Keep up with key trends in Licensing as 500px’s Art Director & Creative Research Lead, Karen Biilmann, analyzes common threads and current themes throughout our Contributors’ photography submissions. From fluid gender representation to experiential travel, here’s what’s trending in this sample of some of the most popular genres in the 500px collection.

People

Happy senior couple spending time at the beach. Concepts about l by Cristian Negroni on 500px.com

Happy senior couple spending time at the beach.‘ by Cristian Negroni

Shot on:
Nikon D610
With:
24.0-70.0 mm f/2.8
Using:
55mm | ƒ/4 | 1/320s | ISO 100

Happy senior couple spending time at the beach. Concepts about l by Cristian Negroni on 500px.com

Happy senior couple spending time at the beach.‘ by Cristian Negroni

Shot on:
Nikon D610
With:
24.0-70.0 mm f/2.8
Using:
52mm | ƒ/4 | 1/500s | ISO 100

What we love

The “baby boomer” generation makes up a vast group (think: 72 million individuals alone in the United States) of our global population. As this group continues to age, there is an enormous need to cater to this demographic.

With that said, commercial content that aims to target this group encourages us to consider what it means to age, and the underrepresentation of our aging generations in current media. There is an undeniable emphasis on beauty and youth in visual trends, creating an unrealistic perception and pressure to “age gracefully,” alongside the trials and tribulations that can be associated with growing old.

Shining a light on authentic age encourages this population to lead a healthy and active lifestyle, showcasing social engagement in their experience. Our favorite works from this sample illustrate that growing old does not necessarily isolate an individual, but provides the chance to embrace new opportunities. These concepts can translate to a variety of commercial themes that range from retirement savings, health and wellness, and long-term planning, making this content in high demand for buyers.

Roberta Scampone Photo by Roberta Scampone on 500px.com

Roberta Scampone Photo‘ by Roberta Scampone

Shot on:
Fujifilm X-T1
With:
Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R

Similarly, we find stale definitions of what it means to identify as one gender or another, and the limitations that these constructs place on a progressive society within commercial media.

Representation in commercial photography is powerful, and can lend an inspiring voice to a variety of people. It provides a space for inclusion and acceptance. This type of content should not be limited to any one marginalized group, but should be applied to a broad spectrum of individual expressions and rarely-represented unique experiences.

By contributing this type of content to the commercial space, we can create an influx of inclusive representation and the increased opportunity for minority groups to be reflected in popular media campaigns. With increased availability, we create pathways for change, and can better influence an inclusive and progressive future.

Travel

tanghulu, hawthorn candied stick in Beijing by tu_images on 500px.com

tanghulu, hawthorn candied stick in Beijing by tu_images

Trpanj Fisherman by I am Bad Photographer on 500px.com

Trpanj Fisherman by I am Bad Photographer

Shot on:
Canon EOS 760D/Rebel T6s/8000D
With:
Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM
Using:
18mm | ƒ/4 | 1/400s | ISO 100

Huancabamba - Peru by Carlos Mora Gama on 500px.com

Huancabamba – Peru by Carlos Mora Gama

Shot on:
Nikon D3100
Using:
20mm | ƒ/5.6 | 1/160s | ISO 400

Railroad station in clouds by Jaromír Chalabala on 500px.com

Railroad station in clouds by Jaromír Chalabala

Shot on:
Canon EOS 5D Mark III
With:
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
Using:
120mm | ƒ/4.5 | 1/640s | ISO 320

With experience being a key theme within commercial content, it is unsurprising to see “experiential travel” at the forefront of commercial trends. Experiential travel provides a more interactive form of tourism, creating an immersive look at people engaging with authentic culture, environments, history, and food.

Photographers provide viewers with a close look at local life, encouraging a deeper understanding of the destination. It provides a visceral connection to the content, which insists on finding unique moments and hidden treasures. These experiences can only be found by fully immersing yourself in the culture and history of the destination. It encourages a certain level of self-discovery, as you let go of traditional notions of travel and disconnect, forcing yourself to rely on local recommendations for food or sightseeing.

Want to see more of what’s trending in Licensing? Check out the 500px collection.
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