Top 100 Photography Trends in 2021

Eclectic and wide-ranging, the 2021 photography trends reflect the industry's ongoing pursuit of innovation. Some company's turned to photography's past for inspiration, reviving old methods and tools. While others sought to pave the way for its future via burgeoning high-tech solutions.

A standout theme in 2021 was the continued reemergence of film-based photography. It seemed that everywhere you looked, both major brands and emerging startups were launching new instant cameras. For example, Fujifilm released the Instax Mini 40, a compact point-and-shoot that boasted intentionally stripped-down retro functionality. Meanwhile, LensFayre, a boutique online camera brand, released the Snap LF-35M, an eco-friendly alternative to disposable film cameras.

On the more future-forward side of things, TNW released the Copernicus Mini Drone, a remotely-piloted quadcopter that can fit in the palm of a hand. Elsewhere, Copenhagen-based startup Veo raised $25 million for its AI-powered sports cameras.

For more photography innovations in the year ahead, check out Trend Hunter’s 2022 Trend Report