Are you a photographer looking to boost your portfolio’s selling potential on Shutterstock? You’re in the right place. At Shutterstock, we’re constantly analyzing trends and search data to understand exactly what kind of images our customers are looking for. This knowledge is invaluable for contributors like you, helping you create content that resonates with buyers and tells compelling visual stories.
From our annual Creative Trends report to our monthly Shot List, we provide resources to inspire your next photoshoot and guide you towards creating images that actually sell. In this article, we’re diving into some of the most consistently popular stock photo categories in our marketplace. Whether you’re planning a new shoot or mining your archives for existing content, understanding these in-demand themes can significantly increase your success on Shutterstock.
Beautiful Plus Size Model smiling on a beach, showcasing body positivity in stock photography
Confident plus-size African American woman posing on the beach, promoting diversity in stock images
Images by Rawpixel.com. These images exemplify the demand for diverse and inclusive stock photos.
This list isn’t just for contributors; it’s also for Shutterstock customers seeking inspiration for their visual content. By understanding the types of images that are popular, buyers can also refine their searches and discover imagery that effectively communicates their message.
Here are fifteen popular stock photo ideas that consistently perform well on Shutterstock:
1. Landscape Photos that Evoke Wanderlust
Images that celebrate the beauty and power of nature are consistently sought after in stock photography. There’s an enduring human desire to connect with the outdoors, to find solace and escape in natural environments. Landscape photography taps into this yearning, making it a perpetually popular category.
Scenic sunset over a lake and mountain range, inspiring travel and outdoor adventures in stock photos
Landscape images provide a visual escape and connect viewers with nature. Image by onemu. This photo captures the tranquility and beauty of a mountain lake at sunset.
Especially in times of stress or confinement, people turn to images of nature and travel for a sense of freedom and escape. Review your travel archives and consider uploading images that capture the spirit of adventure and the beauty of diverse landscapes.
Furthermore, images that address pressing environmental concerns like climate change and conservation are gaining traction. Environmental imagery should not only inspire awe but also encourage reflection on humanity’s impact on the planet.
Back view of a traveler in an orange hat overlooking a vast landscape, symbolizing solitude and exploration in nature photography
Solitude and connection with nature are key themes in popular landscape stock photos. Image by yanik88. This image portrays a lone traveler immersed in a breathtaking natural setting.
2. Contemporary Workspaces and Modern Offices
The way we work has transformed dramatically, and stock imagery needs to reflect these evolving work environments. Images of modern workspaces and office settings are consistently in demand on Shutterstock. Several key trends are driving this category:
- Remote Work and Home Offices: With the rise of remote work, images depicting home office setups, virtual meetings, online collaboration, and the integration of work and home life are highly relevant.
- Co-working Spaces and Coffee Shops: Images of individuals working in flexible locations like co-working spaces and coffee shops remain popular search terms. Remember to secure property releases for recognizable locations.
- Open Plan Offices and Collaborative Environments: The traditional cubicle office is fading, replaced by open, collaborative workspaces. Capture the architectural beauty of these modern offices and the sense of community they foster.
Man working from home with his dog, illustrating the modern work-life balance in stock photography
Image by Supamotion. This photo represents the reality of working from home, often with pets and family nearby.
3. Authentic Moments with Family and Friends
Perfection is not always relatable. Real life, especially at home, is often messy and imperfect. Stock photo buyers are increasingly seeking authentic, candid moments that capture the genuine dynamics of family and friendships.
These candid shots resonate with viewers because they feel real and relatable, as if the viewer is witnessing a genuine moment. For photographers, the key is to be unobtrusive, allowing natural interactions to unfold in front of the camera.
Black and white photo of kids playing soccer, capturing candid family moments in stock photography
Candid moments tell genuine stories and connect with viewers on an emotional level. Image by Rawpixel.com. This image beautifully captures the joy and camaraderie of children playing together.
