Our member and photographer Linda Mead invites us to explore the extraordinary within the ordinary. By focusing on commonplace objects and scenes, we can uncover hidden beauty and meaning in the world around us. This approach challenges us to see our environment with fresh eyes, transforming mundane subjects into compelling photographic art.
Why photograph the ordinary?
- New perspectives: Capturing ordinary subjects encourages you to find unique angles and compositions, enhancing your creative skills.
- Emotional resonance: Everyday objects can evoke personal memories and emotions, making your images more relatable.
- Accessibility: Ordinary subjects are all around us, providing endless opportunities to practise and improve your photography without the need for exotic locations or special events.
Tips for capturing stunning images of ordinary subjects:
- Look for interesting light: Lighting can dramatically transform an ordinary scene. Pay attention to how natural or artificial light interacts with your subject, creating shadows, highlights, and textures.
- Focus on details: Zoom in on textures, patterns, and small details that might be overlooked. Close-up shots can reveal new aspects of familiar objects.
- Experiment with composition: Use compositional techniques like the rule of thirds, leading lines, or framing to add interest to your images. Try unconventional angles to present your subject in a new way.
- Play with depth of field: A shallow depth of field can isolate your subject from the background, drawing attention to it. Conversely, a greater depth of field can place your subject within its environment, telling a broader story.
- Use colour and contrast: Bold colours or strong contrasts can make ordinary subjects stand out. Look for complementary colours or striking contrasts in light and dark areas.
- Tell a story: Think about the narrative behind your subject. How does it relate to everyday life? What emotions or ideas does it evoke?
Ideas for subjects to photograph:
- Household items: Capture the beauty of everyday objects like utensils, books, or furniture.
- Street scenes: Document ordinary moments on the streets, such as people commuting, signage, or architectural details.
- Nature's small wonders: Focus on simple elements like pebbles, leaves, or raindrops.
- Workspaces: Photograph tools, equipment, or the details of a workspace, highlighting the stories behind them.
- Textures and patterns: Find interesting textures in walls, pavements, fabrics, or other surfaces.
Embracing the ordinary in your photography can be a rewarding creative exercise. By paying attention to the details of everyday life, you can uncover beauty and meaning that often go unnoticed. This practice not only enhances your observational skills but also enriches your appreciation of the world around you.
