Summer Photography: Book Cover Trends

Agi Rygula: Contributor Spotlight Confident Casual Man

Summer Photography: Book Cover Trends

August will mean summer breaks for many of us, and while the upheaval of Covid-19 has meant that our vacation plans may look a little different this year, it’s still the perfect time to capture summer themes for book cover photography and illustrations.

We’ve suggested a few themes below based on current book cover design trends.

Please also keep in mind these general guidelines which could apply to any project:

We need a diverse range of ethnicities, different cultural backgrounds and varied age groups.
Be creative in your compositions and use different points of view.
Try to capture different emotions across a shoot – remember, images can be upbeat and still effective for many genres.

Above all, please be safe and responsible; practice social distancing and always follow your local guidance on face masks or other precautions during a shoot.

POOLS
Pools and poolside shots are very popular for summer fiction, and we’re seeing them used in psychological thrillers and mysteries. These are being searched for very frequently by designers right now, in the UK especially.

AUTHENTIC VINTAGE VACATION
Vintage holiday photos can make great book covers. Black and white photos from the 40s and 50s are always popular, but colour imagery from the 70s, 80s and even 90s is also needed.

THE SEASIDE
Beach and seaside images with an idyllic feel are popular for romantic fiction, but can also be given a darker edge.

ALONG THE SHORELINE: PROMENADES, PATHS, DUNES, PIERS
We’ve seen a trend in 2020 for coastal imagery that isn’t necessarily on the beach. Shore paths, sand dunes and more developed seaside landscapes are appearing frequently on book covers.

CLOTHES & ACCESSORIES
As with beach imagery, still life compositions based on summer clothes, hats and footwear can create a sense of happy escape. However, moodier interpretations of this theme can also suggest loss or abandonment.

BEACH HOUSES
Beach huts and cabins are another frequently-searched subject on our website. (Be sure you have the owner’s permission and a signed release if you’re shooting private property).

LANTERNS
Lanterns are a very popular theme in romantic fiction. Paper lanterns, mason jars, fairy lights and candles are all frequently used in cover designs.

FRIENDSHIP
Images evoking friendship and shared memories are enduringly popular, especially with younger people depicted. (We appreciate that shooting groups may be challenging in the current circumstances, but you may be able to get creative with members of the same household!).