What is a portrait photography fad?  A fad is something that has a short term boost in popularity. To me, a photography “fad” can be a pose, prop or style of photographing or editing that becomes extremely popular for an isolated period of time. While fads tend to be exceptionally popular for a short time, a trend has staying power. Sometimes something starts as a fad but ends up a trend. Occasionally it’s hard to determine whether something is fad or trend.

There are dozens of photo fads coming and going all the time.  Now, with social networking so prevalent, fads can occur fast and be more widespread. Think about photography forums, photography blogs, Facebook, Twitter, and Flickr.  When you visit these places, you see images of other photographers.  And chances are, no matter how original try to be, something may catch your eye.  You may get an idea. You may see a prop you like or see a pose that you want to try. You may be inspired to try new techniques, locations, lighting, or editing.  And through this inspiration, if enough are interested and influenced, a fad may evolve.

Many photography fads originate with props. At the moment, faux wood floorings (barnwood mats) are extremely popular. A few years ago, most infant photographers put babies in over-sized teacups. As far as editing and Photoshop, do you remember the popularity of sepia tones, hazy-edited images, over-edited eyes, intense glowing color, selective color, soft glow, heavy vignettes, heavy plastic skin smoothing, deep burning and dodging, and I could go on and on…

This post is NOT meant to make fun of the latest craze or recent fads. In fact, many of the included images are works of art.  As you look through the photos below, I suspect you may think some of the following thoughts:

• “I remember doing that.”
• “I still do that.”
• “I love that prop.”
• “I love that image.”
• “I want to try that.”
• “I cannot wait until my next session to do that.”
• “I wonder where I can find that… or how to do that.”
• “I cannot believe I did that.”
• “How did that become a fad?”
• “Why would anyone want to do that?”

You may look through some of these and realize you still do a certain technique or have a certain prop.  You may remember when you did.  You may feel embarrassed.  Or you may wonder why a photo made the list because you don’t think of it has a fad or trend, but more a staple of photography.  All of these thoughts and feelings are valid.

Photography fads are NOT bad. You may personally think some are, and that is fine too.  In many cases fads inspire. When a fad is done well it can actually result in a timeless heirloom photograph. You may look back and wonder why you every got swept up in a particular fad.  Trust me, I look back at my 80’s big hair, arms full of rubber bracelets, and neon clothing in that way.  But with photography, images create memories and capture a moment in time. You and your customers can still love them, trend, fad or not.

Thanks to all my contributors for sharing their images below.  These represent some of the fads and trends I have seen in the past few years. Some of these images make me want to go try a prop or location, even if they are or were a fad. Others, I may be less fond of.  But remember, for something to become a fad, lots and lots of photographers have to try it.

So when you look through these, what is going through your head? Be honest and add your comments.

Love them? Hate them? Which fads did you try? Are you now inspired?  Did they give you ideas? Which did you like or not like? What other fads have you seen come and go, not listed or shown here (I listed some Photoshop ones but did not have room for examples of these)? I know there are many fads that I did not include, so please share them and feel free to link to an image of yours that represents a fad. Which of these do you see as trends versus fads? Just because something is a fad, it does not make it forbidden. Many of these ideas were overused at one time, but used sparingly, may be a great addition to your work.  All things to consider and think about!

The big, bright lollipop * this may be the biggest one yet:

Photo courtesy of Amanda Andrews Photography

If you want to save time and show beautiful web ready images on your Website, Blog, Facebook, and Flickr, the MCP Finish It Photoshop Actions set is an essential tool for photographers.  The actions are handcrafted to give you unlimited ways to brand your photos. From a variety of styles, to infinite color changes, this set does the work, yet leaves you, the artist, in charge.

These actions are compatible with Adobe Photoshop CS2, CS3, and CS4 and Elements 5, 6, 7 & 8.  Visit the MCP Finish It Photoshop Action Set to learn more and BUY NOW.

You can also watch the video tutorials teaching how to use the actions in this set: in Photoshop and in Elements.

If you cannot view the slideshow below and/or you see gigantic unorganized images, it means you are reading from an RSS feed, Facebook or do not have the proper version of Flash. Go here to see the post on my blog. If you need newer Flash, you can get Adobe Flash player 10+ free. If you do not wish to download this, you can go to my site and see even more examples there.

Though I rarely do actual “reviews” on the MCP Blog, I wanted to let you know of a product that is catered to photographers who are just beginning to learn their cameras. I get emails all the time asking basic questions such as “how do I know whether I should change my ISO or my aperture?” or “How do you get your shots in focus with good background blur?” I try and cover a huge range of topics on both photography and Photoshop, with some business and fun stuff thrown in.  I do cover some of these topics here and there, but not in an orderly fashion (point A to B to C).

When Darren Rowse, the well-known Pro-blogger and owner of the Digital Photography School, sent me his latest creation, I was excited to check it out. One of his top writers, Neil Creek, crafted this 64 page e-book called Photo Nuts and Bolts: Know Your Camera and Take Better Photos. It also comes with a printable pocket guide if you buy this week.

It explains all of the basics, both from a technical and then a practical standpoint. If you are a beginner, do not understand ISO, shutter speed and aperture, or if you still prefer run to the “green little box” atop your camera, you will want to check this book out. I love the animated graphics in the book, as well as the links to more resources on the topics, things you cannot get from a print book.

Plus they have a money back guarantee in case this book is not what you were hoping for. If you are a professional photographer and/or have been shooting confidently in manual and have a good grasp on focus and light, I would not recommend this book for you, as you will know most of what is taught already.

Here is a list of the topics covered:

Lesson 1 – Light and the Pinhole Camera
Lesson 2 – Lenses and Focus
Lesson 3 – Lenses, Light and Magnification
Lesson 4 – Exposure and Stops
Lesson 5 – Aperture
Lesson 6 – Shutter
Lesson 7 – ISO
Lesson 8 – The Light Meter
Lesson 9 – White Balance
Lesson 10 – Metering Modes and Exposure Compensation

Some links on the MCP Blog are paid advertisers or affiliates, including the links in this post, which help support the MCP blog. MCP is not being paid to write this review.