7 Ways of Finding Inspiration in Places You See Every Day



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For most photographers, whether they are professionals or amateurs, inspiration comes easy once they find themselves in a new location, overwhelmed by stunning new visuals. It seems as if photos come to them automatically. But what can you do if you are stuck in the same place, seeing the same scenery over and over again each day? Not the most inspiring situation for a photographer, but don’t let that prevent you from taking some great shots.

Here are 7 different ways how you can rekindle your creative spark, even if your surroundings leave much to be desired.

1. Change Your Perspective

7 Ways of Finding Inspiration in Places You See Every Day

Photo by Zoran Krdzic

If you are constantly looking at the world around you from the same perspective, and taking shots that way as well, you’re hardly going to come up with anything inspiring. The best way to fix that is a change of perspective. Get down low and photograph your local buildings from that angle, or abandon the street view altogether and capture the scenery from the rooftops.

2. Focus on the Details

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you just can’t seem to get everything in the frame. Here’s a tip: you don’t have to. Instead, focus on the details. For instance, you may appreciate the architecture of your local library, but instead of getting the whole building in the shot and messing it up, zoom in on the elements that make it so special.

3. Get as Much as You Can in the Frame

If focusing on the details isn’t working out for you, take a step back and compose a wide shot which includes everything you like about the place. A good idea would be to use a tripod, which will enable you to capture a panoramic view of the location, containing absolutely every element you’ve wanted to squeeze into the frame.

4. Revisit Locations

7 Ways of Finding Inspiration in Places You See Every Day

Photo by Zoran Krdzic

While repetition may seem like the secret ingredient for a formula which destroys all creativity, it may be just what you need. Some places may not look particularly captivating during the day, but they take on a whole different appearance during the night, or if it’s very foggy. Seasons can also change the way locations looks, as well as those hours before sunrise or sunset.

5. Take a Peek Inside

Instead of looking at the facade, try and discover what goes on inside you those walls you pass by every day. Of course, be respectful and keep in mind that some locations will be off limits, but there will be plenty of those which won’t be. Abandoned structures are perfect for some urban exploration, as long as you take safety precautions. If they are still being used, take the opportunity to photograph the activities that take place inside.

6. Check out Your Local Community

7 Ways of Finding Inspiration in Places You See Every Day

Photo by Zoran Krdzic

Make sure you take the time and find out about all of the events which that take place in your local community. Some of them may be a great way for you to step out of your comfort zone and capture some great images. Ask for permission to photograph plays in your local theater, concerts, sports events, recitals, or religious services. Capturing human interaction can often result in the most powerful shots you’ve made yet.

7. Master Post-Production

If you are a purist, and prefer your images as shot by your camera, that’s OK. But if you are not, there is no reason why you shouldn’t rely on some image editing to come up with brilliant images which you couldn’t capture otherwise. Some images simply don’t work in color, but they may be fantastic when converted to black and white. Others may come to life when infused with some contrast and intense, saturated colors, or having filters applied to them.

If you’re interested in learning more about post production we have two free courses that can help: Photo Editing in Photoshop 101 and Photo Editing in Lightroom 101.