Discover why you need to stay on top of emerging photography talent as we investigate how Generation Z are guiding our creative decisions.
Why have younger generations become so influential?
The power of social media and constant advances in technology have given younger generation’s greater power to influence the world around them so it’s time to listen to what they have to say. Ìýdescribe Generation Z as “the most web-savvy, app-friendly generation”, and they’re right. The generation are driving the digital world forwards and with it they’re influencing the creative world like never before.
A lot of us can appreciate the growing presence of social media in our lives, but it is the younger generation who are saturated by it, everything they do is documented on Instagram, YouTube or Snapchat but with this comes the ability to be an influencer and to tell the people around you what they should be eating, buying, wearing! There are now people who are ‘famous’ just for their Instagram, YouTube or Snapchat accounts – people who are simply telling us what they like and millions of us are here to listen!
This is why advertising agencies and designers need to pay attention. They need to follow these influential young people to understand what’s happening;Ìýwhich social boundaries are being challenged, what people are talking about, who they are influenced by and what colours, styles and brands they love. In the creative world there is no room for being behind the trend.
How the younger generations are changing our views on the world
With so many social platforms around, it’s easier than ever for people to voice their views to the world. We’ve picked out some of Generation Z’s key influencers to show you just some of the ways they are challenging society as we know it.
Amandla StenbergÌý
Amandla took the internet by storm in 2015 with an empowering video that challenged racial issues, paving the way for her future influencer status as an advocate for feminism, racial and LGBT issues.
The Beauty Boys of Instagram
These boys are pushing the boundaries and shattering gender-based beauty idealsÌýwith make-up tutorials and a wealth of cosmetics knowledge.ÌýYou don’t have to be a woman to wear make-up and has some awe-inspiring shots to prove just that!
Connor Franton
This vlogging sensation and entrepreneur recorded his way to five million subscribers on YouTube with his succession of lifestyleÌývlogs, inspirational videos and comedy sketches. As a writer, as he delved into powerful and emotional subjects including depression, anxiety and self-love. As if that isn’t enough, he alsoÌýheads up the lifestyle brand ‘Common Culture’. That’s quite the package for a 24 year old!
Being ahead of the game has never been more important and to stand out in an ever-changing digital world, factors as small as having the right images on your websites, blogs and social media channels can be the make or break for your online success.
Time to get inspired…
We’re introducing you to some of our incredible student photographers – those on the front line of emerging social trends and photographic styles…
ÌýEva Jova
ÌýAlastair DolbearÌý
For more inspiration from our students, check out our student lightbox
Looking for an insight into the latest trends in advertising and photography? Have a look at these:
Trends in advertising photographyÌý
Discover the most popular trends in stock photography – January 2017