Trend Alert: Monochromatic Colors in Product Photography

Monochromatic color palettes are a big trend in product photography, and they’re a great option if you’re a designer looking to create bright and eye-catching branding and product packaging. Using the power of one color to evoke a particular emotion or mood, many product photographers and brands are opting for this simple-yet-bold style to attract new customers.

A monochromatic color scheme is a color palette derived from a single hue, which is then extended using shades, tones and tints. While subtle variations can be achieved through the use of different tints and shades, with the monochromatic design trend the idea is to create an oversaturation of a particular color palette to accentuate a certain mood or message. Monochromatic color schemes support balance and unity, and support a visually cohesive design.

Using only one color may sound boring or minimalist, but monochromatic color palettes can actually communicate a lot with a little. For example, pink can portray a playful mood, green can evoke a feeling of freshness, while this bright yellow snap from Canada-based product photographer Treesha Millicent is both lively and energetic – perfectly demonstrating the less-is-more appeal of monochrome photography.

While monochromatic color palettes have been a useful design tool for years – ​​popping up everywhere from web design and graphic design to videos and typography – they’ve recently become increasingly popular in product photography. This trend is modern, creative and bold and often features a background, products and props which all fit into a monochromatic palette – making it perfect for selling products or raising brand awareness.  

Monochromatic product photography also makes for eye-catching social media content, which is a key reason why so many brands are embracing this photography trend. 

“With the rise of digital marketing, social media advertising, and online shopping, it’s no longer enough to just have professional product photography,” says Envato Digital Designer, Taylor Conacher. “Imagery must demand attention and engage distracted audiences in less than a second before they scroll on. Monochromatic product photography looks right at home on an Instagram feed or Pinterest board. Whether it’s a zero-alcohol wine or a new toothbrush, the impact of a single color dominating the entirety of the frame is immediately eye-catching. Combined with interesting object composition, this trend drives brand association and leaves a memorable impression.”

If you’re looking for some cool content for your socials, some trendy monochromatic photographs for your website, or some inspiration for your next product shoot, here are some of the best monochromatic photographs and color palettes on Envato Elements. 

If you can’t get enough of the monochrome trend, browse our Monochromatic Product Photography Collection over on Envato Elements. Or to read up on more creative trends, check out our blogs on Pastel Colors and Gradients, as well as our Color Trends and Graphic Design Trends For 2022!