Top 100 Photography Trends in 2021

From Kid-Friendly Instant Cameras to Palm-Sized Remote Drones

— January 8, 2022 — Tech
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
6.4
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
99
Magnetic Photography Filters
Magnetic Photography Filters
The Freewell Magnetic VND Filter Kit is Versatile and Functional
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98
Chromatic Waterproof Binoculars
Chromatic Waterproof Binoculars
These Binoculars are Inspired by the Great Outdoors of California
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97
High-Speed Focus Cameras
High-Speed Focus Cameras
The RICOH GR IIIx Camera Boasts the GR ENGINE 6 Imagine Engine
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96
Indigenous Tattoo Docuseries
Indigenous Tattoo Docuseries
Skindigenous is Premiering its Third Season on APTN
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95
Weatherproof Mobile Security Cameras
Weatherproof Mobile Security Cameras
The Swann Xtreem Wireless Outdoor Security Camera is Powerful
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94
Featherweight Mountable Video Cameras
Featherweight Mountable Video Cameras
This Compact Camera Offers Smooth Footage In Glorious 4K
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93
Kevlar-Sheathed Cameras
Kevlar-Sheathed Cameras
This Limited-Edition Camera Offers Exceptionally Durable Photography
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92
Holistic Instant Video Kits
Holistic Instant Video Kits
The 'Lumashot' All-in-One Video Kit Helps Create Incredible Projects
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91
Pocket-Sized Gimbal-Equipped Cameras
Pocket-Sized Gimbal-Equipped Cameras
The MOIN CAMERA Captures Footage in Many Ways
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90
Creative Virtual Graduation Photos
Creative Virtual Graduation Photos
MDRN Photobooth Co. Offers Safe and Easy Virtual Grad Photos
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89
Connected Feature-Rich Dash Cams
Connected Feature-Rich Dash Cams
The New Garmin Dash Cam Series Includes Four Offerings
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88
Pro-Grade Cinema Cameras
Pro-Grade Cinema Cameras
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro is Feature-Rich
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87
Multifunctional AI-Powered Security Cameras
Multifunctional AI-Powered Security Cameras
The 'beCam' Home Security Camera Works Indoors or Out
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86
Flagship Mirrorless Camera
Flagship Mirrorless Camera
This Nikon Camera Offers Versatile Full-Frame Photo & Video Functions
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85
Compact Cinematography Cameras
Compact Cinematography Cameras
The Sony FX3 Compact Cinema Camera is Affordably Positioned
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84
Stylized Foldable Smartphones
Stylized Foldable Smartphones
The 'Huawei P50 Pocket' Has an Embellished Luxury Design
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83
Silicone DSLR Lens Protectors
Silicone DSLR Lens Protectors
The Pelican Rugged Lens Cover Works with Any Lens Size
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82
Professional Smartphone Cameras
Professional Smartphone Cameras
The Profoto Camera is a Smartphone Camera Optimized for Light
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81
Skate-Inspired Cameras
Skate-Inspired Cameras
Vans' 'Capturing the Journey' Collection Includes a Custom Leica D-Lux 7
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80
Kevlar-Wrapped Monochrome Cameras
Kevlar-Wrapped Monochrome Cameras
Leica Releases the Low-Key Q2 and Q2 Monochrome Reporter
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79
Professional-Grade Gimbals
Professional-Grade Gimbals
The 'Zhiyun Smooth 5' Offers Multipurpose Gimbal Support for Creators
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78
Automated Privacy Shield Cameras
Automated Privacy Shield Cameras
The Arlo Essential Indoor Security Camera is Privacy Focused
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77
Innovative Camera Carriers
Innovative Camera Carriers
The 'SPINN CP.02' Camera Carrying System Solves Weight Balancing Issues
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76
Multifunctional Sliding Photography Mounts
Multifunctional Sliding Photography Mounts
The 'PROTO-HAROLD 1.1' is Customizable
