A photography portfolio is more than just a collection of images — it’s your visual CV. The right settings can transform a simple shot into something that feels cinematic, emotional, and professional. At Aussie Production, we’re always tracking the latest trends in photography to help brands, couples, and creators stand out.
Here are the top trending photo settings in 2025 to build a portfolio that shines:
🌅 1. Golden Hour Magic
- Best Settings: Aperture f/1.8 – f/2.8, ISO 100–400, Shutter 1/200s
- Warm natural light never goes out of style. Golden hour portraits and landscapes give portfolios a timeless yet trendy feel.
🌌 2. Low Light & Cinematic Shots
- Best Settings: Wide aperture (f/1.4 – f/2), high ISO (800–3200), Shutter 1/60s
- Night photography and moody indoor shots with neon or LED lights are huge right now — perfect for creating drama and depth.
🎨 3. Shallow Depth of Field (Bokeh Backgrounds)
- Best Settings: Aperture f/1.4 – f/2.8, prime lenses like 50mm or 85mm
- Bokeh is making a strong comeback, giving portraits that soft, dreamy look and making subjects pop beautifully.
📐 4. Wide-Angle Storytelling
- Best Settings: Aperture f/4 – f/8, Shutter 1/250s, ISO 200–600
- Wide-angle lenses (16mm–35mm) capture more of the environment. Great for architecture, events, and lifestyle shoots that tell a bigger story.
🖤 5. Black & White Minimalism
- Best Settings: Aperture f/2.8 – f/5.6, ISO 100–400
- High-contrast black and white is trending again. Stripping away colour lets emotion and texture take centre stage.
🌿 6. Natural Light Portraits
- Best Settings: Aperture f/2 – f/3.5, ISO 100–400
- With the rise of authenticity in branding, natural light photos feel raw and real, perfect for portfolios that aim to connect with clients.
🎭 7. Creative Motion Blur
- Best Settings: Slow Shutter (1/10s – 1/30s), ISO 100–200, Tripod recommended
- Adding a sense of motion — like a dancer, car lights, or people walking — creates dynamic shots that stand out in a portfolio.
✅ Final Thoughts
Trends come and go, but a great portfolio is built on variety and storytelling. Mixing golden hour portraits, cinematic low-light shots, and creative compositions will showcase your versatility as a photographer.
👉 At Aussie Production, we help creatives and brands craft portfolios that look modern, professional, and unforgettable. From stunning photos to cinematic videos, we make sure your work speaks for itself.
📍 Melbourne, VIC
📞 +61 3 7500 5757
📧 info@digitalseeker.com.au
🌐 aussieproductions.com.au
