As the UK’s leading model support service, UKModels offers practical support to help models showcase their potential and break into this highly competitive industry. With more than 18 years of experience, UK Models reviews aspiring models and helps them to build successful careers, providing not only practical advice but also a wealth of resources to help them get started, including helping them to build their own professional portfolio. This article will look at modelling photography, providing an overview of key trends currently shaping the industry.
The world of fashion photography hinges upon change, with trends shifting season by season. 2025 promises some exciting developments, from ethical transformations to tech-driven innovations. These advancements are shaping the way that models engage with audiences, build their portfolios, and get discovered by agencies and brands.
In recent years, there has been an industrywide shift towards conscious modelling. Ethical fashion has gained significant momentum as the world of fashion embraces sustainability. In addition, photographers showcasing eco-friendly approaches have garnered favour, along with models who align with the values of brands and agencies.
As in virtually every other industry today, AI is increasingly being leveraged in modelling and playing an even more central role in photography. From virtual photoshoots to automated editing processes, AI innovations are disrupting the industry, paving the way for faster and more precise editing and retouching, as well as virtual and augmented reality photoshoots. The latter development poses huge potential for models who live outside of major fashion hubs like London, New York or Paris, enabling them to work remotely and collaborate with top brands and photographers. Photographers who embrace AI, augmented reality overlays and digital fashion items are pioneering the industry by creating futuristic images that capture the imaginations of a new generation of tech-savvy consumers.
Demand for authentic representation is also on the rise, making fashion, modelling and photography more diverse. Brands are actively seeking models who break traditional moulds, helping audiences to feel more represented and forcing agencies to prioritise authenticity over traditional beauty standards. Diverse ethnicities, body shapes and identities are in demand, placing the onus on forward-looking photographers to adapt their angles, lighting and editing practices to suit a wider range of models as the industry becomes more inclusive than ever before.
Moving forward, photography styles are predicted to shift from excessive styling and editing to more relaxed and natural, lifestyle focussed shoots that make models more relatable. Embracing the maxim ‘less is more’, photography is moving towards more minimalist aesthetics, with a focus on personality and presence over elaborate outfits, heavy makeup and dramatic effects. Increasingly seeking out more ‘real’ moments rather than perfectly staged poses, photographers are favouring models capable of expressing genuine emotion, culminating in more impactful images that resonate with audiences.
The past is a strong influence on the present in the fashion world, with looks from the ’90s and early 2000s tipped to make a strong reemergence in 2025. This trend centres around blending nostalgia and modernity, with photographers integrating vintage elements and contemporary twists in their shoots. Whether it is through the incorporation of vintage props, fashion that nods to past eras or use of retro filters, this trend offers a rich arena for creative exploration.
Today’s discerning consumers are increasingly showing a desire for more personalised experiences, and the world of fashion photography is no exception. Individualism and customisation are at the forefront, with leading brands showcasing collections that cater to unique tastes and identities. By using a combination of curated scenes and candid moments, photographers can create visuals that convey personal stories, enabling them to connect more deeply with the observer.