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75
Compact High-Performance Cameras
Compact High-Performance Cameras
The FUJIFILM GFX100S Marries Advanced Imaging Tech & Portability
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74
AI-Powered Photography Apps
AI-Powered Photography Apps
The 'AestheticCam' App Helps Users Pinpoint the Best Shot
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73
Iconic American Artist Cameras
Iconic American Artist Cameras
The Polaroid Now I-Type Instant Camera Keith Haring Edition is Bold
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72
Perfect Selfie Smartphones
Perfect Selfie Smartphones
The vivo V21 is an Ultra-Thin Smartphone with an Ultra-Powerful Camera
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71
Single-Axis Stabilization Gimbals
Single-Axis Stabilization Gimbals
The CliqueFie Sway Gimbal Captures Shake-Free Footage
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70
Digital-Film Hybrid Cameras
Digital-Film Hybrid Cameras
Fujifilm Releases Dynamic New Instant Camera, the Instax Mini Evo
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69
Multifunctional Action Cam Lights
Multifunctional Action Cam Lights
The GoPro Light Mod Offers Four Levels of Brightness and More
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68
Wide-Format Mobile Printers
Wide-Format Mobile Printers
Fujifilm Releases 'Instax Wide,' a Mobile Printer for Your Phone
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67
Inspirational Photographer Card Desk
Inspirational Photographer Card Desk
'Inspiracles' Photography Inspiration Cards are Handy
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66
Photographer Edition Smartphones
Photographer Edition Smartphones
OPPO's Kodak-Branded Smartphone Has 50MP Cameras
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65
Miniature Instant Photography Cameras
Miniature Instant Photography Cameras
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Has Automatic Exposure and More
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64
Spooky Red-Scale Film Lines
Spooky Red-Scale Film Lines
Cinestill's 'Redrum' Film Was Designed for Halloween-Ready Shots
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63
Soda Brand Film Cameras
Soda Brand Film Cameras
The Pepsi x Retrospekt Camera Revives 1990s Style
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62
Compact 8K Cinema Cameras
Compact 8K Cinema Cameras
RED Unveils Its Most Powerful Film Camera Yet, the 'V-Raptor ST'
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61
Wifi Picture Frames
Wifi Picture Frames
The 'Nixplay Touch Frame' is Perfect for Keeping Families Connected
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60
Nostalgic Mirrorless Cameras
Nostalgic Mirrorless Cameras
The Nikon Z fc Has a Classic Camera Look that Conceals Modern Tricks
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59
Magnetic Module Action Cameras
Magnetic Module Action Cameras
The DJI Action 2 Enables Accessories to Be Easily Added
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58
VR-Ready Dual-Input Lenses
VR-Ready Dual-Input Lenses
The Canon RF5.2mm F2.8 L Dual Fisheye Lens is Powerful
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57
Dual-Sided HD Dash Cams
Dual-Sided HD Dash Cams
The VAVA Dual Dash 2K Cam Stays Active 24/7 for Enhanced Peace of Mind
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56
Triple-Camera Dash Cams
Triple-Camera Dash Cams
The Vantrue N4 3 Channel Dash Cam Captures Footage From All Angles
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55
Versatile Camera Mount Plates
Versatile Camera Mount Plates
The 'PlateZ' Camera Tripod Stand Works in a Number of Different Ways
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54
Advanced Underwater Fishing Cameras
Advanced Underwater Fishing Cameras
The Trident 101 Night Vision Fishing Camera is Durable
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53
Privacy-Focused Security Cameras
Privacy-Focused Security Cameras
The Cync Indoor Smart Camera Has a Built-in Privacy Shade
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52
AI-Powered Camera Mounts
AI-Powered Camera Mounts
The 'Billy' and 'Billy Pro' Camera Robots Offer Face and Body Tracking
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51
Throwable Smartphone Photography Devices
Throwable Smartphone Photography Devices
The Aer TYP Captures Aerial Photography in a New Way
