Discussion at the Advisory Board: Exploration of Extended Photographic Techniques
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the landscape of the photography and digital creative industries has undergone significant changes. The focus has shifted towards remote collaboration, efficient workflow management, and performance evaluation tools.
New photographic approaches and emotional storytelling have become crucial. Photographers like Phil Penman, for instance, have documented empty urban scenes reflecting lockdowns and social isolation, requiring sensitivity and adaptability to unprecedented conditions.
Performance evaluation software, such as 36Pix’s Eva, was introduced in 2025 to objectively assess photographer outputs. This technology enables studios to provide faster, targeted training and support remote or new hires effectively, representing a technological upgrade in quality control and workflow efficiency in the digital creative industry.
The pandemic has also influenced event or documentary photography. For example, birth photographers had to adapt to hospital restrictions like mask-wearing and limited attendance, requiring flexibility and new interpersonal skills to capture delicate moments under strict conditions.
Moreover, the pandemic has led to an expansion and diversification of software tools for creatives. Alternatives to traditional programs like Adobe have become more popular, offering affordable, user-friendly options to maintain high-quality, original visuals needed for sustained digital content creation amid shifting marketing and e-commerce demands. Platforms like Affinity, GIMP, Inkscape, Canva, and others provide accessible means to meet evolving professional needs.
In summary, the pandemic has accelerated the adoption of software for remote evaluation and training, encouraged new storytelling approaches to capture a changed world, demanded adaptable interpersonal and safety-conscious skills, and widened the palette of design and editing tools digital creatives use.
In terms of employment, employers value communication, planning, and the ability to multi-task quickly while generating quality work. A strong work ethic is highly valued, including being early and the last to leave, and completing tasks on time.
From a software perspective, a wide range of programs are in demand for creative or content marketing positions. These include Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, XD, Premiere Pro, Premier Rush, Adobe Aero, Adobe Dimension, Adobe Express, Adobe Portfolio, Adobe Behance, Hootsuite, or comparable posting software scheduler.
For those with enough motion and video work, creating a YouTube channel is recommended. A print portfolio is recommended for face-to-face meetings. A clean, focused portfolio should be published on Behance and the institution's LinkedIn page for employers to view. Adobe Express can be used to create a custom portfolio website for job applications.
For motion designers, understanding motion techniques such as stop motion, cinemagraphs, time-lapse, and After Effects and Adobe Animate is essential. A social media presence, such as Instagram, is important to showcase work and build trust with potential employers.
For traditional graphic designers, knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is necessary. Photographers need skills in camera work, lighting, and strobes.
Lastly, a new position title called content creator and social media manager requires training in photography, video production/motion graphics, design, and skills in programs like Dimension, Adobe XD, After Effects, and Premiere Pro or Rush. Photographers can get involved in the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) as a content creator.
- In the evolving landscape of graphic design, a content creator and social media manager role has emerged, necessitating training in photography, video production/motion graphics, design, and proficiency in programs like Adobe XD, After Effects, Premiere Pro or Rush.
- The art portfolio of a graphic designer should be centrally published on Behance and the institution's LinkedIn page, and for those with enough motion and video work, a personalized portfolio website can be created using Adobe Express.
- With the rise of technology in the digital creative industry, a strong understanding of motion techniques such as stop motion, cinemagraphs, time-lapse, and After Effects and Adobe Animate is essential for motion designers, while traditional graphic designers should be proficient in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
