motion, booking a Phoenix photography studio that’s equipped for both mediums will save you time, money, and creative energy.

Set design and props are becoming a core part of the creative process

One trend we love seeing is the growing use of DIY set design. Photographers and brands are getting more hands-on with their shoots by building their own creative environments inside the studio. We’ve hosted photoshoots with hanging fabric installations, paper sculptures, faux walls, neon signage, and intricate flat lays with props sourced or built by the client.

This shift allows for more visual storytelling, even on a smaller budget. Our Phoenix photography studio’s neutral tones, modular layout, and other key features make it easy to transform the space into something entirely new. Whether you're staging a retro diner, a futuristic retail scene, or a cozy living room, The Hive provides the flexible foundation to build your vision.

For clients who don’t want to bring in their own materials, we also offer a wide selection of seamless backdrops and lighting packages to help set the mood without any hassle.

Natural light and ambient mood are taking over

Artificial lighting is still crucial for many commercial shoots, but there’s a noticeable return to more organic, ambient lighting styles. Photographers are experimenting with soft window light, directional shadows, and slower shutter speeds to create a mood that feels more natural and intimate.

At The Hive, our Phoenix photography studio offers the best of both worlds: plenty of natural light for lifestyle and editorial shoots, plus the option to control the environment completely with blackout conditions and professional lighting rentals. Shoots scheduled early in the morning or late in the afternoon often take advantage of the soft golden tones that flow in, especially when working near the concrete walls or using reflective surfaces.

If your brand or creative direction leans toward authenticity, warmth, or a documentary feel, natural light photography in our Phoenix photography studio can create incredibly powerful results.

Book Your Phoenix Photography Studio Session

Photography trends come and go, but what we’re seeing in 2025 feels different. Shoots are more intentional, more versatile, and more design-driven than ever before. Whether you're an established professional or building your portfolio, staying current with how photographers and brands are working today can help elevate your own creative output.

At The Hive, we’re proud to support the Phoenix photography community with a fully equipped rental studio that’s adaptable, accessible, and full of character. From our massive cyc wall to our raw industrial backdrops, The Hive is designed to support whatever style, trend, or vision you bring through the door.

Ready to make something incredible? Book your session or schedule a tour of our Phoenix photography studio today.