Photography isn’t just about having the latest gear or the perfect setting. It’s about the creativity and vision behind the lens. Often, the most stunning photos are born not from professional studios, but from everyday objects we overlook. Regardless of your photography skills, you can achieve incredible results using items you already have at home.
Curious about how to turn mundane objects into captivating visuals? This article is your go-to resource. Here, you will find many practical tips to help you transform simple household items into works of art. Let’s start!
1. Practice everyday object photography
Practice makes perfect, and object photography is no exception. To get better at capturing everyday objects, you need to do it often. As James Clear explains in his book “Atomic Habits”, the key to mastering any skill is to make it a habit. The beauty of this approach is that you don’t need to spend all day practicing the skill; just a little bit every day adds up over time.
James suggests using the two-minute rule to build a habit. Take a photo of an ordinary object every day, but don’t spend more than two minutes on this task. After a while, you can spend more time perfecting your object photography. However, this approach will help you stay consistent and gradually improve your photography skills.
2. Capture an everyday object in an unusual setting
You can also challenge yourself by finding creative ways to capture the same object in different, even unusual, settings. No one is asking you to take a picture of a chair floating in space, like in this Depositphotos blog article with strange things caught on camera. Instead, look for simple yet interesting ways to show the object in new and unexpected environments.
For example, the author of the photo below used rubber boots as a vase for beautiful wildflowers. In any other situation, neither the boots nor the flowers would attract much attention, but in this unique composition, they create a visually striking image.
3. Create a wow effect with composition
Even the simplest object can look stunning if you pay attention to composition. For starters, you can place objects off-center or use the rule of thirds to create a dynamic photo. You can then add some textures or patterns to the background to add depth and interest to the image.
Remember, you can always improve your composition with post-production cropping. However, it’s harder to manipulate light in the same way. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to the lighting when taking the photograph. The right lighting can determine the tone and mood of your image.
4. Photograph objects from new angles
Perspective is what makes a photo interesting. Fortunately, each person perceives the world differently, and photography can show this range of perspectives. You can take a step back, get down low, or try shooting from above to capture your object from a different point of view.
If taken from above, round staircases may resemble Nautilus shells and offer a new perspective on a common sight. In the same way, crystal glassware can be turned into beautiful shadows when photographed with sunlighting from above.
5. Highlight the object with lighting
Whether you choose to photograph lipstick or a brush, playing with different lighting can completely transform the way it is perceived in a photo. A beam of light on the object can create a dramatic effect. However, if you’re going for a more delicate or ethereal look, soft and diffused lighting will do the trick.
The interplay of light and shadows is what will make the photograph more visually interesting. From water and plants to lace and color gels, there are many creative ways to add interesting shadows to your images. The end result will be either an artistic masterpiece or the weirdest picture ever taken.
6. Create stunning photos with silhouettes
The silhouette of a single chair in a room or a record player against a setting sun can tell a story without showing details. Using the silhouette of an everyday item, you can create a romantic or even mysterious photo. Most importantly, you can enhance your object photography skills while also improving your ability to manipulate light and shadow.
To make the most of this concept, take pictures of objects with distinct shapes. For instance, house plants, sculptural decor, music instruments, vases, and lamps can all make for interesting silhouettes.
7. Make the colors pop
Some of the craziest pictures ever taken have been made using vibrant colors or their combinations. Mix and match colors to your liking, or use color theory to guide your creative process.
Complementary colors like red and green are great for high-contrast images. Analogous colors like red, orange, and yellow are typically used to create less contrasting visuals. Monochromatic shades are best suited for a more minimalist and sophisticated look.
8. Fill the frame
A close-up shot can turn boring things caught on camera into a captivating image. You just have to find the right angle and perspective to make it pop. For example, take the inside of a crystal glass and focus on its intricate patterns. Or, zoom in on the texture of a piece of fruit, leaf, or flower to create a stunning macro shot.
9. Shoot in black and white
Last but not least, you can shoot in black and white. This approach works especially well with high-contrast images, as the lack of color will allow details and textures to stand out more. If you combine black and white photography with other techniques, such as taking photos through glass, you can create artistic compositions.
Final thoughts
This article shows that achieving stunning photos doesn’t require elaborate props or a professional studio. The key is to look at the ordinary with a fresh perspective while experimenting with different photography techniques.
