Seeing your world anew: Dig for compelling photos amid the familiar

Creative types can’t afford to submit to a routine.

Daily rituals are unavoidable -- have a cup of coffee, eat breakfast, brush your teeth -- but inspiration won’t be found by those on autopilot, slogging through the day-to-day wearing blinders. By seeing the world anew, the ordinary becomes less run of the mill. 

This can be put into practice through photography -- by exploring fresh ways to present the familiar, by seeing a compelling image where others see the usual scenery. Can you view your house, backyard, office, route to work from a new perspective? What details often get overlooked? What’s lurking in the background or the foreground?

The daily stroll to my office in Old Main, Penn State’s administrative building, presents an opportunity to be engaged with my surroundings, to search for subtle and not-so-subtle changes in the same ol’ thing. The following tips and snapshots will help you realize that the ordinary can be anything but. (Images are from my personal Instagram and Twitter accounts; some also appeared on Penn State’s Instagram and Twitter accounts.)

Up in the sky

As kids we realized the fun in seeing shapes among the clouds. What’s going on with the clouds, the sun, the moon, the contrails and the birds that could make for an interesting shot?

Stay grounded

On my morning walk, I’ve seen leafs that left imprints on the sidewalk long after blowing away, ducks bathing in puddles and even a deluge of crow droppings that left behind Pollock-esque abstract art on the walkway.

Power to the people (and critters)

People liven up a shot. Looking for a more somber vibe, find a solitary subject. Want to show the rat race, pack people into the frame. Is anyone doing something unusual, preparing for an event, having a picnic? There’s a shot.

Also look to the wild kingdom around you. Squirrels, rabbits, ducks, pigeons, spiders -- get as close as you can, focus on the animal and make that familiar object a fuzzy part of the background.

Be reflective

Capturing a reflection is an easy way to see things anew. Look for a different perspective -- maybe it’s distorted, maybe it’s crystal clear -- in a mirror, office window, vehicle windshield, puddle, etc. While you’re searching out those new vantages, be mindful of what else may be oft-overlooked such as an inscription on a building, an oddly shaped tree or a historical marker.

Change is constant

Different times of day, seasons and weather conditions all present new ways to capture the familiar. Gorgeous azure skies, a breathtaking dusk, vibrant fall leaves, curious shadows, glowing street lamps and whirling snow can all be natural filters for your scene.

An alternate take

While you’re developing your own set of fresh eyes, see if you can introduce another’s into your shot. Maybe someone is snapping a group photo with the image clearly displayed on the phone’s viewfinder or an artist is painting or sketching. Also, look at what people have left behind, what new objects may be occupying the space. Think pamphlets, posters, sidewalk chalk musings, construction equipment, litter and the tone each can add to an image.   

Stage it

As long as you’re not presenting your images as photojournalism, introduce your own object into a shot. A cooperative pet, seasonal decoration, sign, coffee cup, article of clothing, action figure, etc. can all add a jolt.

Bill Zimmerman is the social media manager at Pennsylvania State University. He can be found on Instagram @BillFZimmerman and Twitter @ThisIs_BillZ.