Trends or timeless: what do you choose in fashion photography?

As a fashion photographer, I often encounter the same question: should a photo shoot respond to the latest trends or feel timeless? Especially in a creative city like Amsterdam, where fashion photography is constantly evolving, this is an important issue for brands. I am convinced that both trends and timeless photography have their own value, but that timelessness often offers more power in the long term, and this is why...

What makes trends attractive

Trendy photography immediately catches the eye. Think of striking colors, creative poses, or experimental lighting techniques that you see everywhere on social media. The advantage is that a brand can immediately respond to current events and be recognizable to its target audience.

During a photo shoot, this can be a lot of fun and create a lot of energy. For brands that want to position themselves as young, innovative, and hip in the market, trends are therefore a powerful tool. The disadvantage is that such images often become outdated quickly. A style that looks fresh now may look dated in six months' time.

The power of timeless photography

Timeless images are more subtle, but often much more powerful as a result. They revolve around pure emotions, calm compositions, and flattering light. Styling is kept classic with garments that have been iconic for years: a white shirt, a well-cut blazer, or a little black dress. The setting (I like to do my photo shoots in nature, for example) and post-processing are deliberately more natural, making the photos difficult to date.

In my work as a fashion photographer in Amsterdam, I notice that this approach ensures that images remain relevant for years. For brands that want to focus on their values, identity, and authenticity, this has much more impact. That's why at Renske Versteegen Photography, I usually opt for a timeless basis.

Combining trends and timelessness

That doesn't mean that trends have no place. On the contrary: often the combination of both works best. During a photo shoot, I like to build on a timeless foundation (authentic emotion, pure light, and a strong composition) and add trendy accents through styling, poses, or post-processing, for example.
This way, a photo series feels fresh and current without quickly losing its value. The result is fashion photography that is relevant today and will still stand strong tomorrow.

My preference: timeless with a touch of trend

Although I regularly work with both styles during photo shoots, my preference is clearly for timeless photography. For me, that's the best way to create images that really speak to people and can support a brand for a long time. I like to add trends as accents, making the images feel relevant and lively, while the basis remains timeless.