4. Representing Diversity and Inclusion
Diversity in stock photography goes beyond simply featuring models from various ethnic backgrounds. It’s about authentically portraying individuals, their unique characteristics, cultures, and personal stories.
Truly representative images are about capturing genuine moments and reflecting the diverse world we live in. Diversity and inclusion should be a fundamental principle, not just an afterthought. When planning photoshoots, actively strive to represent a wide spectrum of human experiences.
Portrait of a woman with flowers, showcasing diversity and natural beauty in stock photography
Diversity and inclusion are crucial for accurate and relevant stock photography. Image by Carlos David. This portrait celebrates individual beauty and diversity.
Consider these dimensions of diversity when planning your shoots:
- Demographic Diversity: Represent various genders, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and ages.
- Experiential Diversity: Showcase different hobbies, abilities, interests, and life experiences.
- Cognitive Diversity: Illustrate diverse approaches to problem-solving, thinking styles, and perspectives.
5. Top-Down Food Photography and Videos
Food is a universal language, transcending cultural boundaries and connecting people globally. The popularity of food and recipe videos has exploded in recent years, driving demand for both top-down food images and cooking videos in stock media.
These images should highlight current food trends, including the resurgence of home baking and healthy eating habits.
Top-down shot of sourdough bread, highlighting food trends in stock photography
Top-down food photography is visually appealing and highly versatile for stock use. Image by B.G. Photography. This image captures the rustic charm of homemade sourdough bread.
6. Model-Released Travel Photography
Authentic representations of local cultures through travel photography are highly valued. Powerful portraits of people in diverse geographical locations, engaged in their traditions and daily lives, are especially compelling.
When capturing these images, always prioritize obtaining a model release or, at minimum, collect contact information to secure releases later. This enables Shutterstock customers to tell authentic travel stories featuring real people in diverse global settings.
Portrait of a Mongolian woman, representing cultural diversity in travel stock photography
Images that authentically represent diverse cultures are valuable in travel stock photography. Image by Rawpixel.com. This portrait captures the beauty and cultural richness of Mongolia.
7. Everyday Life with Disabilities
Images depicting people with disabilities in everyday situations are often underrepresented in stock photo collections. Frequently, when disabilities are shown, the focus is on “overcoming adversity” or portraying individuals as constantly battling challenges.
Instead, there’s a growing need for images that show people with disabilities simply living their lives, engaged in ordinary activities. Authenticity and accurate representation are key. Focus on capturing genuine moments of daily life.
Family having breakfast with a child with Down Syndrome, promoting inclusive family imagery in stock photography
Child feeding her mother a cookie, depicting everyday moments with disabilities in stock photos
Images by Natalia Lebedinskaia. These photos exemplify the importance of representing people with disabilities in everyday, relatable scenarios.
8. Color as a Central Element
Bold and trending colors can evoke strong emotions and draw viewers into an image. Color plays a powerful role in visual marketing, and incorporating impactful colors can significantly enhance the appeal of your stock photos.
Using trending colors in your photography is an effective way to make your images stand out and attract attention. Shutterstock’s annual Color Trends report highlights the top colors predicted to be popular worldwide. Leverage this data to create images that align with current color preferences and search trends.
Surfer riding a wave with bold blue colors, demonstrating the impact of color in stock photography
Bold colors create visually striking and emotionally resonant images. Image by Wonderful Nature. This image uses vibrant blues to create a dynamic and captivating scene.
9. Naturally Edited Photos
In photography, often “less is more.” Over-edited images or those with excessive filters can limit their usability for stock photo buyers. Intrusive filters or heavy manipulation can make an image less versatile and less appealing to customers.
Opt for natural, subtle edits that enhance the image without overpowering it. Keep your post-processing minimal to maximize the image’s appeal and usability for a wider range of projects.
Portrait of a woman with natural makeup, promoting natural editing in stock photography
Natural editing enhances the authenticity and versatility of stock photos. Image by puhhha. This image highlights natural beauty with minimal retouching.
