Curators' Choice: Adobe Stock highlights from 2021

Credit: Adobe Stock/saiful hafizh/EyeEm.

After last year, communities worldwide needed to stop, take a breath, and recharge. From our vantage point at Adobe Stock, we saw this need expressed through the stock content and campaign visuals surrounding us. In 2021, we noticed an increase in down-to-earth, relatable visual content as creatives tapped into a mainstream appetite for visual storytelling that reflects real-life moments and human connection. This meant a rise in popularity of inclusive stock photos, illustrations, and videos, featuring people from different cultures, ethnicities, body types, genders, and abilities. We also saw sparks of magic and uplifting color used in surprising ways.

With so many beautiful images to choose from, our curators assembled a gallery of a few examples that represent their favorite visual trends from 2021. Our end of year curated gallery, Spotlight on Adobe Stock 2021, demonstrates a movement toward authentic imagery that connects with the audience on a personal level. Here are a few of the themes that our curators loved and what they loved about them in 2021.

Diversity and inclusion

Visuals of real people representing all the incredible diversity of humanity was front and center all year long — a trend we hope that will continue long into the future. Our curators chose inclusive photography and illustrations depicting a broad spectrum of people living their everyday lives as some of their favorite images.

“I feel like our contributors really took the time to produce content that reflected our needs with BIPOC and differently abled people.”

— Ken Pao, Adobe Stock curator

“I love this series by the Japanese artist at Stocksy. These images show the very first traditional ceremony for the newborn baby to visit a Shinto shrine. It shows the harmony of celebrating new life and honoring a culture that respects tradition. The lighting and the composition are great, and the parents’ expressions are very peaceful. It is very warm, nostalgic, and emotionally appealing.”

—Keiko Narumi, Adobe Stock curator

“I love the work of Artist Development Fund recipient Anna Neubauer. This particular image speaks to me with its close intimacy and authenticity. Her entire series of people with disabilities is touching and eye-opening. I want to see more of this truthfulness and diverse representation in stock photography.”

– Jenny Peñas, Adobe Stock curator

“I am inspired by the authentic representation initiatives, including some of our commissioned co-exclusive shoots, the Advocates program, and new partnerships such as Cultura Creative. All the Artist Development Fund recipient contributors have been submitting authentic, moving, relevant, and important work.”

– Leana Alagia, Adobe Stock curator

“There may still be content gaps in representation, but our creators are working hard to change that. I love that non-stock photographers are dabbling in stock through the Artist Development Fund and through regular content submissions, which brings a great creative edge to our collection.”

– Deb Wenof-House, Adobe Stock curator

Connections — with ourselves, our roots, and each other

Our craving for connections was on display this year. Reconnecting with loved ones was a top priority for many of us as well as paying more attention to our own wellness and self-care. Artists conceptualized these feelings with warm, intimate imagery and designs.

“When I came across this illustration, I felt like it was portraying all the reasons why I find food so special and important in stock — simply because of what food means, represents, and communicates. It can be creative, complex, simple, fun, experimental, cozy, kinky, bold, emotional, and straightforward.…It has very different meanings for each of us, so each of us enjoys it in many ways. It connects us with people and our environment… And, it connects us with our roots, our past, and our memories. Food makes us dream, discover, learn, and understand. It teaches us about our origins, culture, and societies through its flavors, textures, colors, cooking, and eating techniques.

Food is one of many things that keeps us alive, and for which we should invest in caring more for the planet. Food is much more than identity, and it should be part of diversity and representation. To bring it into stock goes far beyond styling and deeper into storytelling.”

– Alejandra Vargas Diaz, Adobe Stock curator

“One series really stands out for me, and this image in particular. I like this series for the captured unposed moments of togetherness, the black and white styling, which is intentional yet not forced, the authentic joy it conveys, and the reminder that moments like this are possible even during a global pandemic.”

– Leana Alagia, Adobe Stock curator

“I feel like there are so many stories to tell. Despite the massive, growing number of assets in our stock library, we still have thousands of stories, angles, and perspectives that need to be shot.”

– Jenny Peñas, Adobe Stock curator

Discovery in the natural and surreal

Alongside more realistic and grounded representations of our world, artists also sought mood-boosting colors and utilized surreal, impressionistic style that feels refreshing and unique. Our curators selected assets that reflected this fantastical, imaginative trend.

“I’m struck by how our contributors can shoot the same concepts (tech, lifestyle, business, etc.) in new ways to keep things fresh and engaging. For example, I love that this contributor shoots aerials in a way that is almost abstract.”

– Ken Pao, Adobe Stock curator

“I noticed a lot of abstract and cartoon people, folk-art inspired patterns, and stylized gradient or matte 3D renders. I was pleasantly surprised by all the textures illustrators added and by the improvement of 3D render details. I can’t pick just one favorite, so I made a collection, but I particularly love this image. It’s subtly detailed and creative enough all on its own, but it also hints at a story that could be told in many different ways.

– Shea Molloy, Adobe Stock curator

Though some work is more experimental, there’s still a strong, emotional core. Curators particularly liked how contributors were able to merge the natural with the surreal to convey deeper messages they really cared about.

“This image of humans inside a fragile ecosystem terrarium, teetering on the edge, is a relevant and timely commentary on climate change. One more standout for me is this mystical image from EyeEm. I love it for its mystery and magic, it's otherworldliness.”

– Leana Alagia, Adobe Stock curator

“I’ve worked with a few artists who have participated in the Artist Development Fund program, and I have learned how they are passionate about creating content they are interested in or believe in. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, they seem to have a clear idea of what they want to shoot and are grateful and motivated by the opportunity to produce content. It was great to learn from the artist’s perspective.”

– Keiko Narumi, Adobe Stock curator

Explore the Spotlight on Adobe Stock 2021 to see more of our curators’ favorites from the year. Feeling inspired? Submit your best work to Adobe Stock all year round.