8 food photography and videography trends to try in 2025
The best in the business roundup of what’s hot in 2025
From AI to greater authenticity in storytelling, plenty of trends flooded our screens in 2024. So, what will 2025 bring? Our food and drink photographers weigh in.
1. Sustainable, seasonal cooking
Says who? Food photographer Jay Watson (opening image)
Access to great quality produce has never been easier and yet in 2025 there’s going to be a greater focus on buying and cooking seasonally. That means – in the UK, at least – root veg in autumn, rhubarb in April/May, asparagus from April to June. There will be greater emphasis on reducing food waste, too, and not just during photoshoots, but also in our everyday lives. It’s so easy to do: making risotto and have some left over? Roll it into balls, cover them in breadcrumbs and fry them to create deliciously moreish arancini. The opportunities to create interesting dishes from leftovers are almost infinite.
Choosing reusable props sourced from charity shops is not only a fantastic way to reuse and upcycle, but also means your images will be unique and interesting. I have a huge collection of vintage kitchenalia!
2. Using AI to remove distractions
Says who? Food photographer and author Giulia Verdinelli
AI can act as a personal high-tech assistant, simplifying workflows and letting photographers focus on their creative vision. It’s revolutionising editing by simplifying tedious edits (as above) that normally demand hours of retouching such as removing backgrounds, eliminating distractions or tweaking colours in seconds.
Tools such as AI-assisted composition can also suggest camera angles, lighting and styling based on the subject and the desired look. Plus, AI can guide photographers in real time by creating virtual mock-ups and providing instructions so they can experiment digitally and then replicate their creative vision on set without endless trial and error.
3. Slow motion video
Says who? Food stylist, photographer and videographer Mélanie Rousselle
Slow motion videos (like above) will only increase in 2025, with even more sprinkling of powder and splashes of liquid saturating our social feeds. Frame rate and resolution have evolved so significantly – we can now film slow motion 120fps in 4K and 250fps in HD, which is impressive. My preference is a background that contrasts the action to make it impactful, such as a dark background for sugar being sprinkled, or a light-coloured background for cocoa.
4. Adding action to stills
Says who? Food photographer Sue Todd
Action within stills is as important as ever. Capturing splashes, pours and other movements brings food and drink to life and adds a touch of unexpectedness. While video has its place, photographs for print remain a huge part of the industry. Using striking imagery helps your clients to get noticed and to stand out in the marketplace.
5. Eco-centric aesthetics
Says who? Food stylist and photographer Anna Janecka
The year will see a focus on sustainable eating and natural ingredients, with earthy tones and minimal styling to let the beauty and texture of the ingredients shine. Eco-friendly props such as wooden utensils, linen napkins or ceramic plates will aide this. We’ll also see a celebration of imperfections, such as bruised fruits or non-uniform shapes, to highlight natural beauty.
6. Interactive AR and VR
Says who? Food stylist and photographer Anna Janecka
Love it or hate it, not only will the new year welcome AI-enhanced visuals and virtual backdrops for photoshoots, but we will also see the integration of augmented reality and virtual reality to create interactive food photography experiences. That might well mean that, in 2025, anything is possible.
7. High contrast stills
Says who? Food photographer and founder of Trickytine Christine Garcia Urbina
Hard light food photography is a growing trend and thrives on dramatic shadows and striking contrasts. Continuous light is perfect for creating these effects, especially when photographing drinks to highlight their textures and reflections.
8. Vibrant colours
Says who? Food photographer and founder of Trickytine Christine Garcia Urbina
It seems 2025 might shine a little brighter than previous years. What’s going to be big this year is vibrant colours in food stills, with colourful backdrops paired with bold ingredients such as bright pinks, yellows or blues to create a joyful and eye-catching composition.
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