Illustration versus Photography

I found a good web article that touches on the trend Tracy brought up--the new tendancy to use illustrations instead of photographys. According to the article I read, there are several reasons for this latest trend, which I will summarize for you:

1. Photography has been overused for 40 years now
2. Editors and Advertisers are looking for new ways to capture attention, and illustration is not as overexposed as photography
3. Photography is considered less exceptional now that everyone has access to photography through instagram and other social media.
4. Illustration is cheaper than photography (costly sets, stylists, make-up artists, props, models, airfare).
5. Illustration has the ability to be infographic.
6. Illustration has the ability to relate abstract ideas and concepts since it isn't bound by reality.

The article also speaks to the creation of a new art form: photo-illustration. Photo-illustration combines both photography and illustration as seen in this nude portrait by Justin M. Maller, the creative director of The Depthcore collective.