Jesse Rietman's unique photo series, 'Christmas in America' gives onlookers an alternative perspective on the festive holiday season. The images are blunt and real, showcasing the unusual, over-the-top and at times, sad side that Christmas can bring.
The Phoenix-based photographer captures Santa playing pool at a dive bar in Las Vegas, a chilly reindeer at a lonely petting zoo and an electricity box draped in Christmas light wires and plugs.
The Christmas in America photo essay is not only meant to show the bleak however and also highlights some happy moments, loving couples and dedicated believers. A field of Santa Clauses all dressed up in Las Vegas catches the viewers eye, as well as a residential home that is decorated to the nines with child-like colors, candy canes and cartoon characters.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Realistic Holiday Portrayals
- Opportunity for brands to create authentic and relatable holiday-themed content that showcases the ups and downs of the season.
- Alternative Holiday Experiences
- Opportunity for travel and tourism companies to offer unconventional holiday experiences beyond the traditional 'white Christmas' imagery.
- Embracing the Imperfect
- Opportunity for retailers and marketers to promote imperfect, unconventional and unique products that deviate from the typical commercialized holiday aesthetic.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Photography
- Opportunity to showcase unconventional holiday-themed photography that captures the diversity of the season beyond traditional imagery.
- Travel and Tourism
- Opportunity to promote holiday destinations that offer unconventional and unique experiences that deviate from the traditional holiday imagery.
- Retail and Marketing
- Opportunity to promote and sell unique and imperfect products that embrace the diverse and unconventional aspects of the holiday season.