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50
Remote-Controlled Camera Dollies
Remote-Controlled Camera Dollies
The DJI FPV X Facilitates Filmmaking with its Low Gravity Center
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49
Branded 80s-Era Instant Cameras
Branded 80s-Era Instant Cameras
Retrospekt Launches Retro Pepsi x Polaroid Instant Camera
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48
Kid-Friendly Instant Cameras
Kid-Friendly Instant Cameras
The VTech KidiZoom PrintCam Lets Kids Take & Print Retro Photos
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47
Ultra-Light Mirrorless Cameras
Ultra-Light Mirrorless Cameras
The FUJIFILM X-E4 is the Company's Lightest Camera Yet
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46
Catalog-Style Photography Boxes
Catalog-Style Photography Boxes
The 'FlashBooth' White Studio Background Has Adjustable Lighting
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45
Adventure-Ready Camera Collaborations
Adventure-Ready Camera Collaborations
The Teva x Polaroid Collaboration Offers an Array of Items
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44
HD Ring Light Webcams
HD Ring Light Webcams
The Movo WebMic HD Pro Has an All-in-One Design for Impressive Performance
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43
Nostalgia-Capturing Camcorders
Nostalgia-Capturing Camcorders
"Capture Your Nostalgia" With TOMBOGO's New NostalgiaCam
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42
Mirrorless 8K Cameras
Mirrorless 8K Cameras
The 'Alpha 1' Can Capture Crystal-Clear Imagery At Blindingly Fast Speeds
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41
Retro-Styled Instant Cameras
Retro-Styled Instant Cameras
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 Harkens Back to Yesteryear
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40
Customizable Polaroid Cameras
Customizable Polaroid Cameras
The NOTIC Polaroid Comes with a Stylus to Add Doodles to Photos
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39
Low-Light Instant Camera Concepts
Low-Light Instant Camera Concepts
This Conceptual Polaroid Go Camera Has Double Exposure and More
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38
Content Maker Camera Stands
Content Maker Camera Stands
The Arkon Clamp Stand Works with Smartphones and Cameras
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37
Live Stream Video Kits
Live Stream Video Kits
Logitech Introduces the 'Mevo Start 3-Pack' For Video Content Creators
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36
Open-Source AI Smart Cameras
Open-Source AI Smart Cameras
The JeVois-Pro Deep Learning Smart Camera is Fully Programmable
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35
AR Vacation Books
AR Vacation Books
Kiss & Fly is an AR Book That Blends Media Types to Create Virtual Vacations
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34
Content Creation Smartphone Rigs
Content Creation Smartphone Rigs
The SV Optics Smartphone Rig Has a Power Bank and More
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33
4K Resolution Dash Cams
4K Resolution Dash Cams
The Dride 4K Vehicle Dash Camera Has GPS, 4G LTE and More
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32
Motorized Remote-Controlled Tripods
Motorized Remote-Controlled Tripods
The 'Polaris' Smart Electric Tripod Head Offers Easy Control
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31
Portable Pop-Up Studios
Portable Pop-Up Studios
DropKey Studio is an Affordable and On-The-Go Green Screen
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30
Powerful Pocket-Sized Gimbals
Powerful Pocket-Sized Gimbals
The PowerVision S1 Smartphone Gimbal Has AI Tracking and More
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29
Digital Pet Fashion Lines
Digital Pet Fashion Lines
'Pepa Paris' is a Contactless Fashion Label for Pets in the Metaverse
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28
Crocodile-Themed Instant Cameras
Crocodile-Themed Instant Cameras
The Lacoste x Polaroid 600 Instant Film Camera is Charming
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27
AI-Powered Sports Cameras
AI-Powered Sports Cameras
Veo Received Funding for Its AI Camera That Films and Edits Sports Games
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26
Smoke Effect Photography Accessories
Smoke Effect Photography Accessories
The 'SmokeGENIE' Smoke Machine Helps Enhance Content