10. Representing All Age Groups
Stock photo collections should be inclusive of all stages of life, representing diverse communities across all age demographics. Images should portray people of all ages in empowered and authentic ways.
This includes depicting seniors living active, independent lives, as well as those in assisted living facilities. Showcase families with diverse age ranges and living situations. Recognize that there’s no single definition of “mother,” “friend,” or “family,” and create images that reflect this age diversity in all aspects of life.
Senior couple in bed laughing, representing older age groups in stock photography
Representing all age groups ensures inclusivity and broadens the appeal of stock photo collections. Image by Focus and Blur. This image portrays the joy and intimacy of a senior couple.
11. Powerful Portrait Photography
Portraiture remains a consistently popular category in stock photography, especially when it features individuals from trending communities, professions, and lifestyles. For example, during global events like the coronavirus pandemic, searches for portraits of frontline workers like nurses and first responders surged.
Consider creating portraits that tell unique stories and capture the essence of individuals from diverse backgrounds and occupations.
Portrait of a nurse wearing a mask, representing essential workers in stock photography
Powerful portraiture can convey strong emotions and tell impactful stories. Image by theskaman306. This portrait honors the dedication of healthcare workers.
12. Aerial Photography and Drone Shots
Aerial photography continues to grow in popularity, offering unique perspectives and views of the world. Aerial shots are highly versatile for stock photo buyers, often used as background images or website visuals.
If you have access to drone technology, you have a distinct advantage in capturing unique and in-demand aerial perspectives. Consider aerial shots of landscapes illustrating climate change, urban environments, or even creative perspectives of people from above.
Aerial view of empty streets in Los Angeles, showcasing urban aerial photography in stock photos
Aerial photography offers fresh perspectives and visually striking images. Image by Matt Gush. This aerial shot provides a unique view of an urban landscape.
13. Property-Released Architecture and Homes
If you have access to interesting properties, buildings, churches, or homes, you have an excellent opportunity to capture valuable stock photos. The crucial element is securing a property release, allowing you to commercially license the images.
Property releases enable you to sell images of unique architectural structures and interiors on stock marketplaces, creating a potential revenue stream.
Architectural archway in orange tones, featuring property-released architecture in stock photography
Property-released architectural photography is highly sought after in stock media. Image by Andrei Nekrassov. This image showcases the beauty of architectural design.
14. Macro Photography of Textures and Close-Ups
Capturing macro images, whether using a macro lens or tilt-shift lens, allows you to highlight intricate details of everyday objects and subjects. Macro shots are popular in stock photography for backgrounds, website visuals, and adding visual interest to designs.
Consider macro photography of textures, natural elements like leaves or flowers, or close-ups of food items like coffee beans to create visually appealing and versatile stock images.
Macro shot of a leaf texture, highlighting detail in macro stock photography
Macro photography reveals intricate details and textures, making images visually compelling. Image by pernsanitfoto. This macro shot focuses on the delicate texture of a leaf.
15. Image Collections for Storytelling
Instead of uploading single images in isolation, consider creating collections of related images that tell a complete visual story. This approach allows stock photo buyers to purchase multiple images from a single shoot, enabling them to create more cohesive and engaging marketing campaigns.
Image collections should include diverse perspectives, orientations (vertical and horizontal), and shot types (close-ups, wide shots, and images with whitespace for text overlays).
Couple playing basketball, showcasing active lifestyle in inclusive stock photography
Close-up of a couple playing basketball, emphasizing relationships in stock photos
Images by hedgehog94. These images, when presented as a collection, tell a story of an active and inclusive relationship.
We hope these fifteen popular stock photo ideas inspire your next photoshoot and help you understand what kind of photos Shutterstock needs. We’re excited to see the creative content you’ll contribute to Shutterstock. Not a contributor yet? Click here to sign up and begin submitting your images today.