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25
Tech Brand Action Cameras
Tech Brand Action Cameras
The Conceptual Apple AirCam by Antonio De Rosa is Feature-Rich
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24
Auto-Folding Smartphone Gimbals
Auto-Folding Smartphone Gimbals
The 'ATOM 2' Three-Axis Smartphone Gimbal is Lightweight
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23
Eco-Friendly Film Cameras
Eco-Friendly Film Cameras
LensFayre Introduces Sustainable Alternative to the Disposable Camera
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22
Secret Agent-Inspired Cameras
Secret Agent-Inspired Cameras
Leica Unveils the Ultra-Sleek Q2 '007 Edition' Camera
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21
Kid-Friendly Instant Cameras
Kid-Friendly Instant Cameras
The myFirst Insta Wi is a Polaroid Camera for Kids
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20
AR-Powered Makeup Shopping
AR-Powered Makeup Shopping
Amazon and L'oreal's Modiface Reinvents Makeup Shopping with AR
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19
Fluorescent Fashion House Cameras
Fluorescent Fashion House Cameras
This Conceptual Balenciaga Film Camera Filter is Chic
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18
Minimalist Tech Action Cameras
Minimalist Tech Action Cameras
The Conceptual 'iCam Pro' Imagines an Apple-Branded Camera
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17
Palm-Sized Remote Drones
Palm-Sized Remote Drones
The Copernicus Drone Comes in Multiple Camera Configurations
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16
Photography-Focused Travel Bags
Photography-Focused Travel Bags
Willem Verbeek Unveils Collaborative Camera Bag Line, Long Weekend
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15
Ultra-Fast Camera Access Bags
Ultra-Fast Camera Access Bags
The 'Top Shelf' All-Access Camera Bag Supports Shutterbugs
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14
Self-Portrait Studios
Self-Portrait Studios
Toronto's Monography Lets People Capture Their Own Image in a Private Space
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13
Surf-Inspired Mixed-Media Photography
Surf-Inspired Mixed-Media Photography
Annie Seaton's Photography Paints the World of Surf
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12
Pandemic-Inspired Woodland Sculptures
Pandemic-Inspired Woodland Sculptures
Jörg Gläscher Uses Dead Branches to Sculpt Forest Waves
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11
Powerful Photography Campaigns
Powerful Photography Campaigns
German Camera Brand Leica Launched Its First Campaign in 10 Years
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10
Smartphone-Inspired Mirrorless Cameras
Smartphone-Inspired Mirrorless Cameras
This Apple Camera Concept Puts a Focus on Photography
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9
Malleable POV Pocket Cameras
Malleable POV Pocket Cameras
The Conceptual 'CAMEY' Camera Allows for Impromptu Captures
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8
Tiny Wearable Action Cams
Tiny Wearable Action Cams
The Insta360 GO 2 Miniature Action Camera Supports Hands-Free Use
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7
Laidback Digital Travel Cameras
Laidback Digital Travel Cameras
The Conceptual 'FLANEUR' Digital Camera Stores Just 37 Photos
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6
Pet Portrait Campaigns
Pet Portrait Campaigns
Apple’s Shot on iPhone Campaign Features Quality Images of Cats & Dogs
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5
Child-Friendly Photography Equipment
Child-Friendly Photography Equipment
The Conceptual Milo x LEICA Camera is Intuitive to Use
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4
DSLR-Quality Smartphone Lenses
DSLR-Quality Smartphone Lenses
The +Lens Modular System Upgrades the iPhone in a Versatile Way
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3
TV Signal Glitch Art
TV Signal Glitch Art
These Eerie Deconstructed Television Programs Turn into Glitch Art
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2
Ephemeral Photographic Documentations
Ephemeral Photographic Documentations
JiaHao Peng Celebrates the Small Joys of Life Through Photos
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1
Human Connection Photography Series
Human Connection Photography Series
Soft Stories by Laura Jane Petelko is Inspired by Isolation
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